Emotiva XPA 2 on the way

bartimus
bartimus Posts: 65
edited January 2011 in Electronics
Well, I found a barely used Emotiva XPA 2 at Audiogon for a very good price and pulled the trigger on it. It will be replacing the very trusty Yamaha MX600 that has been powering the RTI A9s in my system. I very anxious to see what kind of a difference this makes in the overall sound, especially after the purchase of the SVS PB13 Ultra sub. I've seen lots of reviews on the Emotiva stuff, and yes...the long Emotiva thread that was humorous. I will post some reviews here when I get it...should be here next wed. :cool:
Main System:
Sony DA6400ES Receiver, Sony BDPS500ES Blu-Ray
Denon DRS810 3 Head Cassette Deck, Sony KDA60ES3000 60" HDTV ,Emotiva XPA 2 Powering the A9's, Monster Power HDP 2550, Monster Power AVS 2000 SS Voltage Stabilizer, Direct TV HDTV Receiver,Polk RTIA9 Towers:D, Polk CSIA4 Center:D, Klipsch RC51 Surrounds, SVS PB13 Ultra Sub, Monster Cables HDMI 1000 Cables, Monster Cables M Series Speaker Cables
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited March 2009
    Let us know who (EMO or YAMMY) wins the fight?
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,267
    edited March 2009
    bartimus wrote: »
    Well, I found a barely used Emotiva XPA 2 at Audiogon for a very good price and pulled the trigger on it. It will be replacing the very trusty Yamaha MX600 that has been powering the RTI A9s in my system. I very anxious to see what kind of a difference this makes in the overall sound, especially after the purchase of the SVS PB13 Ultra sub. I've seen lots of reviews on the Emotiva stuff, and yes...the long Emotiva thread that was humorous. I will post some reviews here when I get it...should be here next wed. :cool:
    You only joined in January, and you have already had enough time to read the whole Emotiva Story thread? You must have a lot of free time ... or you cheated by skipping some posts and/or pages ...! I also can't believe that you started a new thread, instead of making it longer ... we were soooo close to 1,000 on that baby! Have you no sense of community spirit and why did you even join Club Polk with that selfish attitude?!

    Congratulations on your purchase BTW!
    Alea jacta est!
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  • metal83
    metal83 Posts: 1,219
    edited March 2009
    Kex wrote: »
    You only joined in January, and you have already had enough time to read the whole Emotiva Story thread? You must have a lot of free time ... or you cheated by skipping some posts and/or pages ...! I also can't believe that you started a new thread, instead of making it longer ... we were soooo close to 1,000 on that baby! Have you no sense of community spirit and why did you even join Club Polk with that selfish attitude?!

    Congratulations on your purchase BTW!

    The Emotiva Story thread was started on 2/10/09, so what would the OP joining in Janurary have to do with anything? And that thread is certainly not a place to post anything serious about Emo, that's for sure, it's one big joke of a thread.




    Anyway,
    Congrats Bartimus!
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited March 2009
    Congrats, the new Amp should make a Big Difference with the A9s.
    Enjoy:D
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • bartimus
    bartimus Posts: 65
    edited March 2009
    danz1906 wrote: »
    Congrats, the new Amp should make a Big Difference with the A9s.
    Enjoy:D

    I certainly hope so. My wife said this is the last purchase for a long while! I justified by selling some of my old stuff, including the Yamaha MX600. I really look forward to getting it and dialing it in. Should give the A9's some more punch for sure with nearly twice the power. Kinda hate to get rid of the Yamaha since its been such a trooper...but time to upgrade.
    Main System:
    Sony DA6400ES Receiver, Sony BDPS500ES Blu-Ray
    Denon DRS810 3 Head Cassette Deck, Sony KDA60ES3000 60" HDTV ,Emotiva XPA 2 Powering the A9's, Monster Power HDP 2550, Monster Power AVS 2000 SS Voltage Stabilizer, Direct TV HDTV Receiver,Polk RTIA9 Towers:D, Polk CSIA4 Center:D, Klipsch RC51 Surrounds, SVS PB13 Ultra Sub, Monster Cables HDMI 1000 Cables, Monster Cables M Series Speaker Cables
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,267
    edited March 2009
    metal83 wrote: »
    The Emotiva Story thread was started on 2/10/09, so what would the OP joining in Janurary have to do with anything? ...
    Dude! ... That thread has had a large number of contributors, not just one single person writing the whole dang thing. The only person capable of writing a whole thread, of more than 900 posts, filled with gibberish, and on their own, is comfortablycurt ... but his fingertips have been burning like hell recently, so even he has cooled off, and might not, therefore, have been able to accomplish such a deed of mental and physical audacity.

    Our man bartimus here, he is on his own to do all the reading ... and besides, it was a joke, in case you didn't get it.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • metal83
    metal83 Posts: 1,219
    edited March 2009
    Kex wrote: »
    Dude! ... That thread has had a large number of contributors, not just one single person writing the whole dang thing. The only person capable of writing a whole thread, of more than 900 posts, filled with gibberish, and on their own, is comfortablycurt ... but his fingertips have been burning like hell recently, so even he has cooled off, and might not, therefore, have been able to accomplish such a deed of mental and physical audacity.

    Our man bartimus here, he is on his own to do all the reading ... and besides, it was a joke, in case you didn't get it.

    Yes, I got that you were joking. All I was saying was that the OP joined in Jan, and that thread was started in Feb, so it would of been easy for him to follow along with it since he was a member before it even started.

    That's all, I wasn't trying to be a jerk or anything of that nature, my apologies if I came off that way. :p:)
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited March 2009
    Kex wrote: »
    Dude! ... That thread has had a large number of contributors, not just one single person writing the whole dang thing. The only person capable of writing a whole thread, of more than 900 posts, filled with gibberish, and on their own, is comfortablycurt ... but his fingertips have been burning like hell recently, so even he has cooled off, and might not, therefore, have been able to accomplish such a deed of mental and physical audacity.

    Is that a challenge?;)
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited March 2009
    so it begins....now

    anyway enjoy your new gear....although you will find many people saying that there are better amps in the price range but they are older than your new gear....

    while that may or may not be true, I would rather drive a new Accord than older BMW or M. Benz....Yeah it's better when it came out.
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited March 2009
    devani wrote: »
    while that may or may not be true, I would rather drive a new Accord than older BMW or M. Benz....Yeah it's better when it came out.

    Really? I'd take an older Beemer or Benz over a new Accord anyday...the older Beemer or Benz is probably still worth more too.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • bartimus
    bartimus Posts: 65
    edited March 2009
    devani wrote: »
    so it begins....now

    anyway enjoy your new gear....although you will find many people saying that there are better amps in the price range but they are older than your new gear....

    while that may or may not be true, I would rather drive a new Accord than older BMW or M. Benz....Yeah it's better when it came out.

    Good analogy devani...I couldnt agree more and really hope this thing lives up to the high hopes I have for it. I'm certain it will perform adequately for my use and besides, older BMW's are very costly to repair if you get my drift.
    Main System:
    Sony DA6400ES Receiver, Sony BDPS500ES Blu-Ray
    Denon DRS810 3 Head Cassette Deck, Sony KDA60ES3000 60" HDTV ,Emotiva XPA 2 Powering the A9's, Monster Power HDP 2550, Monster Power AVS 2000 SS Voltage Stabilizer, Direct TV HDTV Receiver,Polk RTIA9 Towers:D, Polk CSIA4 Center:D, Klipsch RC51 Surrounds, SVS PB13 Ultra Sub, Monster Cables HDMI 1000 Cables, Monster Cables M Series Speaker Cables
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  • BjornB17
    BjornB17 Posts: 752
    edited March 2009
    I just got a UPA-7 for my RTi10's and it really helped... XPA-2 with RTi A9's will be even better!
    KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780
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  • bartimus
    bartimus Posts: 65
    edited March 2009
    "...the older Beemer or Benz is probably still worth more too.[/QUOTE]

    Uh...I sale cars for a living and can tell you, for certain, that nothing brings fear into a used car manager more than a used BMW or Benz. The Accord is the benchmark for used cars in terms or resale value. Now, bring that analogy into the amp market...I would certainly rather have a used Krell or similar unit, but (a) certainly cant afford one right now and (b) would cringe at the thought of what it costs to repair one if it dies. Older BMW's and Benz' are great cars, but they DO NOT hold their value well at all...not like an Accord anyway!
    Main System:
    Sony DA6400ES Receiver, Sony BDPS500ES Blu-Ray
    Denon DRS810 3 Head Cassette Deck, Sony KDA60ES3000 60" HDTV ,Emotiva XPA 2 Powering the A9's, Monster Power HDP 2550, Monster Power AVS 2000 SS Voltage Stabilizer, Direct TV HDTV Receiver,Polk RTIA9 Towers:D, Polk CSIA4 Center:D, Klipsch RC51 Surrounds, SVS PB13 Ultra Sub, Monster Cables HDMI 1000 Cables, Monster Cables M Series Speaker Cables
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  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited March 2009
    bartimus wrote: »
    Good analogy devani...I couldnt agree more and really hope this thing lives up to the high hopes I have for it. I'm certain it will perform adequately for my use and besides, older BMW's are very costly to repair if you get my drift.

    True, I do like the BMW, M. Benz and any other audiophile sound gears....but as working as an electrical engineer for over 10 years, I know alot about quality of electrical and mechanical part for equipments.

    We used to have 20 year old equipments for repairs and its not an easy job. Not only parts are scarce, but using better parts always brings better outcome….
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited March 2009
    bartimus wrote: »
    I certainly hope so. My wife said this is the last purchase for a long while! I justified by selling some of my old stuff, including the Yamaha MX600. I really look forward to getting it and dialing it in. Should give the A9's some more punch for sure with nearly twice the power. Kinda hate to get rid of the Yamaha since its been such a trooper...but time to upgrade.

    Don't sell ther Yammy until you're sure the Emo is what satsfies you. I've done the regret thing before.......now I always sell the gear AFTER making a new purchase.

    GL

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • bartimus
    bartimus Posts: 65
    edited March 2009
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Don't sell ther Yammy until you're sure the Emo is what satsfies you. I've done the regret thing before.......now I always sell the gear AFTER making a new purchase.

    GL

    H9

    Unfortunately, that is not an option as its already out of the rack and in another persons possesion. I had to sell it and some other used gear to get the Emotiva. My wife OK'd the deal only if I sold the old stuff to get the new. If I regret it, I'm sure I can sell the emotiva and get my money back and find something different...maybe another Yamaha.
    Main System:
    Sony DA6400ES Receiver, Sony BDPS500ES Blu-Ray
    Denon DRS810 3 Head Cassette Deck, Sony KDA60ES3000 60" HDTV ,Emotiva XPA 2 Powering the A9's, Monster Power HDP 2550, Monster Power AVS 2000 SS Voltage Stabilizer, Direct TV HDTV Receiver,Polk RTIA9 Towers:D, Polk CSIA4 Center:D, Klipsch RC51 Surrounds, SVS PB13 Ultra Sub, Monster Cables HDMI 1000 Cables, Monster Cables M Series Speaker Cables
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  • bartimus
    bartimus Posts: 65
    edited March 2009
    Wow...that's all I've got to say! I really didnt think I would hear such a big difference in the clarity and dynamics with this amp. Heard things in the music that I havent before. Vocals are especially clearer and more defined. The bass is much punchier...even with the SVS! Tried it in two channel mode and couldnt believe how much tighter the bass is and how much more extension there is in every aspect.

    Hook up was pretty straight forward, aside from lifting this beast into place in the rack I have. I had to relegate it to the bottom shelf since it weighs over twice as much as my old Yamaha. I think the system is now complete...for now...maybe I could get another one and have monoblocs!!!:eek:

    Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.
    Main System:
    Sony DA6400ES Receiver, Sony BDPS500ES Blu-Ray
    Denon DRS810 3 Head Cassette Deck, Sony KDA60ES3000 60" HDTV ,Emotiva XPA 2 Powering the A9's, Monster Power HDP 2550, Monster Power AVS 2000 SS Voltage Stabilizer, Direct TV HDTV Receiver,Polk RTIA9 Towers:D, Polk CSIA4 Center:D, Klipsch RC51 Surrounds, SVS PB13 Ultra Sub, Monster Cables HDMI 1000 Cables, Monster Cables M Series Speaker Cables
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited March 2009
    Looks good man!


    Glad your enjoying it.





    Nick
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2009
    Nice looking system. Congrats & enjoy.
    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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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited March 2009
    Boy that looks like a very nice system there! Put on something good, pop some corn and chillllllll!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • bartimus
    bartimus Posts: 65
    edited March 2009
    cnh wrote: »
    Boy that looks like a very nice system there! Put on something good, pop some corn and chillllllll!

    cnh

    I really like the whole thing...movies and music are both awsome and very dynamic! I think we are going to watch a movie tonite to "break in" the Emotiva.
    Main System:
    Sony DA6400ES Receiver, Sony BDPS500ES Blu-Ray
    Denon DRS810 3 Head Cassette Deck, Sony KDA60ES3000 60" HDTV ,Emotiva XPA 2 Powering the A9's, Monster Power HDP 2550, Monster Power AVS 2000 SS Voltage Stabilizer, Direct TV HDTV Receiver,Polk RTIA9 Towers:D, Polk CSIA4 Center:D, Klipsch RC51 Surrounds, SVS PB13 Ultra Sub, Monster Cables HDMI 1000 Cables, Monster Cables M Series Speaker Cables
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  • jerryj12
    jerryj12 Posts: 451
    edited March 2009
    I think you will be very happy with the XPA 2. I have nothing but good to say about mine... Congrats on one cool amp.
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  • mewisemagic
    mewisemagic Posts: 194
    edited March 2009
    looks good
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,470
    edited March 2009
    NICE, I love the cherry A9's and A6.
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  • Retro152
    Retro152 Posts: 985
    edited March 2009
    Good score! nice looking setup! :D
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-05
    Amp: Emotiva Xpa-3
    Front L/R: POLK Rti-a9s':D
    Center:POLK Csi-a6
    Rear surround's:POLK Rti-a1s'
    Sub: Klipsch Synergy sub-12
    Sony Kdl-46w4100 46" LCD
    PS3
    Audioquest type 4 wiring.
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited March 2009
    I love my xpa-3... I cant imagine what a better amp would sound like or what would be a better amp... Xpa-3 plus dynaudio 70s in 2 channel pcm gives me chills... All I can say is Yes Im happy with my setup..
    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 March 2009
    Very cool. Glad to hear that the Emo exceeded your expectations.
    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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  • devani
    devani Posts: 1,497
    edited March 2009
    glad you are enjoying your new toy.....I also have cherry LSI setup and they look great...
    Video: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
    Receiver: HK AVR445
    Source: OPPO BDP-93
    HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
    2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83
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  • metal83
    metal83 Posts: 1,219
    edited March 2009
    Glad to hear you're enjoying your setup!

    I have an XPA-3, it's currently sitting idle not hooked up at the moment.
    I'm giving my new Pio Elite SC-07's ICE amps a run for their money, so far so good!
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  • bartimus
    bartimus Posts: 65
    edited March 2009
    metal83 wrote: »
    Glad to hear you're enjoying your setup!

    I have an XPA-3, it's currently sitting idle not hooked up at the moment.
    I'm giving my new Pio Elite SC-07's ICE amps a run for their money, so far so good!

    Are you planning on keeping the XPA3?
    Main System:
    Sony DA6400ES Receiver, Sony BDPS500ES Blu-Ray
    Denon DRS810 3 Head Cassette Deck, Sony KDA60ES3000 60" HDTV ,Emotiva XPA 2 Powering the A9's, Monster Power HDP 2550, Monster Power AVS 2000 SS Voltage Stabilizer, Direct TV HDTV Receiver,Polk RTIA9 Towers:D, Polk CSIA4 Center:D, Klipsch RC51 Surrounds, SVS PB13 Ultra Sub, Monster Cables HDMI 1000 Cables, Monster Cables M Series Speaker Cables
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