Introduction - Emotiva XPA-1 GEN 2 User Manual

XPA-1

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the new and improved second generation Emotiva XPA-1
Differential Reference™ Monoblock power amplifier.
Monoblocks deliver the absolute best in audiophile quality sound; totally separate amplifiers, each
with its own independent power supply, provide the ultimate in channel separation and pristine sound
quality. Whether you're creating the ultimate stereo audio system, putting together a truly exceptional
home theater system, or upgrading the all-important front main channels on your current surround
system, a set of XPA-1 Differential Reference™ Monoblock power amplifiers will deliver the ultimate in
sound quality.
All Emotiva Differential Reference™ components are not simply balanced, but utilize a true differential
audio signal path - from input to output. In a differential device, the audio signal is amplified as a
pair of mirror image copies - equal in amplitude, but 180 derees out of phase with each other. These
identical inverted and noninverted signals are carried by identical signal paths; when the two are
combined at the output, the vanishingly small amounts of distortion generated in each signal path
cancel out, resulting in incomparably low overall distortion and superior common-mode noise
rejection. The resulting sound quality is truly superb.
The original XPA-1 was an amazing amplifier, with outstanding performance, exceptional sound
quality, and excellent reliability. The new second generation XPA-1 carries on this tradition of advanced
design, a massively over-designed power supply, conservatively rated Class A/B output stage, and
high quality parts and construction throughout - and adds a solid machined gold plated RCA input
jack on the unbalanced input, a high-quality metal toggle switch for input selection, and a more
modern design aesthetic. To all that, we've added small but significant curcuit enhancements under
the hood. The improvements are subtle but, at this level of refinement and sophistication, they really
do make the best even better.
As if all that wasn't enough, we've added another very special feature: a Class A / Class AB switch
on the front panel that lets you switch the XPA-1 into our exclusive Class A high-bias mode. In this
mode, the XPA-1 actually operates in Class A mode for the first 60 watts of it's operation - giving
you the superlative sound of a full 60 watt Class A amplifier. However, unlike other - less capable -
Class A amplifiers, above 60 watts the XPA-1 transitions seamlessly into Class A/B mode, delivering
seemingly endless reserves of Class A/B power to ensure that transients are delivered with precision
and authority, and that no hint of clipping or compression ever intrudes on a truly superb musical
experience. Of course, the XPA-1 will run warmer in Class A mode, so we do give you the option of
running it in Class A/B mode if you like.
What does the XPA-1 sound like?
Music: nothing more and nothing less!
(We wouldn't have it any other way.)
Happy listening!
The Emotiva Team
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