Emotiva XPA-2 and XPA-5 Gen2 Amplifier Preview

Emotiva Updates XPA Series Stereo and Multichannel Amplifiers: Adds Additional Power and Refinements

Emotiva has certainly had a busy summer in their amplifier department.  They have quietly updated their XPA-2 stereo and XPA-5 multichannel amplifiers with new models. The XPA-1 monoblock and XPA-3 three-channel amps will have their updates formally released in the next few weeks as well.

The new models will keep the model numbers of their predecessors but will now be referred to as “Gen 2” for second generation.  With only a few notable exceptions, the Gen 2 models feature refinements, not revolutions, both inside and out. 

According to Emotiva, the new Gen 2 amplifiers feature a refined differential input and short signal path Class A/B topology that Emotiva says lowers the noise floor when compared to the previous versions.  The gain structure has also been reduced by 3 dB (a request by some customers).  As before, both amps give you your choice of balanced or unbalanced inputs; however the Gen2 models have higher quality unbalanced input connectors and input switches.  Users who are picky about the brightness of the front panel status will rejoice as the lighting as been toned down in the new models (you still have the option to completely turn off all the indicator lights).

Emotiva XPA-2 Gen2 Backpanel

On the outside, the Gen 2 models feature a sleeker chassis and more modern aesthetic flair that drops the brushed silver look in place of an all black chassis.  Emotiva also says that the amps have a new higher strength chassis with a 15mm milled aluminum faceplate.

Yet, while those refinements are evolutionary, there are some potentially revolutionary surprises in some of the Gen 2 models.  The soon-to-be released XPA-1 monoblock amplifier will see the biggest overall changes with a new Class A/AB mode switch. 

Like the XPA-1L (which optionally runs in Class A for the first 35 watts), you will be able to have the XPA-1 operate in Class A mode for the first 60 watts and then transition seamlessly into Class A/B mode for the remaining power.  Emotiva notes that this Class A feature on the XPA-1L has been enthusiastically received and they expect a similar response to the XPA-1 Gen 2.  Having the option to run 60 watts in Class A monoblocks for $2,000/pair is simply unheard of and should make two-channel audiophiles salivate.

Other items to note in the Gen 2 models include a power boost in the XPA-2 Gen 2 which has gone from 250 wpc to a massive 300 wpc with both channels driven.  The multichannel cousin, XPA-5 features the same 200 wpc with all channels driven as its previous Gen 1 cousin.

In the XPA-2 Gen 2, Emotiva has also kept what it calls it’s “Monoblock Mode” (Emotiva’s marketing term for bridged mode).  With the flick of a switch, Monoblock mode will turn the XPA-2 from a stereo to a monoblock amplifier with an incredible 1,000 wpc.  In case you’re wondering, this feature is specific to the XPA-2. You cannot bridge channels together with either the XPA-3 or XPA-5

Emotiva XPA-2 Gen2 Power Supply

Emotiva has added this monoblock mode feature to provide users with an upgrade path to more raw power for their systems.  They envision users who would like to add monoblocks but cannot necessarily afford them immediately. Starting out with an XPA-2 today, those users can then optionally add a second XPA-2 down the road and use both in monoblock mode for the front left and right speakers.

While that may sound awesome, users contemplating this path should beware: there’s one very important caveat.  Monoblock mode on the XPA-2 is rated for an 8 ohm nominal load.  In other words, if you need lots of power into difficult 2 or 4 ohm speaker loads, like those from Magnepan, then you should save up for an XPA-1 instead.

And what if you’re a first generation XPA-series owner and you’d like to upgrade to a Gen2 series?  Unfortunately, Emotiva won’t be offering an upgrade path for you to convert your current amp into a Gen2.   But don’t worry, satisfied users likely wouldn’t notice a major sonic difference between the first or second generation amplifiers with the possible exception of the XPA-1 and it’s new Class A mode.   So, if you’re in the market for a mono, stereo, or multichannel amplifier, these updated offerings from Emotiva should probably be on your short list to demo.

For more information, visit Emotiva.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.