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:
Value Rating:
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.

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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.