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Emotiva XPA-2 Two Channel Amplifier Review

by Gene DellaSala last modified March 01, 2011

Summary

  • Product Name: Emotiva XPA-2 2-Channel Amplifier
  • Manufacturer: Emotiva
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: October 15, 2008 18:25
  • MSRP: $ 799
Specifications
  • Number of channels: 2

  • Amplifier Class: Short signal path A/B

  • Output design: Triple Darlington with ON semiconductor output stages

  • Differential Drive: Dual Differential input

  • Types of inputs: Both Balanced (XLR) and Un-balanced (RCA)

  • Type of outputs: 5 way binding post

  • Display type: Digital VU meters

  • Metering: 14) Blue LEDS and 1) red per channel

  • Power output: 250 watts RMS/ channel into 8 ohms, 500 watts RMS/ channel into 4 ohms and 1,000 watts RMS bridged.

  • THD+N at rated power output: 0.007%

  • S/N ratio: >100db

  • Frequency response: 10 to 120Khz (-3db) and 20 to 20 (with less than .15db deviation)

  • Gain structure: 32db

  • Transformer size: 1600va mounted in a super structure

  • Secondary capacitance: 120,000uF

  • Massive aluminum heat sinks running the length of the amp ensure cool operation and amp longevity

  • Weight: Approximately 75 pounds

  • Retail price: $799.00

  • 17” W x 7.75” H x 19” D


Pros

  • Ungodly power reserves (beats published specs)
  • Bridgeable at this price?
  • Runs extremely cool
  • Superb value

Cons

  • Retro 1980’s Era LED’s
  • Makes it hard to justify more expensive amplifier purchases

Introduction

Not only does Emotiva have a winner on their hands with the XPA-2 two channel amplifier, but they’ve literally hit the ball out of the park with this creation rewriting the rule book on high performance amplifiers on the cheap. The XPA-2 is not only the most powerful amplifier that has come across my test bench, but it represents the best value in consumer two-channel amplification that I’ve ever seen. Quite frankly, when I think about it, the XPA-2 is a lone wolf in a pasture of sheepish amplifiers.

 

 

Recent Forum Posts:

Post Reply
Irvrobinson posts on January 13, 2012 14:29
No, the XPA-2 doesn’t treat my music with the kid gloves that my much more expensive $7k Denon POA-A1HDCI amplifier is able to do, but it shares many of its sonic virtues while also besting it in sheer output power.


Just out of curiosity I read this review recently, since I'm in the amplifier market right now. The quote above fascinated me. Gene, do you believe that there are audible differences between well-designed amplifiers performing within their specifications?
scott911 posts on March 20, 2010 16:00
I'd like to see an option of a plexi or lexon type replacement cover... a very nice interior design. It's nice to see that level of attention to detail and pride.
PaulF posts on May 16, 2009 15:48
Gene, I noticed you used the unbalanced inputs for your review. What would be the resultant noise floor if balanced inputs were used?

I agree that an input sensitivity switch would make sense, I see no value in reaching 100% amplifier output with the volume at 50% when using a decent pre/pro. In fact I would prefer the more precise control the volume would allow with a lower gain amp.
majorloser posts on February 27, 2009 15:00
From personal experience in my own home, I like the XPA-1 over the RPA-1.
It sounded cleaner to me. Same speakers in the same positon at the same time in an A/B switching.

There was also other members at my GTG where Emotiva brought the gear to my home. Might want to PM them and ask. Here's the link to my meet thread:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44262 [forums.audioholics.com]
blessingx posts on February 27, 2009 14:29
As I understood it the RPA-1 and 2 are the same internally. According to the below the RPA-1 was Class H also.

I appreciate your help majorloser (and everyone else). Out of curiosity though, is AB really "much perferred to audiophiles" over H. Or at least any more than A is over AB? Interesting their "reference series" would be H and their "power series" be AB.

More digging has brought up another general statement: analog (RPA-2) v. digital (XPA-2) preferences which would echo some of the other statements. Though I question how much of this is experience and how much repeating.

I think I'm most confused by the XPA-2 being "more transparent" and the RPA-2 having "lower distortion" ... course I may be misinterpreting here.
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