Emotiva XPA-3 Impressions?

[Uberbot]

I have a flaw in my system setup. My Polk LSi speakers are 4 ohm rated while my rears are 8 ohm. I know it isn't ideal to run different ohm speakers off of the same receiver. I am thinking of correcting that problem with the Emotiva XPA-3. With this I can run my front LSi speakers at 300 watts per channel and pump the surrounds through my Onkyo. The eventual plan is to complete a 7.1 set of LSi series and pick up the XPA-5 to power the remainder.

I know Emotiva is a new company but one with impressive reviews. The price point is also right at $499. Does anyone see a flaw with this plan? I've never used amps for home theater use so I want to make sure I have a grasp of what I am doing and I would like impressions from Emotiva XPA-3 owners if they are here.

Thanks!!

http://emotiva.com/xpa3.shtm

[Clark Kent]

I also would like to know how these amps sound. Do they color the sound at all or have a characteristic tone for an amp? Anyone using this for a music setup...

[crazyBLUE]

On BD they make it so crisp & clear it's unbelievable !! Sound improves
1000% ! Giving speaker's the watt's they need is simply AMAZING !!!!

[Uberbot]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

On BD they make it so crisp & clear it's unbelievable !! Sound improves
1000% ! Giving speaker's the watt's they need is simply AMAZING !!!!

Thanks! I'll let you know if I notice improvements. At the current price, it is hard not to pull the trigger and test them out. If I don't hear the difference I'll just return it.

[kpkelley]

Emotiva is not new, they've been around for a few years. They only sell direct to the consumer, so not many people outside of audio/videophile societies are aware of who they are.

[tpj1959]

I just purchased the XPA-3 amp. This is the first time I've have branched out into the world of separates. My computer geek at work turned me on to Emotiva. I also purchased a Denon 3808 and Martin Logan Preface speakers for my mains. The guy at work initially pointed me to OUTLAW AUDIO products but later showed me Emotiva's RPA-2 and assured me the specs were quite good. I decided to go with the RPA-2 and actually ordered it on a Friday afternoon. Over the weekend I decided to go with the XPA-3. It actually has more power when driving just the mains. I also wanted to make sure my center speaker was driven well. I am waiting on a new center channel speaker (DEFTECH CLR 2300). Since I have only a 5.1 that leaves my Denon powering only the surrounds. The best thing is that the XPA-3 is LESS EXPENSIVE WITH MORE POWER! Just seemed like a no brainer to me so I called Emotiva and switched my order. (I do like the meters on the RPA-2.) Since I never powered my Martin Logans with just my Denon receiver I cannot contrast the difference between the Amp in system and Amp out. What I can tell you is that I played the new live Steve Miller Band concert and was literally in tears at the great sound I was getting. I cranked it loud and the sound just got better. When no music was playing I heard no hiss or any noise eminating from the speakers. Now all I have to dO is learn some of the cool audiophile lingo and I'm GOLDEN!

[BluHavik]

I've checked them out as well. Sorry to the OP but I also had a question about them. Can I use an amp like that if my receiver doesn't have a pre-out? In other words is there anyway of running speaker wire from a receiver to an amp and having it work like that?

[tpj1959]

I forgot to mention that movies are now even more incredible. My wife has actually picked up on the difference....YEAH! Now if I can get here to pay for my new system. Flaw in hope....Audiophiles are not great lovers too....dang it. Maybe some Barry White on my new system will generate some sparks.....YEAH BABY!

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by BluHavik

I've checked them out as well. Sorry to the OP but I also had a question about them. Can I use an amp like that if my receiver doesn't have a pre-out? In other words is there anyway of running speaker wire from a receiver to an amp and having it work like that?

You're receiver has to have Pre-outs in order to use an amp !

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by tpj1959

I just purchased the XPA-3 amp. This is the first time I've have branched out into the world of separates. My computer geek at work turned me on to Emotiva. I also purchased a Denon 3808 and Martin Logan Preface speakers for my mains. The guy at work initially pointed me to OUTLAW AUDIO products but later showed me Emotiva's RPA-2 and assured me the specs were quite good. I decided to go with the RPA-2 and actually ordered it on a Friday afternoon. Over the weekend I decided to go with the XPA-3. It actually has more power when driving just the mains. I also wanted to make sure my center speaker was driven well. I am waiting on a new center channel speaker (DEFTECH CLR 2300). Since I have only a 5.1 that leaves my Denon powering only the surrounds. The best thing is that the XPA-3 is LESS EXPENSIVE WITH MORE POWER! Just seemed like a no brainer to me so I called Emotiva and switched my order. (I do like the meters on the RPA-2.) Since I never powered my Martin Logans with just my Denon receiver I cannot contrast the difference between the Amp in system and Amp out. What I can tell you is that I played the new live Steve Miller Band concert and was literally in tears at the great sound I was getting. I cranked it loud and the sound just got better. When no music was playing I heard no hiss or any noise eminating from the speakers. Now all I have to dO is learn some of the cool audiophile lingo and I'm GOLDEN!

I'm glad to see someone else posting the fact , That there is A difference in sound QUALITY ! There for A while I thought I was .. Adding an amp to my sound system has made A world of difference . It makes the hole BLU-RAY experience that much better !!

[Driver_King]

I think I'm going to save for the XPA-2 instead.

[-DLS-]

Had mine shipped out on Monday - to Canada, so hope to see it early next week. Can't wait! Every that owns one swears a huge difference in movies and music so I'm gonna have to watch and listen to my collection all over again.

It'll be powering my front 3 and hopefully the receiver powering only 4 speakers now will boost the sound of those too.

[SDBlu]

Originally Posted by DLS_222

Had mine shipped out on Monday - to Canada, so hope to see it early next week. Can't wait! Every that owns one swears a huge difference in movies and music so I'm gonna have to watch and listen to my collection all over again.

It'll be powering my front 3 and hopefully the receiver powering only 4 speakers now will boost the sound of those too.

Will this actually happen? If you start using an amp for the front three? Will the reciever send more power to the other remaining speakers???

[brett_day]

so i am looking into amps! I am trying to understand how they work etc. Would someone be willing to draw a diagram of how one would fit into a system?

[SDBlu]

Originally Posted by brett_day

so i am looking into amps! I am trying to understand how they work etc. Would someone be willing to draw a diagram of how one would fit into a system?

Good Question Brett...I was wondering that myself. I used to be into car stereo, so I am guessing same idea as with those amplifiers.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by BluHavik

I've checked them out as well. Sorry to the OP but I also had a question about them. Can I use an amp like that if my receiver doesn't have a pre-out? In other words is there anyway of running speaker wire from a receiver to an amp and having it work like that?

Nope - you need a receiver with pre-outs. Either go up to a 705/06 or get a Yamaha 663 or a Pioneer (most of them have preouts).

[prerich]

Originally Posted by brett_day

so i am looking into amps! I am trying to understand how they work etc. Would someone be willing to draw a diagram of how one would fit into a system?

You would also have to change your receiver - no preouts

[CasualKiller]

Originally Posted by DLS_222

Had mine shipped out on Monday - to Canada, so hope to see it early next week. Can't wait! Every that owns one swears a huge difference in movies and music so I'm gonna have to watch and listen to my collection all over again.

It'll be powering my front 3 and hopefully the receiver powering only 4 speakers now will boost the sound of those too.

You should really PM me with what it cost you, please. I have been considering it as well but was scared of the cost to import.

[cam555]

I was thinking about getting the xpa-7 for my speakers.....you guys think i would hear a huge improvement?

[Uberbot]

I posted this in my HT thread but I thought it would be good to put it here.

I ordered an Emotiva MPA-3 to power my fronts and center. The Polks are 4 ohm so that gives me 300 watts per channel and 400 watts with two channels. The package arrived in only three days!

At first I had some problems. I had crossed the left and right RCA inputs and speaker wire which caused the unit to shut down. Once I straightened that out everything worked properly (although there is currently a slight hum if you put your ear to the speakers). I haven't had a chance to rework the settings on the Onkyo and tweak everything. However, I can say there was an immediate difference in the quality coming from the Polks. I was expecting music to sound better and my expectations were easily met. Things jumped from great quality to pro sound. I was also quickly impressed by the improvement in Blu and TV audio. The center channel, for example, was much more crisp and immersive.

The unit looks fantastic on my shelf but it is heavy and very deep. It is pushed back as far as it can go and still sticks out about 1/2 more than I would prefer. With the weight of the unit, my shelf exceeds its recommended weight capacity. I propped some old books under the shelf to give it some extra support. I'm going to have to come up with a permanent way to stylishly add support to the entire shelf, especially since I hope to add the MPA-5 later in the year to power the rest of my speakers. I want to place it on the right side of the Onkyo and move my other components to a different place in the loft. Ha ... I am babbling about stuff that, I'm sure, is of no interest to anyone else.

UPDATE - I've had this unit for a couple of weeks now and it is one of the most important items in my HT. The improvements across the board are easily noticeable for music, movies, games, tv, you name it. The sound quality is perfectly neutral allowing the source audio to be what it is meant to be. This is important for HD audio. I not only highly recommend the Emotiva XPA-3, I can't wait to more of their amps!