emotiva xpa-3 big upgrade?

bopicasso
bopicasso Posts: 878
edited January 2009 in Electronics
My birthday is coming up and I recommended to my fiance getting me the emotiva xpa-3. She seemed to like the idea.
So will I notice a big difference over using my onkyo 805.
My speakers are RTI 8's and CSI 3.
Thanks
Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2009
    bopicasso wrote: »
    So will I notice a big difference over using my onkyo 805.

    The XPA-3 will pimp slap that **** **** 805.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2009
    Not to highjack but How would it compare replacing a Carver TFM-25 ?
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited January 2009
    Thanks for not highjacking, now 805 vs emotiva xpa-3..
    xpa3 - 1 pimp slap,
    805- 1 red face
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2009
    Fair ball, sorry;)

    Been thinking about upgrading AMPs too much.

    I had my RTi8s connected by my Denon (110wpc) and found that plenty to drive them as I am sure you have found with the Onkyo.

    Have not heard a xpa-3.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2009
    bopicasso wrote: »
    My birthday is coming up and I recommended to my fiance getting me the emotiva xpa-3. She seemed to like the idea.
    So will I notice a big difference over using my onkyo 805.
    My speakers are RTI 8's and CSI 3.
    Thanks



    I have the Onkyo 805 and the RTI A5 (RTI 8) and I have not heard the XPA-3 in person but I can tell you that adding a 200 watt external amp will make a huge difference. My first jump into a external amp was the Adcom 555
    ( 200 watts@ 8ohm) and with my RTI A5's the bass sounded alot fuller and deeper and the highs were not as harsh as it was with the Onkyo 805.

    I'd say its a winner.
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited January 2009
    bobpicasso, you may already know this, but as I understand it, the XPA-3 is just the 3 channel version of the XPA-5 (except the XPA-5 has just a tad bit more power total into 2 channels). Otherwise, same amp modules internally. Not sure if there are any XPA-3 reviews out there, but any review of an XPA-5 will likely be just as relevant to the XPA-3.
    Hope that helps.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
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  • acsubie
    acsubie Posts: 773
    edited January 2009
    i have an 805 and XPA-5 paired with my RTi 5.1, great upgrade over using the 805s amps, never hurts to have 200 watts of true power!
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  • bigred7078
    bigred7078 Posts: 477
    edited January 2009
    +1 for the XPA-3. I love mine
    Pro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited January 2009
    Sweet! Cant wait to get it..
    Anybody recommend some IC's for the emotiva and RTI matchup?
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2009
    bopicasso wrote: »
    Sweet! Cant wait to get it..
    Anybody recommend some IC's for the emotiva and RTI matchup?

    Signal Cable makes some good IC's that matches with the bright RTI's very well.
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited January 2009
    I just got an XPA-3 last night to power my second center channel and two RTi10s sorrounds. I hooked everything up and sat down for a few hours of bliss. Overall, I'm really impressed with what I'm hearing with the XPA-3 so far. Of course I'm just getting going, but so far the sound and build quality of this amp is very impressive. Considering I paid $524 shipped, it was really a no brainer. I am running an Onkyo 806 as my reciever. You will definitely notice a huge improvement in sound quality adding the XPA-3 to your system.

    I'm going to get an XPA-5 when they get back instock to replace the Monster Power MPA 3250 and Adcom GFA 555 I am currently using to power the rest of the system just to simplify things a bit,get rid of some power consumption, and make sure that I get a better balanced sound using similiar amps(even though I have to admit all three amps I am currently using seem to blend together seemlessly, with no mismatch in timbre). Who knows though, I may keep one of them in the system and try biamping my RTi12 fronts. That should be interesting.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2009
    Dawgfish wrote: »
    I just got an XPA-3 last night to power my second center channel and two RTi10s sorrounds. I hooked everything up and sat down for a few hours of bliss. Overall, I'm really impressed with what I'm hearing with the XPA-3 so far. Of course I'm just getting going, but so far the sound and build quality of this amp is very impressive. Considering I paid $524 shipped, it was really a no brainer. I am running an Onkyo 806 as my reciever. You will definitely notice a huge improvement in sound quality adding the XPA-3 to your system.

    I'm going to get an XPA-5 when they get back instock to replace the Monster Power MPA 3250 and Adcom GFA 555 I am currently using to power the rest of the system with just to simplify things a bit and get rid of some pwoer consumption. WHo knows though, I may keep one of them in the syystem and try biamping my RTi12 fronts. That should be interesting.




    How does that XPA-3 compare to the Adcom 555?
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited January 2009
    Leroyjr1,

    So far I would have to say that the XPA-3 compares very favorably to the Adcom GFA555. Of course these are just initial impresions. What impressed me with the GFA 555 was the solid bass response it gave my RTi10s. I wasn't sure if the XPA-3 would be as good in this fashion as the 555. I couldn't have been more wrong. If anything the XPA-3 gave my RTi10s an even greater bass kick. The bass is very detailed also and not muddy at all. Highs and mids seem to be more detailed with the XPA-3 than the GFA555. The soundstage is also noticably better with the XPA-3 than the GFA-555. I'm getting much better seperation of instuments with the addition of the XPA-3. I'm really impressed with what I'm hearing so far. I now have the GFA-555 powering my rear sorround RTi8s. It's doing a good job of driving them. I definitely like the XPA-3 better on the RTi10s though. It really woke them up!
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2009
    bopicasso wrote: »
    Sweet! Cant wait to get it..
    Anybody recommend some IC's for the emotiva and RTI matchup?

    This guy has nice ICs and price at the FM http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=978978&postcount=1

    Ben's ICs are very sweet, have a pair myself.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited January 2009
    Dawgfish wrote: »
    ... though I have to admit all three amps I am currently using seem to blend together seemlessly, with no mismatch in timbre). Who knows though, I may keep one of them in the system and try biamping my RTi12 fronts. That should be interesting.

    Althopugh it doesn't appear to be the case with your setup, one thing to take note of when mixing amps is the gain factor of each amp. They should be the same (or at least close) so that when you turn the volume up, each amp isn't amplifying more than the other resulting in a mismatch of volume levels between speakers or if bi-amping, between the highs and lows.

    They might be calibrated and equal at one volume setting or SPL dB, but when the volume changes....
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited January 2009
    mmadden28,

    Yeah I've been kind of worried about the differnet gain factor myself. I am happy to report that I tried the system at different sound levels and everything seems to remain in balance. I guess I got lucky in that regard. I'm still going to replace the Monster and Adcom with an XPA-5 though just to make things more uniform. I was thinking of biamping the RTi12s as an experiment. When I get the XPA-5, I'll have an extra two amps laying aorund, and I already have the y adaptors and extra stereo cables, so I figured why not? Who knows it may work it may not, but I definitely don't have anything to lose and could maybe gain something. I guess we'll have to see. In the meantime, I sure am enjoying the system as it is. I finally feel it's getting to where I like it. I've got a Denon 2809 on the way to replace the Onk 806. I personally like the way Denons sound better for music. This should be interesting!
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  • bigred7078
    bigred7078 Posts: 477
    edited January 2009
    Dawgfish wrote: »
    mmadden28,

    Yeah I've been kind of worried about the differnet gain factor myself. I am happy to report that I tried the system at different sound levels and everything seems to remain in balance. I guess I got lucky in that regard. I'm still going to replace the Monster and Adcom with an XPA-5 though just to make things more uniform. I was thinking of biamping the RTi12s as an experiment. When I get the XPA-5, I'll have an extra two amps laying aorund, and I already have the y adaptors and extra stereo cables, so I figured why not? Who knows it may work it may not, but I definitely don't have anything to lose and could maybe gain something. I guess we'll have to see. In the meantime, I sure am enjoying the system as it is. I finally feel it's getting to where I like it. I've got a Denon 2809 on the way to replace the Onk 806. I personally like the way Denons sound better for music. This should be interesting!

    glad to hear your enjoying the XPA-3!!! you should really enjoy the 2809 when it comes in as well!
    Pro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited January 2009
    Thanks BigRed! I know you took good care of the 2809. Thanks again for being patient with me. I can't wait to here it in the current setup!
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2009
    ROTFLMAO!!!! Brad, you certainly have a way with words!:D
    Early B. wrote: »
    The XPA-3 will pimp slap that **** **** 805.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • 2-tall
    2-tall Posts: 98
    edited January 2009
    I am curious,has anyone compared the Emotiva to a Carver tfm25.I have the Emotiva mmc-1 hooked up to Carver tfm24's(same specs as the 25) and found it to be a big improvement over the Denon I was using as a pre amp.Like the other member I don't mean to hijack the thread.
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited January 2009
    The fiance just placed the order! And I ordered 3 IC's from Ben!
    Cant wait to see the difference from just using my Onk 805!
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • a1adjz
    a1adjz Posts: 32
    edited January 2009
    I just got the Emotiva UPA 7 and I 'm running the the low end of my Rti 10's with it and I have an Onkyo 805 running the highs and mids. The speakers just came to life, good bass and smooth mids and highs. I plan on getting the XPA 3 to run the lows and let the UPA 7 to do the mids and highs. 330plus watts into the RTi 10 should kick it up a notch. Emotiva has good sound , build quality and affordable.
    Main theater : Pan 54 G10, Onkyo 805, UPA 7, Carver TFM 45, Sony BDP 350, Polk SDA 2 s, Polk CSi A6, Polk RTi4 (X 4 ), Velo CHT 10 (X 2), APC H15.

    http://s572.photobucket.com/albums/ss165/a1adjz/Gear/
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited January 2009
    I have the feeling after I get the amp hooked up and listen to it for awhile I will probably want to upgrade the speakers. Im hooked on this hobby.. Love it.
    The reason I wanted to upgrade to a seperate amp was the music listening side of my system. It just wasnt enough umph coming from my polk rti8s and svs 25-31 pci.
    But I think this amp should tied me over for awhile. Until I can afford a nice set of main speakers.
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • bigred7078
    bigred7078 Posts: 477
    edited January 2009
    a1adjz wrote: »
    I just got the Emotiva UPA 7 and I 'm running the the low end of my Rti 10's with it and I have an Onkyo 805 running the highs and mids. The speakers just came to life, good bass and smooth mids and highs. I plan on getting the XPA 3 to run the lows and let the UPA 7 to do the mids and highs. 330plus watts into the RTi 10 should kick it up a notch. Emotiva has good sound , build quality and affordable.

    ...It doesnt exactly work like how your thinking it does.
    Pro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands
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  • a1adjz
    a1adjz Posts: 32
    edited January 2009
    How is that ,I spoke to the Polk tech and he said that was a perfect wat to do it?
    Main theater : Pan 54 G10, Onkyo 805, UPA 7, Carver TFM 45, Sony BDP 350, Polk SDA 2 s, Polk CSi A6, Polk RTi4 (X 4 ), Velo CHT 10 (X 2), APC H15.

    http://s572.photobucket.com/albums/ss165/a1adjz/Gear/
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  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,623
    edited January 2009
    bigred, you can bi-amp any speaker that has 4 binding posts......using the top posts to control your mid/high's and the lower posts to control the low's......it's not a common way to amp speakers, but can absolutely be done.
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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  • a1adjz
    a1adjz Posts: 32
    edited January 2009
    I'm running the RTI 10's right now with the UPA 7 on the lows 2 X 170 watts and the 805 on the highs / mids 2 x 130 watts in 2 channel stereo . As opposed to just either the Onkyo by itself or the Emotiva , the sound is great. I know it is passive bi amping and most people's opinion on that , but here it made a huge difference.
    Main theater : Pan 54 G10, Onkyo 805, UPA 7, Carver TFM 45, Sony BDP 350, Polk SDA 2 s, Polk CSi A6, Polk RTi4 (X 4 ), Velo CHT 10 (X 2), APC H15.

    http://s572.photobucket.com/albums/ss165/a1adjz/Gear/
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  • a1adjz
    a1adjz Posts: 32
    edited January 2009
    If it doesn't work that way and the Polk tech and my own ears are wrong, please someone fill me in .
    Main theater : Pan 54 G10, Onkyo 805, UPA 7, Carver TFM 45, Sony BDP 350, Polk SDA 2 s, Polk CSi A6, Polk RTi4 (X 4 ), Velo CHT 10 (X 2), APC H15.

    http://s572.photobucket.com/albums/ss165/a1adjz/Gear/
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2009
    Trust the Polk tech rather than anyone else. They would know better than anyone.
    Enjoy your speakers & welcome to Club Polk.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • a1adjz
    a1adjz Posts: 32
    edited January 2009
    I also plan to get a XPA 2 to run my SDA 2's
    Main theater : Pan 54 G10, Onkyo 805, UPA 7, Carver TFM 45, Sony BDP 350, Polk SDA 2 s, Polk CSi A6, Polk RTi4 (X 4 ), Velo CHT 10 (X 2), APC H15.

    http://s572.photobucket.com/albums/ss165/a1adjz/Gear/
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