Emotiva XPA-200 V. UPA-200

[Smoovie]

So I was just about to pull the trigger on ordering an Emotiva UPA-200 only to log back on to the Emotiva website this morning to find out they have released the XPA-200!

From the specs alone, would there be much of a difference between the 2?

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/upa200

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/xpa200

Eventually I will be purchasing a pair of Epos Epic 2's, although it looks like both would comfortably run the Epic 2's. I guess i'm just trying to determine if it would be worth forking out the extra $150 for the XPA over the UPA.

Thanks for your input.

[SteveC]

The purists will tell you that the fan in the UPA-200 is undesirable.

[Cafad]

It looks to be $150 for an upgraded power supply, a ferrite core on the power wires and ballanced in (and a lack of an internal fan). All of these things are desirable and they will make a difference under certain circumstances, the question is will these circumstances be relevant to you?

A better power supply should mean a more dynamic amp, if you use any power filtration then the ferrite core is probably not needed, do you want to use ballanced ICs and does an internal fan worry you?

Personally I would go for the XPA 200 but I am not the one spending the moolah.

[SilverWolf]

I'd also suggest the XPA-200 as besides whats already been said it also has 90,000uF of secondary capacitance Vs the UPA-200's 40,000uF. I would suspect that the XPA model also most likely has more output stages than the UPA

[Mr_Gadget]

Any news of a XPA-300?

[Smoovie]

It looks to be $150 for an upgraded power supply, a ferrite core on the power wires and ballanced in (and a lack of an internal fan). All of these things are desirable and they will make a difference under certain circumstances, the question is will these circumstances be relevant to you?

A better power supply should mean a more dynamic amp, if you use any power filtration then the ferrite core is probably not needed, do you want to use ballanced ICs and does an internal fan worry you?

Personally I would go for the XPA 200 but I am not the one spending the moolah.

I must admit I had some reservations about the internal fans, but have read Emotiva stuff runs quite cool so on that basis was willing to take a punt. However given the new model does without the internal fans and has some higher quality components (as pointed out here) for not a whole lot more I figure I will just bite the bullet and get the XPA-200

Edited September 16, 2012 by Smoovie

[legselevens]

Hi Smoovie,

How did you go with the xpa-200? Would love to hear what you think of it in your system.

[Smoovie]

Hi Smoovie,

How did you go with the xpa-200? Would love to hear what you think of it in your system.

I'm a mere novice in this crazy hobby but I do know what I like.

I've teamed the XPA-200 with an Emotiva USP-1 which is hooked up to a pair of Usher Audio S520's (the 'combo'). I would describe the combo as being quite neutral, they do an amazing job with reproducing female vocals and instrumental music. Honestly I don't believe this combo has any business sounding this good for the relatively small outlay.

My father had a listen to the combo and his comments were "more live" and "crisp".........make of that what you will.

I don't think anyone would be disappointed if they purchased a XPA-200.

[rocky500]

Got my XPA-200 plugged into marantz PM-KI Perl lite intergrated and it sounds sublime. The midrange was a little sharp/hard at times with the inbuilt amp.

Now so open with great seperation and precision. Its the little subtilties that are coming through. Great vocals and the Music just flows so well. Really liking this Marantz/Emotiva pairing.

Just waiting on the XSP-1.

[Smoovie]

Now so open with great seperation and precision. Its the little subtilties that are coming through.

+1 on the separation!