Emotiva LPA-1, 7 channel amplifier

[basite]

I find that hard to beleive.
four hundred maybe.
My Intergra has one of 40, but monoblocks and paired seperates typically have DF of
200 to 400.
The emotivas 100 or so is okay, but outlaw has DF of 200 or so, typically

it is true.
(it does say 'higher than 40'...)

even their $33k monoblocks (the MC2KW) have a DF of 'only' 100. it's like Kex said...

and as I said, the Manley amp I mentioned had a DF of 5. and I found it sounding very very good.

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[Mr Peabody]

Herman, you say DF has no effect on frequency response yet you say the higher it goes the better it controls the woofer, so does DF contribute to any audible difference? I would think it would have to be audible between low and high DF if there is a control relation. This could explain why the guy from Audioholics shows no change in frequency response while the guy from the article I found says there is at audible difference between low and high DF. I believe whether DF makes an audible difference was the crux of the DF discussion.

If there is an audible difference this could be one factor that would account for some difference between cables. I don't know what magic Transparent puts in their networks but the improvement in bass response when using them over average speaker wire was definitely apparent.

[kexodusc]

If there is an audible difference this could be one factor that would account for some difference between cables. I don't know what magic Transparent puts in their networks but the improvement in bass response when using them over average speaker wire was definitely apparent.

Don't think anyone ever disputed DF has impact on woofer control, or that it can result in audible differences to a certain point (the relationship definitely isn't linear, so diminishing returns apply here)...but the series impedance from even 12 gauge speaker wire in short lengths is 10-20 times the output impedance of modern solid state amplifiers and perhaps the greater cause of these difference. That's the thing. You could have an amp with a DF of infinity, but when you connect it to a 14 gauge speaker wire at 8 - 10 ft length you probably getting a DF between 100 and 200 anyway...so the amp's DF isn't significant but the speaker wire impedance is...maybe?

I have yet to experience audible differences in cables (aside from gauge/distance issues), but I do believe they exist. I'd even suggest Mr. P, that lower resistance or impedance cables probably could account for audible differences in sound quality. I dunno if frequency response deviations of 1 dB would be obtainable, but I suspect slight audible differences in the time domain might?

[hermanv]

Herman, you say DF has no effect on frequency response yet you say the higher it goes the better it controls the woofer, so does DF contribute to any audible difference? I would think it would have to be audible between low and high DF if there is a control relation. This could explain why the guy from Audioholics shows no change in frequency response while the guy from the article I found says there is at audible difference between low and high DF. I believe whether DF makes an audible difference was the crux of the DF discussion.

If there is an audible difference this could be one factor that would account for some difference between cables. I don't know what magic Transparent puts in their networks but the improvement in bass response when using them over average speaker wire was definitely apparent.

I believe there will be little effect on frequency response (depending on the crossover design). But frequency response is a pretty poor way to describe how a woofer sounds. Yes, low frequency extension is one descriptor of a woofers sound, but harmonic richness and speed (as in for example a waterfall plot) will change the sound of woofer without necessarily changing the frequency response in any significant way.

What I'm trying to say is that resolution and tautness will be probably be improved with a somewhat higher damping factor. When a band puts a pillow in a kick drum, the effect is quite obvious, but the low frequency limit of the drum probably hasn't changed, it just returns to it's resting position quicker.

I seem to be having trouble expressing my point, if the above isn't clear, let me know, I'll try and do better.

[Mr Peabody]

I get what you are saying but I feel the writer of the Audioholics article was not entirely correct to say DF couldn't account for the difference between tubes and solid state. Some of today's tube gear is doing better at bass control but not to the extent likes of Krell or Pass amps can do. High current equals control and a higher damping factor increases current.

A receiver may do frequency response of 10 to 100kHz yet not have the sound quality of an amp with a more narrow response, so something can be said for the ability or method of delivery of said FR?

[hermanv]

The problem with tube amps and DF is that it takes a large and powerful amp to match a mid-power SS amp. One of those 300 to 600 Watt monoblocks should have great damping. They need to be large because tube plate resistance is high even through an output transformer. Putting a number of tubes in parallel lowers the plate resistance.

I can't afford one, but I admit I'm curious.

[blackraven]

I am very intrigued by the Emotiva XPA-2 2ch amp ($799) putting out 500wpc at 4ohms and how it would sound with my magnepans. I just might have to buy one and give it a try since there is a 30 day trial. I've been considering the B&K reference 200.2 amp and the Parasound Halo, but from the reviews of the Emotiva amps, they may be the way to go.

[GMichael]

I am very intrigued by the Emotiva XPA-2 2ch amp ($799) putting out 500wpc at 4ohms and how it would sound with my magnepans. I just might have to buy one and give it a try since there is a 30 day trial. I've been considering the B&K reference 200.2 amp and the Parasound Halo, but from the reviews of the Emotiva amps, they may be the way to go.

Don't forget to tell the rest of us how it turns out. I'd love to know how far their quality can take us.

[blackraven]

I dont think the XPA-2 is available yet but you can preoreder it. I think I will wait until there are a couple of professional reviews. If its the real deal and compares favorably to $2K amps I'll buy one and then get a nice tube pre-amp to go along with it.

If you check the web site it says this amp has 120,000uf capacitance but it is in error and Emotiva say it will be at least 60,0000 maybe higher when it is released.

[kexodusc]

I dont think the XPA-2 is available yet but you can preoreder it. I think I will wait until there are a couple of professional reviews. If its the real deal and compares favorably to $2K amps I'll buy one and then get a nice tube pre-amp to go along with it.

If you check the web site it says this amp has 120,000uf capacitance but it is in error and Emotiva say it will be at least 60,0000 maybe higher when it is released.

I have every intention of buying an XPA-2 now, but I've got a few other things on the "to get" list first. Could be a while...let me know how you make out if you go that route.
I can't speak to the XPA-2 but if it's price is justified by its comparative performance to the LPA-1 I have little doubt it will be nothing less than a more cost effective option to Parasound and the likes. Those Maggies like current too, don't they...