Emotiva Audio RPA-1 Stereo Amplifier Review

admin · #1 07-01-2007, 01:34 PM

As a reviewer, I "need" things. Test equipment, a modicum of writing ability, and an opinionated mind. Occasionally, I "need" new equipment. I need it like a Krispy Kreme "needs" to be next door to a Jenny Craig. Well, I had a couple of speakers coming in for review and I noticed that they were a little inefficient and perhaps could have benefited from external amplification. Emotiva decided that what I needed was a good two channel amp to put these speakers through their paces. They were right, I did need that. I needed it bad.

Discuss "Emotiva Audio RPA-1 Stereo Amplifier Review" here. Read the article.

Adam · #2 07-01-2007, 01:50 PM

Tom (and Gene), thanks for the review. I'm sure that at least a few people will enjoy this, especially because Emotiva's sale started today.

You guys certainly like these products, and that has gotten me interested in them. Their 4th of July sale has me even more interested. My intention is not to start a "which amp is better" discussion here, but I'm wondering if you'd be in a position to compare Emotiva products to Outlaw products. Those are the two companies that I'm considering. For me, Outlaw has an edge because their products are made in America, but I'm looking to get your opinions (if you have any) on how the actual amps compare to each other.

I'd appreciate any input that you'd have. Also, thanks again for the review.

Adam

gene · #3 07-01-2007, 02:46 PM

Quote:

For me, Outlaw has an edge because their products are made in America, but I'm looking to get your opinions (if you have any) on how the actual amps compare to each other.

Not sure who fed you this line of BS but I can assure you Outlaw's past products, such as their last processor, was built by East Tech in China. Almost no manufacturer manufacturers their products in America. They are all built overseas and sometimes engineered and/or assembled in the USA. There should be no shame in this as the benefit is a lower priced product to the end user, but its odd when companies either lie about this or try to cover it up.

As for the RPA-1, IMO it sets the benchmark of how a $1k 2CH amp should perform let alone one that sells for $699. Outlaw doesn't make a comparible 2CH only amplifier. Their closest product is the 2200 monoblock. Given the choice between the two, I would get the Emotiva not only b/c I think its a better amp, but because it looks so much nicer.

Some Suggested Reading: Attack of the Clone Processors

PS. The Clone wars continue on with the latest processor platforms shared by many other manufacturers but that goes beyond the scope of this thread which is intended to support the RPA-1 review. Thanks.

Adam · #4 07-01-2007, 03:00 PM

Thanks, Gene. I appreciate the info and the candor. I enjoy your (and the others here) reviews very much. As an engineer, I appreciate the details. Although I do miss reading about the "chocolaty midrange" (I loved that wording).

Regarding Outlaw's manufacturing, photographs on their website of the rear panels of the amps that I'm looking at (7200, 7500, 7700) show a "Made in USA" logo. Hopefully they aren't lying about that. The 2200 monoblocks have a "Made in Taiwan" logo. I didn't look at the other products.

I like the look of the Outlaws because they don't have lights on the front panel, but I agree that the Emotivas are also very nice looking.

Thanks again, Gene.

EDIT: Just realized I probably posted these questions in the wrong place. I'll stick to the review at hand next time.

Davemcc · #5 07-01-2007, 04:51 PM

I noticed this line:
"My personal criteria for amplifier gain structure is that it should be able to hit full power when driven with 2Vrms. The RPA-1 fell well within this criteria. "

How does this interact with components that have 1.2V preouts, like my Denon or certain pre/pros like a Rotel RSP-1068? Will there be enough signal to drive the amp to it's rated power?

gene · #6 07-01-2007, 11:24 PM

Quote:

How does this interact with components that have 1.2V preouts, like my Denon or certain pre/pros like a Rotel RSP-1068? Will there be enough signal to drive the amp to it's rated power?

Most preamps and receivers can output 2Vrms or greater. The 1.2Vrms # you are referencing is likely not a max figure but a standard output level the manufacturer specs distortion under a specific load. I have never run across a Denon receiver that can't output more than 2Vrms unclipped.

Seth=L · #7 07-02-2007, 12:31 AM

Nice review, nice amp.

I want one.

mr-ben · #8 07-02-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seth=L

Nice review, nice amp.

I want one.

Me too. That sale is tempting.......

jcPanny · #9 07-02-2007, 01:57 PM

Gene,
Great review.
I was suprised to read your comments about the bigger power supply in the RSP-1 amp vs the multichannel amps. Isn't the power ratings the same is the 7 channel MPS-1 amp? It sounds like RSP-1 might be rated more conservatively.

gene · #10 07-02-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

I was suprised to read your comments about the bigger power supply in the RSP-1 amp vs the multichannel amps. Isn't the power ratings the same is the 7 channel MPS-1 amp? It sounds like RSP-1 might be rated more conservatively.

The power xformer in the RPA1 is 2x that of the MPS-1. I think the caps are the same on both. The RPA-1 definately handles low impedance loads better than their other amps.