XPA-3 or XPA-5

[love2listen]

Hello,

I'm looking to upgrade my amp for my front 3 spks...Lsi 15's and LsiC and was looking for some feedback on the Emotiva/Lsi combo. I was wondering if anyone had done an A/B test with the XPA-3 and the XPA-5(using only 3 ch)?
A new XPA-3 is about the same price as a used XPA-5. At 4 ohm the XPA-3 puts out about 300/ch and the XPA-5 puts out about 400/ch. I would use my current 2 ch amp to drive my surrounds, thus only using 3 out of the 5 channels of the XPA-5. I use a Sony STR-DA5ES as my pre/pro. My system is used 50/50 for HT and music. Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated. :)

[leroyjr1]

I would get the XPA-5 and sell the 2 channel amp.

[Toolfan66]

What Leroy said!!

[leroyjr1]

What Leroy said!!

+1 :D


That has to be a record 2 posts in 6+ years. I started to say welcome to the forum but you've been here longer than most of us.

[love2listen]

Yes, I have been here for a few yrs. I usually log on and read what has been going on and try to take away as much info as I can. Most of the ?'s that I have had throughout the yrs have been answered without having to post them! :)

[mmadden28]

I'm thinking the specs might be off between the two-but the XPA-3 and XPA-5 are essentially the same, only the # of channels differs. Might be a little difference in the total power avail because of some way of calculating total power from a power supply or the PS might be different--(I forget right now). For all intents and purposes ignore the specs for these two, and just get the one that has the # of channels you need. If you wanted to upgrade the performance-the XPA-2 is built differently and and will outperform either.

You could get an XPA-3 now, use it for the L, C, R and run your surrounds from the AVR/2ch amp. Then later, get an XPA-2 to power the L&R and power the C, and surrounds from the XPA-3. Just one of many options.

[speakergeek]

XPA-3 is 200 wpc x3 at 8 ohms, XPA-5 is 250 x3 at 8 ohms with a larger transformer (1200 VA for the XPA-5 vs 850 VA for the XPA-3). I got the XPA-5 and have really been diggin' it..

[mmadden28]

I recall at one point the specs stating the PS was the same-but nothing to explain why the wpc was different. Perhaps they corrected the specs to show the difference in PS. Not sure what difference 50 watts will make at this point, but will provide a bit more headroom. But may not be enough of a difference to base your decision on.

Just keep in mind the gain on that 2nd amp. If its considerably different than the XPA series, then when you turn the volume up the fronts and surrounds may not 'turn up' at the same rate. But I don't think I've heard anybody reporting that to be an issue yet.

[cfrizz]

Just get the XPA-5 and be done with that particular upgrade.

[jimmydep]

Just get the XPA-5 and be done with that particular upgrade.

+1 Get the XPA-5 you'll have more options for the future.

[NewHTguy]

If you go 5 channel you are ready to move to 7.1 should you ever get the urge.

[devani]

get XPA-5...you will always need more power