There is little not to like about the Emotiva XPR-1 mono-block amplifiers.  They deliver a level of audiophile performance that bellies their price. Although they lack the snob appeal of some of the more expensive and prestigious brands, the Emotiva XPR-1 gives up nothing in the performance department, especially with regards to power.  They are built well with all the proper engineering in place to ensure reliable, problem free performance for years to come.

I did my best to sonically compare the XPR-1 with some of the more expensive and more prestigious amplifiers I had on hand that I recently reviewed, namely the Classe CT-2300 (MSRP: $6,500) and Pass Labs X-350.5 (MSRP: $11,000).  Unfortunately I didn’t have a way to instantaneously switch between amps to give an accurate assessment.  However, I will say this; I didn’t notice anything missing from the XPR-1 at low listening levels which I was most concerned with.  At higher listening levels, the added power and dynamic capabilities of the XPR-1 were a big advantage when powering my reference speakers.

With the XPR-1, Emotiva has answered my calling to all manufacturers to build an ultra-high power, efficient and affordable mono-block amp that is robust enough to properly drive even the largest and most power hungry speaker systems on the market.  The XPR-1 truly lives up to the “Reference series” name that Emotiva has reserved for their very best products.  It is the Jedi Master of power amps that would make even an audiophile Sith Lord proud to own.

If you’re looking to build the ultimate two-channel system free of any compromises in dynamics, a pair of the Emotiva XPR-1’s should be on your short list of amplifiers that can live up to such a challenge.  This is a safe purchase and a highly recommended one!

Emotiva Audio Corporation
135 Southeast Parkway Court
Franklin, TN 37064

615-790-6754 | 877-EMO-TECH (877-366-8324)

XPR-1 Review
MSRP: $1499/ea