XPA-5 Vs. XPA-2 + XPA-3

[jeanseb]

I'm thinking more and more getting some power amps to juice up my HT. Would it worth it buy a XPA-2 (for mains) and a XPA-3 (for surrounds and center) or just go with an XPA-5 for the whole kit?

Would it make any considerable difference? Other than a whole in my pocket...?

Many thanks!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would get just the XPA-5 and be done with it.

200 watts x 5 ch RMS into 8 ohms & 300 watts x 5 RMS into 4 ohms is awesome.

Save yourself the time, space, and money.

 

[oppman99]

+1 You can always add an XPA-2 later if you feel something is lacking. If you use your system for mainly HT, the XPA-5 should suit your needs just fine. I had an XPA-2, and I ended up selling it and have an XPA-5 coming as soon as they are back in stock in a week or two. It's definately the less expensive solution. If cost is an issue, you could look into the UPA-5 also. You speakers are very efficient, and it would probably do the job too.

 

[j_garcia]

For a full set of Klipsch I can't see you needing more than the XPA-5 unless you have a really large room. IIRC based on your pictures your room is good size, but not so big that I would say you'd benefit from 500W for your mains. That way you'll at least have some lint in your pocket as opposed to a hole

 

[Jeff R.]

Would you save more money by just putting in a XPA-3 to run the fronts. I would think your receiver would easily power your rears, especially for HT needs. From what I always hear about Klipsch they are very efficient and easy to power.

 

[Nomo]

I'd question whether you need an amp for those speakers in the first place.
The 1600 is certainly no slouch in the power department. It should power those Klipsch to ear bleeding levels without distortion.

 

[jeanseb]

Would you save more money by just putting in a XPA-3 to run the fronts. I would think your receiver would easily power your rears, especially for HT needs. From what I always hear about Klipsch they are very efficient and easy to power.

I thought about that option at the beggining, but at that point, I rather like to spend the extra $$ and don't look behind ("I should have" remorse). Same thought about the UPA-5.

I'd question whether you need an amp for those speakers in the first place.
The 1600 is certainly no slouch in the power department. It should power those Klipsch to ear bleeding levels without distortion.

In some situation no, but the majority of the time, I feel like they could benefit from more power. And it looks cool

 

[JerryLove]

And it looks cool

In opposition to the WAF, that's the "inner-ten-year-old-boy acceptance factor"; and I'm not knocking it: it's something many of my purchases are to appease.

 

[jeanseb]

In opposition to the WAF, that's the "inner-ten-year-old-boy acceptance factor"; and I'm not knocking it: it's something many of my purchases are to appease.

Lol! I agree with you.

And what's your thought on it? Should I go with the XPA-5?

Thanks Jerry Boy!

 

[avliner]

If I were you, I'd go with either UPA-5 / XPA-5 though

 

[bhodge]

I'm not an expert on amps but much like you I have decided to go the route of separates and had a similar dilemma but I was more or less thinking about monoblocks vs XPA-5. In the end I decided to go with the XPA-5 (ordered it yesterday, should be in on Monday) B-stock (its $100 cheaper and currently there are no XPA-5s instock) because it was by far the cheaper route (not in quality just in cash money) and the foot print is easier to accommodate and I don't lose any watts/ch. I can let you know how I like it after I get it setup but I don't think I will have any regrets.

 

[jeanseb]

I'm not an expert on amps but much like you I have decided to go the route of separates and had a similar dilemma but I was more or less thinking about monoblocks vs XPA-5. In the end I decided to go with the XPA-5 (ordered it yesterday, should be in on Monday) B-stock (its $100 cheaper and currently there are no XPA-5s instock) because it was by far the cheaper route (not in quality just in cash money) and the foot print is easier to accommodate and I don't lose any watts/ch. I can let you know how I like it after I get it setup but I don't think I will have any regrets.

Congrats! Yeah I would like to have your input on how you like it.

Can you give me some info on your set up?

Thanks!

 

[bhodge]

I'll be happy to share my thoughts once I get my hands on that puppy .

My thread on this is here:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62593

My specs are:
Magnepan 1.6s L/R, Magnepan MC1 center, SVS PC13-Ultra, Onkyo TX-SR703, 50" Pioneer KURO...still deciding are rears.

From what I gather, my maggies are much more power hungry than what your setup will be so if the XPA-5 can handle my maggies you should be in good shape with your Klipsch setup.

PS Just saw your HT Setup, nice looking room!

 

[j_garcia]

My XPA-3 will be here on Monday