Emotiva XPA-5 Scare

[28BlusLater]

Hello All,

It's been quite some time since I have been on the forums, and I wish that I was returning on better news. I was in the middle of watching a movie today, when suddenly all of my speakers went quiet. The front of my Emotiva XPA-5 was flashing red across all channels. I have had times where one channel would give me a red flashing light, but just turning the amp off and back on would immediately fix the issue.

I turned off the amp, unplugged it, ensured that all of the connections were properly secured, and then plugged it back in. Everything appeared to be fine in standby mode, so I turned it on. Suddenly, I heard a giant POP, and smoke began to come out from the top of the amplifier. Some sparks came out, as well. My room filled with an electrical burning smell. I quickly unplugged the amplifier, and have left it so ever since earlier this afternoon.

I purchased this amp back in 2010, so it's out of warranty. Regardless, I called Emotiva, where I couldn't get much help without spending the $100 out-of-warranty fee and shipping this massive amplifier to them. I found a repair shop that was recommended nearby my house that said they work on Emotiva products. They are willing to look at it for a $75 out-of-warranty fee, and it's driving distance from my house.

I have yet to open the amplifier, but hours later, I did notice that one section of the amplifier has a particularly strong burnt smell. If you're facing the amplifier, it's on the bottom right corner. I'm not very knowledgeable about the hardware of amplifiers, but it's where there are silver cylinders. I'm not sure what part this is, but I wanted to consult you great people, who have been of great help in the past.

Would you recommend me to take it to the shop and just eat the $75 fee, or do you guys already have an idea of what this could be? I sure hope that this is fixable, as I have loved this amp for the seven years that I've owned it.

Any help would be very much appreciated.