My XPA-3 finally showed up today!

[MikeR803]

Welcome Mike, it would help to know which speakers you're driving? On a price basis, the 707 is an excellent option.

I've enjoyed my 5 NHT VS-2 speakers for a few years now. Only have an older Yamaha RX-V1400 receiver now. Even with this receiver, however, I'm enjoying the sound it can put out, but KNOW it can be better......especially because...

We have a double living room, separated by only a short wall. If you can picture it, this "double living room" is like the top part of the letter "T", with the bottom part consisting of the dining room and then the kitchen (all open area). This is why I'm thinking I'd really notice a difference with a nice amp like the XPA-5. My current receiver doesn't have the required pre-outs, ergo my questions about the Onkyo.

I realize the Emo makes a pre-pro, but I'm liking what I read about Audessey room correction, and I enjoy listening to FM radio once in a while.

Can't wait to hear what one of my favorite music DVD's sounds like with an upgraded system: Steely Dan's "Two Against Nature". Listening to music and concert DVDs is how I like to relax when I have my "space time".

 

[larbo70]

hello. i was looking at the xpa-3 and it look's really good. and has really good reveiws. what i was wondering is i have a anthem mca 30 which is a three chanel amp as well, if i was to change for the xpa-3 do you think i would notice a difference ? or not really.? the sound that i have now is pretty good. all my speakers are paradigm.and my reciver is pioneer elite sc-25, just in case you were wondering lol. thanks guy's

 

[jostenmeat]

Keep the Anthem, save your money for more worthwhile things like acoustical treatments.

 

[hawk14]

hello. i was looking at the xpa-3 and it look's really good. and has really good reveiws. what i was wondering is i have a anthem mca 30 which is a three chanel amp as well, if i was to change for the xpa-3 do you think i would notice a difference ? or not really.? the sound that i have now is pretty good. all my speakers are paradigm.and my reciver is pioneer elite sc-25, just in case you were wondering lol. thanks guy's

If you already have a quality amp like the MCA-30, there is no need to go for the XPA-3.

 

[larbo70]

lol, i dont think i would change my amp. just curious if there would be any difference.

 

[Ron Temple]

Actually, I was saying neither. I would love to have a 4810 and a XPA-3 for the fronts, and in fact was giving some thought to adding a XPA3 to my 4310.

I posted this comment about a week ago. I was following the other thread and was surprised that the consensus then (again a week ago) was that the XPA3 was a waste of money and that the upgrade in power from 140(4810) to 200(XPA3) would go completely unnoticed. The posters there said that to actually hear the difference you would have to double the power of the 4810, and that the OP was just buying into marketing hype.

Since j_garcia had just purchased a XPA3, I posted here to get an an alternative view.

Usually, the amp section of an AVR can't compete with a dedicated's ability to provide better dynamics and driver control. However, you might never notice the difference depending on your speakers. If the AVRs amp section is decent and the speakers don't represent a significant load, you're never tapping the AVR's limits. John's speakers are 4 ohm, not the most sensitive and thrive on current. Mine are 6 ohm, rated from 50 - 500 watts. Impedence dips are down to 3 ohms in some places. An AVR will drive them and sound nice, but a capable power amp brings them alive. The 4310 is very capable, but the only way you'll find out if an outboard amp will improve your rig is to try it.

 

[j_garcia]

The replacement amp arrived last Friday as we were going out of town so I didn't get to even open it. I installed it last night and all is well again. Once again I wanted to comment on the excellent customer service offered by Emotiva.

Yes, my room is fairly large and my speakers are 4 Ohm, plus I tend to listen loud They drop down to 2.6 Ohms according to Danny, and though the sensitivity is good, they like power. Each time I have added more power, the difference has been noticeable. Both of my most recent rooms are quite large: one was 19x20 with high vaulted ceiling and the current one is 14x23 with a high sloped ceiling.