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Emotiva XPA DR1

108.46.63.79

Posted on April 21, 2021 at 12:23:01
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
Has anyone heard these with their Maggies? Or Know anyone that has a pair? Wondering how these might sound.

 

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RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 21, 2021 at 19:11:29
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since:
June 17, 2003
I have pair of the 1st gen XPA's, not the DR's.

I think they match well with Maggies, I'd put them at the top of the list of amps in the sub < $2K range and would even feel comfortable pitting them up against those in the $3-$4K range.

Put it this way: I've owned a lot of amps including Krell, Bel Canto, Rowland...and during the course of owning them the thought of "hmm I wonder how amp "X" would sound against these" would enter my head every now and then.

In the 8 years I've had the XPA's I can't say I've ever had that thought.
And it's ok to call me crazy I'm used to it, but so be it :)

They weigh a ton, never, EVER ran hot (and I've put the hammer down many a time!).









 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 21, 2021 at 19:26:41
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
I've been thinking about trying them,I figured if I didn't like them either I would sell them or send them back. I have a balanced Preamp so I figured it would be interesting to try out a fully differential amp. decisions,decisions.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 21, 2021 at 21:40:03
Utley1
Audiophile

Posts: 1609
Location: NYC
Joined: July 30, 2010
With the XPA 1 mono blocks in the balanced mode they have a 'fuller rounder sound than in the RCA as most inexpensive 'balanced' amps do. I too use them with Maggies. But they are hernia makers

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 21, 2021 at 22:38:01
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
I think the DR1 has a switcher PS. The previous generations with huge toroids were even Heavier.
Good luck with your truss.....
Too much is never enough

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 23, 2021 at 11:16:19
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
Well after thinking about it some more I ordered a pair yesterday. Delivery is supposed to be on Monday-that was fast-So I'll let them play for a day or 2 straight, and go from there. Shouldn't take too much to know if they're keepers or not. 30 Days.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 23, 2021 at 12:22:03
Utley1
Audiophile

Posts: 1609
Location: NYC
Joined: July 30, 2010
These are much lighter than the ones Greenie and I have. I am sure they are better. Make sure they match up with your Pre if it is not solid state. They have a very low impedance so be mindful. I find they responsive to the Mag 1.7. Hope they work out.(One hint-do not turn them off unless your away for a period of time. I also use TRIP LITE SURGE PROTECTION and the thick hospital grade actually improved the sound.(rec came from cable forum )

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 23, 2021 at 15:18:52
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
Thanks for the info, the output impedance of my preamp is a constant 150ohms so I should be good. There used to be talk that Emotiva reversed their balanced connections, is that still true? My preamp also has a Phase Reversal switch so just wondering.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 23, 2021 at 17:38:37
Utley1
Audiophile

Posts: 1609
Location: NYC
Joined: July 30, 2010
I have the same impedance matching...Had problems until I switched to the balanced mode, that was why I mentioned it. I heard the same thing;it took me many months to get the depth and separation of sound but I am a moron when it comes to these things. Had to work it like a child with pen and paper. I think what you have in a room effects the brightness and bass. So I made some alternations shifting paintings and furniture to control the bass response. If you have Mag speakers, they tend to be bright no matter what people say and you have to make room adjustments. Emotiva's are neutral but move a tad to the bright side.. They are fast.
There is an alternative with Odyssey whose amps are not expensive but also make hernia makers . I use Jap mic cable which is cheap, and generally excellent. Cables make a difference but you can go crazy figuring it out.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 23, 2021 at 17:52:50
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since:
June 17, 2003
my greatest complaint with the XPA are the opposing binding post are so far separated you might have to end up cutting your cables to make them reach.

I don't know WHAT the heck they were thinking when they did that-














 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 23, 2021 at 18:08:43
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
Thats kinda crazy, too far apart definitely.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 23, 2021 at 18:12:59
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
I use a tube preamp, and tube phono preamp, both class A. Also I've been using Mogami cables from my preamp to amp XLR,affordable for the distance 20',my amp is upfront with the speakers and everything else is on the sidewall.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 23, 2021 at 18:22:45
Utley1
Audiophile

Posts: 1609
Location: NYC
Joined: July 30, 2010
Agree completely and also use the Mogami 2549. Shorted the amp once because of of their design and my own clumsiness.

 

RE: Seriously!! ..., posted on April 24, 2021 at 05:01:37
andyr
Manufacturer

Posts: 12548
Location: Melbourne
Joined: September 2, 2000
That is completely moronic! :-((

Andy

 

RE: Seriously!! ..., posted on April 24, 2021 at 08:08:01
Isn't it done to prevent the consequence(s) of bared plus wire making contact with bare minus wire?

 

RE: Sure ..., posted on April 24, 2021 at 15:17:59
andyr
Manufacturer

Posts: 12548
Location: Melbourne
Joined: September 2, 2000
Their way is one way to skin that particular cat.

However, I suggest their way reduces stereo separation.

Andy

 

RE: Seriously!! ..., posted on April 24, 2021 at 19:44:01
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since:
June 17, 2003
Sure but that's an extreme measure IMO, in fact it might cause a potential greater risk since folks will have to cut 'down the middle' of their cables which can cause wire exposed through uneven separation from the split cables.









 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 25, 2021 at 11:39:48
Swamis Cat
Audiophile

Posts: 272
Location: Illinois
Joined: September 7, 2013
I have the original XPA monos and have used them with various 3 series Maggies (and other good speakers). I would describe the sound as very powerful, punchy, and accurate.

I definitely prefer my Pass 250.5. I find it smoother and more relaxed and less clinical sounding. The Pass is much more expensive though (especially since I got my Emotiva at a huge discount). I can see various people preferring the power and punch and extended highs of the Emotiva over the smoother Pass. My guess is that the Emotiva is probably the more accurate of the two. The Pass is more musical IMO.

 

RE: Seriously!! ..., posted on April 25, 2021 at 12:19:17
I agree with you cutting a distance down along the slit, or even pulling the two halves apart is asking for trouble.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 25, 2021 at 14:53:39
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
Always wanted to try a Pass Labs Amp with my Maggies,But Out of my price range. Maybe I could make 1 A retirement present to myself in a year. I use A Tube Pre and Phono so hopefully that will smooth things out if needed.

 

RE: Seriously!! ..., posted on April 25, 2021 at 17:11:38
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since:
June 17, 2003
Adding even more to my frustration is I had just recently bought all new Cardas cables- RCA's and speaker cables (forgetting about the post). Once I looked at the back of the unit I was torn (forgive me lol).

I couldn't find myself cutting brand new Cardas cables (used but new to me) so I resigned them to a second system later and stuck with the old pair still attached to them.

BUT -that still doesn't negate the fact that they're still great amps! : )









 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 25, 2021 at 18:28:28
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since:
June 17, 2003
Which Maggies do you have?









 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 25, 2021 at 19:38:14
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
I have 3.6r's and a pr of 1.7i's I swap them every now and than. would love to try some 20.1's but think they're probably too big for my room(Finshed Basement) I also watch movies down there,I just move the speakers to the side and watch movies, totally separate setup for my HT,Separate amps, speakers,subs,prosessor,fromwhat I use for 2 channel. Works out well.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 25, 2021 at 20:01:24
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since:
June 17, 2003
Great, because with the 3 series and 20's you have the option to bi-amp which offers endless flexibility. You could run the XPA straight, full range obviously or, through bi-amping. Bi-amping allows you to run them straight into your bass panel while using something with more 'finesse' through the mid/tweeter range -including tubes. I use a Marchand XM44 through my 20s which works great in that it allows adjustable gain to both the lows and highs. When the XPA is fed straight into the bass panels my windows rattle with good, taunt bass. In essence you get every ounce of Maggie engineering in that regard.

I say this to make the point that even if you feel the XPA may be too strong for the mids and highs, I wouldn't necessarily be ready to throw the baby out with the bath water.









 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 26, 2021 at 06:48:49
Swamis Cat
Audiophile

Posts: 272
Location: Illinois
Joined: September 7, 2013
I have the original XPA monos and have used them with various 3 series Maggies (and other good speakers). I would describe the sound as very powerful, punchy, and accurate.

I definitely prefer my Pass 250.5. I find it smoother and more relaxed and less clinical sounding. The Pass is much more expensive though (especially since I got my Emotiva at a huge discount). I can see various people preferring the power and punch and extended highs of the Emotiva over the smoother Pass. My guess is that the Emotiva is probably the more accurate of the two. The Pass is more musical IMO.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 26, 2021 at 07:35:13
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
It's funny you mention this because that was one of the things I was thinking about, and one of the reasons I bought them. I have some research to do now that I'm thinking about Bi-Amping my speakers.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 26, 2021 at 13:30:21
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008



They were delivered today,so I'm just going to let them play the rest of the day/evening. So far so good.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 26, 2021 at 18:51:32
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since:
June 17, 2003
Nice!

where'd you get the skyline diffusers?









 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 26, 2021 at 20:50:41
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
Thanks! I ordered the diffusers from Lunchbox Audio, Vicoustic Multifuser DC2 Panels. The ones I have are 2'x2',I just taped 3 together using heavy duty duct tape on the backside, and 2-4' acoustic panels sitting on top of the subs in the corners. Made a noticeable difference as far as imaging and soundstage. The ceiling is black velvet,Velvet curtains on the walls, gives the room an almost infinite feeling with low lighting. That's a 126" screen behind the panels,I just move them to the side to watch movies, it's a acoustically transparent screen, theres 3 JBL Studio 580's behind it, two totally separate systems. Worked out well without having to use my HT for my 2 channel listening. This was all done to give my wife her living room back Lol.

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 29, 2021 at 10:07:04
emailtim
Audiophile

Posts: 5323
Joined: July 2, 2017
Very cool rig. Glad the mono-blocks are working well.

Did you paint the MultiFusers or is that one of their stock colors ?
.

2022/03/30 Historical Records CENSORED

 

RE: Emotiva XPA DR1, posted on April 29, 2021 at 10:54:52
skypop
Audiophile

Posts: 297
Location: Long Island
Joined: January 7, 2008
Thanks! The diffusers came in white and black, from Lunchbox Audio.com

 

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