Outlaw (2 monoblocks) or Emotiva (XPA-2 or XPA-5)?

[sgtpepper9]

Basically, I've got a pair of Axiom M80s (4 ohm) coming my way and I'm concerned about whether my receiver can handle the load (already started a thread about this). But my question here is, what would be more beneficial, 2 Outlaw monoblocks to drive my M80s or an Emotiva XPA-2 or XPA-5? The price for either configuration would be about the same. I really would only need the extra power for the M80s as my AVR already drives my current multichannel setup with ease. The guys from Axiom recommended the Outlaw monoblocks to drive the M80s, but if I could get extra power for all 5 of my speakers... What are your thoughts?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

For the same price, I would go for the XPA-5 as well.

And if you only use 2ch in the XPA-5, it can produce a lot more power than 200W into 8 ohms.

 

[j_garcia]

How big is your room? You haven't even tried them yet and you are looking at additional amplification? No doubt, adding an amp is not going to be a bad thing at all, but until you see if you actually need one, I wouldn't be so eager to toss cash around. The XPA-5 would somewhat future proof you against moving to other speakers. While just offloading the mains from the receiver is a good thing, I would still want to balance the front and get at least an XPA-3.

 

[sgtpepper9]

I am mostly just interested in hearing people's thoughts on different possible amplification configurations. Even if my receiver can't handle the M80s I can't really afford to buy another amp right now. I couldn't pass up getting the M80s at such a good price. It's just my curious side wanting to hear people's opinions. Stuff like this:

While just offloading the mains from the receiver is a good thing, I would still want to balance the front and get at least an XPA-3.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...until you see if you actually need one...

NEED?

What's that?

"Every time I try to get out, they pull me back in!"

That's what Amps are like.

 

[j_garcia]

I know, amps aren't always about need

 

[GlocksRock]

I know, amps aren't always about need

agreed, I know my RX-V1800 could drive my def techs well enough, as the def techs I have are all at leat 90 db sensitivity or higher, but having all that power on tap is really nice, especially when I put the reciever in 7 ch. stereo mode and crank it up real loud.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1270000029&/Rotel-rmb-1095-

 

[j_garcia]

agreed, I know my RX-V1800 could drive my def techs well enough, as the def techs I have are all at leat 90 db sensitivity or higher, but having all that power on tap is really nice, especially when I put the reciever in 7 ch. stereo mode and crank it up real loud.

Yep. If you aren't going to be listening at concert levels, then a big amp might not be a benefit. I do occasionally listen at ridiculous levels though, and that amp justifies itself when I do

 

[son-yah-tive]

Yep. If you aren't going to be listening at concert levels, then a big amp might not be a benefit. I do occasionally listen at ridiculous levels though, and that amp justifies itself when I do

Yeah, I'm in the Concert Level catagory myself. But, still listen at lower levels. Just don't have to worry if it's loud enough, when I need it. The Emotivas are nice, you can upgrade and still keep the old EMO and a new EMO fits right in with it.

 

[sgtpepper9]

I've noticed on the Axiom boards that people tend to shy away from Emotiva and favor Outlaw. Any reason for that? To me, it seems if the amp has enough power, what does it care about what brand speaker it drives?

Another question. Should I expect a mono amp to be able to provide more clean power than say the XPA-2 or XPA-5? By the same token that a separate amplifier can provide more power than an AVR? How can 5 amps stuffed into 1 box (similar to an AVR) compete with separate mono amps? Even if they claim to provide the same amount of watts per channel?

 

[j_garcia]

I don't think any of their own amps can compete with the XPA-1 in terms of power for a single channel, simply because that is all that amp is doing: the one channel. Monoblocks have the advantage of not having to share any of that available power with another speaker, so even if it were the same amount of power, the total available to it is theoretically greater because the power supply and caps are dedicated only to what is happening on that channel. Having said that, the Emotiva channels are quite discrete compared to a receiver, and though they share a power supply, they are far more independent than those in a receiver and the power supply is a LOT larger than that of a receiver.

 

[oppman99]

I think I remember reading on this or the Emotiva forum that certain Axiom speakers would send the Emotiva amps into protect mode. Had something to do with the impedence drops of the Axioms if I recall correctly (I think this was about a year ago). If anyone knows differently, please correct me on this. I guess I didn't pay too much attention since I didn't have Axioms. The XPA-2 shouldn't have any problems them though. If you are interested in Emotiva, call customer service and ask. They are very good about giving honest answers or suggesting the proper match. Nothing wrong with going with Outlaw either. They have a very good reputation from what I have read.

 

[son-yah-tive]

I've noticed on the Axiom boards that people tend to shy away from Emotiva and favor Outlaw. Any reason for that? To me, it seems if the amp has enough power, what does it care about what brand speaker it drives?

Another question. Should I expect a mono amp to be able to provide more clean power than say the XPA-2 or XPA-5? By the same token that a separate amplifier can provide more power than an AVR? How can 5 amps stuffed into 1 box (similar to an AVR) compete with separate mono amps? Even if they claim to provide the same amount of watts per channel?

Mostly because Emotiva hasn't been around as long. And some are just gun shy for that reason. All companies had to start somewhere, and Emotiva is PROVING they belong. They already have a GREAT track record. I've just bought from them an XPA-5, and now I'm on the waiting list for UMC-1. I AIN'T SKEERT!.....And talk about customer service!

 

[j_garcia]

I don't think you would have any issues with Outlaw either. A buddy had a 1050 receiver from them and even though it was rated similar to the typical receiver, it put out quite a bit of power. They build very good stuff.

 

[son-yah-tive]

Love the user name...Sgtpepper9. Is the 9 from the WHITE ALBUM?