Emotiva XPA-2 Two Channel Amplifier Review

Slashdot It!

by Gene DellaSala — last modified September 08, 2009

Summary

Product Name: Emotiva XPA-2 2-Channel Amplifier
Manufacturer: Emotiva
Performance Rating:
Value Rating:
Review Date: October 15, 2008 19:25
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:

Read the Complete Thread

Post Reply

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.

majorloser posts on February 27, 2009 14:27

There's really only one person to ask.

lonnie@emotiva.com

He'll know better than all of us.

Adam posts on February 27, 2009 14:11

majorloser;530006
I believe the RPA-1 was a class "G" amp (?).

Sounds familiar, but I can't remember. I thought that the RPA-1 and RPA-2 were the same except for cosmetics based on two things on Emotiva's product page. First, this (ignoring what I firmly believe is a typo regarding "RSP-1" instead of "RPA-1"):

*The RPA-2 shares all the features, design and build of the acclaimed and award-winning RSP-1, and features an updated look that complements current Emotiva products.

followed by their linking to the AH review on the RPA-1.