Emotiva xpa 1 monos

On the used market (here, for example) the Cambridge 840W actually usually sells for less :)

I have noticed more of a difference changing preamps other  than amplifiers in my systems.Some things work together and some don't!When I used xpa 1 's with my Thiel 3.7's ,I had a few friends (with  real expensive systems)tell me they couldn't believe the sound I was achieving with the Emos!I cannot have the best of everything,or would I choose  too!I would recommend these amps and say buy the best speakers you can afford!

I've had moments like that as well, but such moments are in isolation from any real comparison.  Dealers sometimes depend on such "wow" moments to sell gear.

I had a 1st gen XAP amp and I thought it was amazing for the price.  But then over time, when swapping in other gear, I discovered weaknesses.  It might be better to not discover these, because if you're not careful you can get on a merry-go-round of continually upgrading.

But for me, sound quality is of utmost priority, and I have the budget to make improvements.  These XPA-3 amps sound great until you compare with better amps, and then you hear the inaccurate bass, the hot highs, the lack of complete imaging.  Not as critical with a home theater, but for music, not so much.  They are built to a price point, just like any other brand, and have compromises to reach those price points. 

I have a Emotiva XPA-2 that I purchased around 4 1/2 year ago, in my collection of Power Amps. I recently hooked it up to my Revel Ultima Studios with the sublime Vincent SA-T8 (with Psvane tubes), after it had sat idle for a couple of years. After it had settled in I was pleasantly surprised. Whilst it lacks the refinement, depth and resolution of the more costly Power Amps, it has an enjoyable "live" sound to it. A little ragged in the midrange, a bit timid in the top end, with a decent "thwack" in the bottom end, put on some raucous Rock 'N' Roll, turn the wick up to 11 and have fun!

Spirialling costs for marginal improvements just doesn't make sense to me anymore!Im going to get the most out of the Xpa-1 monos and have a Coke and a smile!👍