Nice review on budget Emotiva XPA-3 Amp
gfong
Posts: 1,079
Found a nice review that in my opinion tells it like it is. Most of what he states I agree with, as I own one of these.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-amplifiers/1089-emotiva-xpa-3-power-amplifier.html
I really like these two specific comments from his review.
Matching the XPA-3 with the Integra DTR-8.9 was probably a little unfair to the Emotiva, as I?m guessing that the typical buyer of an XPA-3 is not using it to supplement a $2,000 THX Ultra2 certified receiver rated at 140 watts.
The amp is what it is, a home theater amp designated to be hooked-up to the front stage of your home theater system.
It is not the high end gear that most want to promote it as or to try and compare it to.
It fits an entry level audio guy/gal that's looking for a little more juice from his or her Polk front stage or other setup.
The Emotiva XPA-3 is a no-brainer when it comes to bang-for-the-buck upgrades to a receiver-based home theater system.
I think his statement holds a lot of water! With all the AVR's out that claim they have this and that for power, the XPA-3 fills in where a lower powered AVR cannot go as well, compliments the front stage with its 3 channels if using it with a more reputable AVR with stouter power or realistic power ratings.
Some people may not like Emotiva for what it is but I think the XPA series is a very good starting point for an entry level amp.
It is easy to use, cost effective and when coupled via an AVR's pre-outs, works well in a home theater setup.
For marketing, Polk decided that the RTi series speakers are more focused on being in a home theater environment. I feel that the XPA-3 is focused in that same niche and should be used in that way.
Can it be used in 2 channels? Of course it can but it was not built with that in mind as it is a 3 channel amp.
I did not write this to tout the gear I have or to start arguments on what amp is better.
Comments?
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power-amplifiers/1089-emotiva-xpa-3-power-amplifier.html
I really like these two specific comments from his review.
Matching the XPA-3 with the Integra DTR-8.9 was probably a little unfair to the Emotiva, as I?m guessing that the typical buyer of an XPA-3 is not using it to supplement a $2,000 THX Ultra2 certified receiver rated at 140 watts.
The amp is what it is, a home theater amp designated to be hooked-up to the front stage of your home theater system.
It is not the high end gear that most want to promote it as or to try and compare it to.
It fits an entry level audio guy/gal that's looking for a little more juice from his or her Polk front stage or other setup.
The Emotiva XPA-3 is a no-brainer when it comes to bang-for-the-buck upgrades to a receiver-based home theater system.
I think his statement holds a lot of water! With all the AVR's out that claim they have this and that for power, the XPA-3 fills in where a lower powered AVR cannot go as well, compliments the front stage with its 3 channels if using it with a more reputable AVR with stouter power or realistic power ratings.
Some people may not like Emotiva for what it is but I think the XPA series is a very good starting point for an entry level amp.
It is easy to use, cost effective and when coupled via an AVR's pre-outs, works well in a home theater setup.
For marketing, Polk decided that the RTi series speakers are more focused on being in a home theater environment. I feel that the XPA-3 is focused in that same niche and should be used in that way.
Can it be used in 2 channels? Of course it can but it was not built with that in mind as it is a 3 channel amp.
I did not write this to tout the gear I have or to start arguments on what amp is better.
Comments?
Post edited by gfong on
Comments
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very well done!! I could not agree more, I have XPA5, it does its job very very well.Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
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Matching the XPA-3 with the Integra DTR-8.9 was probably a little unfair to the Emotiva, as I?m guessing that the typical buyer of an XPA-3 is not using it to supplement a $2,000 THX Ultra2 certified receiver rated at 140 watts.
I've never heard an Emotiva but I'm sure that it can augment the Integra as that AVR cannot drive a 4 ohm load well.
Integra build quality is pretty darned good, though--is that what the 'review' means?
Enjoy the extra POWER!
cnhCurrently 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] -
If you didn't write this to tout the gear then what the hell was the point of it?
Seriously Emo has been discussed here more times than I care to remember.
I've owned it, and moved on.
This just sounds like another plug for HEY I found a great solution (that everyone already has mentioned before 10000 times) to buying an amp its the best thing ever, so you should buy it too. -
seems to me its just two viewpoints, that differ, both can be correct.................Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
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If you didn't write this to tout the gear then what the hell was the point of it?
Seriously Emo has been discussed here more times than I care to remember.
I've owned it, and moved on.
This just sounds like another plug for HEY I found a great solution (that everyone already has mentioned before 10000 times) to buying an amp its the best thing ever, so you should buy it too.
I posted/wrote it as there is so much mis-information about the XPA-3 being this super amp that can do everything and then some. The review with my experiences was spot on so I thought I would share it with this message board as Polk Audio makes home theater speakers.
In some threads, someone asks about amps, I post that I have or you could try a XPA-3, and all hell breaks loose with snide comments and digs.
Why are you so angry towards a post about an amp? There is a self made pizza thread going on and they are arguing over there as well! There are many other brand threads about amps and other products as well.
I thought this was a disscusion board not only about Polk Audio speakers!
I started a discussion that I thought would be beneficial to the Polk community, you posted, time to move on like you said.
Stress level a little high around here! Wow!
Thanks for your input!
What series did you have and were you using it in a home theater application? -
I do think CP can be a bit hard on the folks who tout EMO. I understand and admit the line may be a step above an AVR, but the fan boys who slam me for spending mega dollars for amps can get a bit old.
I was banned from the EMO lounge but hold no ill will towards EMO owners. There are many choices we can make and if an EMO is a step down the yellow brick road, then good on you!
Enjoy what you have and read what people write with a grain of salt. Everyone of us has an opinion and another couple of orifices which sometimes are better left closed!! Nobody likes their baby being called ugly. I have McIntosh gear and many folk here do not care for the sound, look or god forbid, the price!!!! It's OK! I don't get upset over an opinion of another poster, since for one, they didn't pay for it and two, it's mine.
I appreciate your input and keep posting. Don't let the few people who are anti-EMO stop you from expressing your opinion. For the record, I did like the XPA5 for a HT setup. Other than that, I'd prefer something else and that is not a slam on EMO. I've just taken a few more steps down the road and know what I like.
Gordon2 Channel -
Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8) -
I think Hawkeye is right on point. I have an XPA5 and I am very pleased with it. Would I rather have a krell,yup sure would...................................................Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
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I think Hawkeye is right on point. I have an XPA5 and I am very pleased with it. Would I rather have a krell,yup sure would...................................................
You live in Carmel? I would think Burmeister or MBL would fit the median!!:biggrin::biggrin: Just kidding, honestly!!
Gordon
And to think with an attiude like I have, I got banned. Go figure!2 Channel -
Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8) -
Thanks for the comments everyone!
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Nice thread gfong and good find on the review.
Man, you just need to learn to ignore ignorance. Don't fall in trap and let anyone sabotage the discussion. I gnore negatives, push the positive with people that are positive. Very simple, if someone thinks they've heard enough about emo, I wonder why they would even bother to open this thread when it clearly states it is about an emo review.In some threads, someone asks about amps, I post that I have or you could try a XPA-3, and all hell breaks loose with snide comments and digs.
Why are you so angry towards a post about an amp? There is a self made pizza thread going on and they are arguing over there as well! There are many other brand threads about amps and other products as well.
Carry on, yes it is and will be benificial to some Polk members. Some have to wake up and realize HT and 2 channels are 2 different things.I thought this was a disscusion board not only about Polk Audio speakers!
I started a discussion that I thought would be beneficial to the Polk community, you posted, time to move on like you said.DARE TO SOAR:
Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life
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I have a upa and it sounds ok but the best thing is that I can sell it for more than I bought it
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not many things in lifetime can be sold for more than one paid for it. I,m not saying what it means but one thing for sure,its not a bad thing.Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
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Nice post Gfong, and a very balanced review. You did nothing wrong in starting this thread, just ignore the people who like to argue or drag up long dead issues from the past.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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The review had some rather nice things to say:
The Emotiva did bring out a subtle but noticeable increase in imaging, and a more coherent soundstage, particularly with multi-channel music recordings.
The most striking difference was when I used the XPA-3 to power the MK Sound 950 speakers. The MK?s are rated at 4 ohms, which present a more difficult load for the amplifier. Even though the Integra handled the MK?s fine when driving all five channels, adding the brawn of the XPA-3 brought out a surprising amount of additional details, particularly in the mid to upper frequencies from 1 kHz-5 kHz.
the Emotiva was an addition via subtraction. The quiet space between the instruments was apparent, letting details such as a drumstick brushing against the ride cymbal during Speak to Me/Breathe, to hang in the air.
I can?t say that the XPA-3 will have to be pried out of my cold, dead fingers; but let?s put in this way: It?s not leaving the house and will remain a permanent part of my system. You can definitely consider that as a recommendation
Seems the reviewer liked the XPA-3. -
polkfarmboy wrote: »I have a upa and it sounds ok but the best thing is that I can sell it for more than I bought it
I've seen people move their LPA's and only lose $50... Talk about holding their value. -
It is not the high end gear that most want to promote it as or to try and compare it to.
Sums it up.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Who gives a crap that it's not high end. Polks aren't considered high end speakers either, but we all love them.
Both companies design & sell well made gear that will keep it's owners happy for years to come.
Those of you who have moved on to high end gear, maybe need to think about moving on to a high end forum.
This forum doesn't need the snobbery.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 -
I owned the xpa-3 and it was definately the bottom of the barrel in comparison to all the amps I have owned. But the few things I did like about it were it always ran nice and cold and I was able to sell it in one day. :-) For the same price I replaced it with a b&k that was a major step up in every category except brightness. The emo was sure bright!!! Fatiguing.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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Sums it up.For the same price I replaced it with a b&k that was a major step up in every category except brightness. The emo was sure bright!!! Fatiguing.
I haven't seen anyone in this thread call it 'high end gear'. As far as bright I didn't find it so (nor fatiguing) on PSB Synchrony Ones and I played a LOT of content through them.
It should also be noted that with three different sets of speakers I don't think I saw once the word 'Bright' in the review.
If your new to the hobby and want to see what an amp can do and skittish about buying used there is a way to get into it with out much money. From what I have been seeing lately the XPA, LPA, UPA's have been holding their value insanely well. Last time I checked B&K was out of business and Emotiva is not. Something for the newb to be made aware of. If I ever suggest Hafler that piece of information is always included. Has ATI officially taken over support for B&K and are they honoring warranties (likely unneeded)? -
How much do these things cost? Just checking if it's worth my time getting in the discussion._________________________________________________
***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***
2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
SOPAThank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman -
I paid $699 for my EMOTIVA XPA5 in late 2009, the curent price for anXPA5 is $899Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
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I dont think people are the problem with Emotiva.
I think Emotiva is the problem with Emotiva.
They tout that their amps are "Reference" material and blah blah blah. Their amps are inexpensive amps - hardly ANYTHING someone should reference something by and their fan boys go with that mantra in full.
Difference between that and Polk? Simple - Polk doesnt say that and their fans dont either. Good bang for the buck and yes - there are better speakers out there than Polk in the same price class.- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
High-value equipment often goes thru these highs and lows with the general population. If the equipment performs up to your expectations, and you feel you got a good value, what's not to like? I've never auditioned any Emotiva, but it looks to be well made, and has respectable specifications.
The same "wave" occurred with the Benchmark DAC. First, everyone loved it, raved about it, and bought it---then the hating started (LOL) why, I don't know. Maybe some people hate it when someone gets a good value/high performance product at an unusually low price? Who knows--but I pay attention to what I hear through my system; not the yackin jaws of many who probably haven't even heard the product.
Hype exist in the negative and positive--take it with a grain of salt, use your own common sense and ears to decide if the product is worth the investment.
There are plenty of products that "out class" my stuff, but I'm very satisfied with what I have put together, and I believe I've achieved a lot of bang-for-my-buck along the way--allowing me to focus on what I feel is most important for system synergy. You know the 'ol saying "opinions are like ****...everybody got one."
This hobby ought to be about listening to music, not equipment. Be it a transistor am radio, or a $25,000 reference system. There are people who find audio nirvana with 1.5 watt tube amp setup, thru some full-range single driver speakers--you gonna tell them they're not enjoying the music? Good luck.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 -
How much do these things cost?
On December 30th 2010 I purchased my XPA-3 on sale from Emotiva for $529.00. I think MSRP was $579 or $599 at that time.
The first week of January 2011 they raised their prices on thier line of amps and now the XPA-3 goes for $699.00 MSRP.
I got lucky by getting in on the sale before the 2011 price increase as I would not have paid 699.00. I would have scouted around for some used equipment.
They have a 30 day in home trial with a 100% money back guarantee if you do not like the product.
also included a 5 year parts and labour transferable warranty!
Now I am sounding like a salemen! I sell you one cheap cheap! :biggrin: You love amp long time!
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My view is that Emotiva offers some great amps. Are there better sure, and worse, I have had mine now a couple of years, its rock solid, runs cool, has loads of power.Emotiva XPA5, Sony ES 5300,: Lsi 15,s LSIC, Monitor 70,s, ( side surrounds) FXI 3,s, (rear surrounds)Micropro4000, Velodyne DEQ 10, Sony 55inchXBR 930D Sony BDP 790 Bedroom rig SonyES 3200 RTIA1,s CSIA4 FXI3,s polk PSW 10 SONY 34inch XBR960:cool:SONY BDP550
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Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »I dont think people are the problem with Emotiva.
I think Emotiva is the problem with Emotiva.
They tout that their amps are "Reference" material and blah blah blah. Their amps are inexpensive amps - hardly ANYTHING someone should reference something by and their fan boys go with that mantra in full.
Difference between that and Polk? Simple - Polk doesnt say that and their fans dont either. Good bang for the buck and yes - there are better speakers out there than Polk in the same price class.
So is Sunfire reference? Is B&K?, Parasound? If they are is it everything in their line up? Is the HCA1000A reference or only the JC1?
What is reference? Signal cable uses the word reference. It's just a marketing term. When someone can actually, factually, technically describe what 'reference' is then a real conversation can take place about what is and isn't reference. My DC300A says 'Laboratory Power Amplifier'. So what does that mean? -
It's like any hobby, you have to decide for yourself if the features/build/technology match what you are willing to invest, and where the sweetspots lie; well, for most of us anyway--as I'm not crapping money, and even if I were I would still be looking for a good value. Not everyone wants to climb to the top of the ladder, nor does everyone have the means to.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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Who gives a crap that it's not high end. Polks aren't considered high end speakers either, but we all love them.
Both companies design & sell well made gear that will keep it's owners happy for years to come.
Those of you who have moved on to high end gear, maybe need to think about moving on to a high end forum.
This forum doesn't need the snobbery.
And telling people that they don't belong on a forum because they like higher end gear isn't being a snob either?
No one ever said you have to buy high end gear, nor do a lot of people run super high end gear around here.
The problem is, and like I said before is that this has been discussed far too many times and always equals the same thing.
Its always the same thing. Emo is great for the money, thats cool, no one will argue besides saying there are also used options, once again something said several times before.
So when someone comes and post a thread touting Emo again, like the million times before, whats the point? It comes across that OHHH LOOKKK Emo is such good thing, everyone look at MEEEEE.
and I've owned the XPA-1, UPA-2, XPA 3, etc etc.
Good for entry HT but hated for 2 channel. -
If someone was touting the virtues of a Pass Labs first watt, would your approach be the same?Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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Blah...blah....blah.
Christ, how many times are we going the beat this pulverized horse named Emotiva.
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 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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