Emotiva UPA-7 Seven Channel Power Amplifier Review
Summary
- Product Name: UPA-7 Amplifier
- Manufacturer: Emotiva
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: September 15, 2010 21:52
- MSRP: $ 699
- Specifications
-
- Number of Channels: 7
- Amplifier Gain: 32db
- Signal to Noise Ratio: Full Power: >120db
- Input Impedance: 23.5kohms
- Transformer Size: 850VA
- Secondary Capacitance: 90,000uF
- Output Devices: 4 per channel Topology: Fully Discrete, Dual Differential, High Current, Short Signal Path Class A/B
- Power output (all channels driven):
185 watts RMS @ 4-ohm (0.1% THD)
125 watts RMS @ 8-ohm (0.1% THD) - Power Band Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than .05db deviation at rated powerBroadband Frequency Response (‐3db): 5Hz to 150kHz
- Size: 17” W x 7.75” H x 19” D
- Weight: 66 lbs (84 lbs boxed)
Pros
- Unexpectedly great performance
- Superb noise floor
- Unbeatable value
Cons
- No balanced inputs
- Embarrasses more expensive amps
Introduction
The Emotiva UPA-7 in my mind is an embarrassment - not to itself, mind you, but to the industry. What I mean by this bold statement is, it's built too robustly, measures too pristinely and performs too well for a seven channel amplifier selling for even twice its price. Whether you're looking for a new multi-channel amplifier to update your system or to cure the common receiver with a power boost, the UPA-7 will do so exceedingly well in all but the largest most power hungry installations. In the meantime, you can rest assured that dollar for dollar, pound for pound, a better multi-channel amplifier does NOT exist on the market. This is a safe purchase and a highly recommended one!
See also:
Recent Forum Posts:
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sharkman posts on December 15, 2010 12:49
Looks like Audioholics just gave this amp a product of the year recognition. Although it is a decent amp, I'm pretty sure it can't do any better with all channels driven from 20-20000hz(transformer size is only 850 VA) than my receiver, an Onkyo 876. My avr could probably beat it on the 'burst' test. Plus the cross talk numbers on this amp series is not so good, there have been complaints on their forum from owners running 2 zones with the amp and getting sound bleeding into the second zone.
But if your budget is only $700 then it's unmatched. I think I'd go up a series to the XPA line.
But if your budget is only $700 then it's unmatched. I think I'd go up a series to the XPA line.
KEW posts on December 12, 2010 11:11
While all of these numbers are good (and below the audible threshold when actually playing music), it is surprising how much the S/N ratios vary between models. The range at 1 watt is 26dB, which represents a better than 25% increase in S/N ratio over the UPA-2's 93dB rating!
UPA-2 Signal to Noise Ratio 1 watt: >93db, Full Power: >107db
UPA-5 Signal to Noise Ratio 1 watt: >119db, Full Power: >116db
UPA-7 Signal to Noise Ratio 1 watt: >115db, Full Power: >120db
Does anyone have any ideas what might cause such large differences?
PS - The UPA-1 was not included since it is not based on the same modules at the other UPA's.
UPA-2 Signal to Noise Ratio 1 watt: >93db, Full Power: >107db
UPA-5 Signal to Noise Ratio 1 watt: >119db, Full Power: >116db
UPA-7 Signal to Noise Ratio 1 watt: >115db, Full Power: >120db
Does anyone have any ideas what might cause such large differences?
PS - The UPA-1 was not included since it is not based on the same modules at the other UPA's.
blackzarg posts on December 12, 2010 01:37
I like how "Embarrasses more expensive amps" is a con ;-)
eljeffe posts on October 07, 2010 06:58
Every once in-a-while you find something that is so close to perfect that you wonder how it's allowed to exist.; My XPA-5 is one of those things. It is the ideal balance of performance, quality, service and price. I almost wish I had a good excuse to purchase a second one.
croseiv posts on October 02, 2010 14:00
Great review! The Emotiva amps seem real soild. I really like my XPA-5.
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