tommyboy Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 I just got off the Emotiva website, and the sale is already over. But, I was reading/looking around, and have a question. Which would be better to get; seeing as they would come to about the same price. Should I get the XPA-3 and run it to the front 3 speakers, or get two UPA-2's and bi amp my F2's? that would be pushing 250 watts to each one. I'm sure it would make a vast difference with 2 channel, but what about HT? I pretty much use my system 50/50............... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freestyle Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I'm totally reading all of this as I'm pondering all the same questions!....lol With RF-83's, RC-64, RS-62's and a powered sub what would be the reasoning to go with the xpa3 over the xpa5 or vice versa? Dam there are so many options!...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockOn4Klipsch Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I just got off the Emotiva website, and the sale is already over. But, I was reading/looking around, and have a question. Which would be better to get; seeing as they would come to about the same price. Should I get the XPA-3 and run it to the front 3 speakers, or get two UPA-2's and bi amp my F2's? that would be pushing 250 watts to each one. I'm sure it would make a vast difference with 2 channel, but what about HT? I pretty much use my system 50/50............... do the xpa3 the reason I say the xpa3 is because the 200 wpc will be better for all applications IMO than 2 UPA-2s. Keep in mind that it was said earlier somewhere in the post I may have said it..... biamping the UPA2 for 1 channel will "NOT" yeild you the same performance as 250 wpc. 125watts + 125 watts does not = 250 watts. This is because of the passive crossover networks inside the speaker. You'd be better off with 200 wpc on the front 3. More about the bi-amping, because each channel is only rated at having 125 watts available that's all that's made available for the speaker. You get 125 watss to the low end and another 125 watts to the low end, this doesn't give you the same head room as the 200 wpc or the assumed 250 wpc you think you'll be getting. It might help improve the low end but in my expereince with the passive biamping is that it actually made the top end a little harsh at higher volumes. I would stick with the 200 wpc in the xpa 3. I had by RF 5's passive bi-amped with my onkyo and went to a 200wpc amp and the difference was night and day with response to music and HT. So I had 130 watts bi-amped on my RF5's and much prefer the sound of the 200wpc than I did the passive bi-amp way. I would stick with more power and get the bi-amp idea out of your mind unless you plan on taking the passive networks out of the speaker or add an active crossover between the amps and the speakers which is another investment that you girlfriend may not take very lightly too. The conversation would go You: "Well I got my new amp but now I need another piece of equipment to get the most benfit from it" Her: "What will the benefit to me be?" You: "Baby it will be great you'll hear the differen....." Her: "When do we get the pet insurance and how much will this "last" piece cost?...." if you get the chance hop on the xpa-3 you'll enjoy having the front 3 pound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyboy Posted February 3, 2009 Author Share Posted February 3, 2009 Thanks hard on....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted February 3, 2009 Moderators Share Posted February 3, 2009 My vote is for the XPA-3 as well. I tried the passive bi-amp with my Yamaha and heard no improvement whatsoever. You can't go wrong with a solid 250 watts of power. I'm looking at either the XPA-3 or the XPA-5 for my system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Blacksmith Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 I don't buy the Bi-Amp vodoo, just like I don't fall for $$$$$$$$ wires. By taking the load off the AVR for the front channels, you give the power supply room to work at it's best for the remaining speakers. Do the front 2 or 3, it really does not matter, at least not to my ears...... YMMV! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyboy Posted February 3, 2009 Author Share Posted February 3, 2009 Hopefully the B2's will be gone this week! I also have my Monster powercenter up for sale to help with the amp purchase. I have an extra surge protector laying around that I can use. I'll probably end up going with the XPA 3......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 So you tried a seperate amp on the front 3 speakers and it didn't make a difference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 OK, so you have a choice to go out and purchase a new Emotiva XPA 3 or 5 lay out 600-800 bucks, the one question that I've asked before and I'll ask again, is can you get more for the money buying a used amp that is in perfect working order and if so, what used amps would be in the running? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyboy Posted February 4, 2009 Author Share Posted February 4, 2009 If I find a used Emotiva; I'd buy it. I'm totally sold on Emotiva amps........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyboy Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 Well, there's a guy on my local c list selling an Adcom GFA-555 II. I offered him $200, but no replies yet. I'll let you know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyboy Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 Well, I picked up a used HK PA 2100 on craigslist last night. This thing is definitely enough for my needs! I got the best of both worlds. A power amp, and definitely on a budget......... paid 100 bucks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.