Emotiva has asked me if I would be interested in reviewing the XPA3 DR version (Higher-end model of this amp). I wanted to get you guys feedback before committing because each review takes a lot of my time and I want to make sure it is time well spent.

Funny story about Bob Carver, when he was starting out he went to a McIntosh clinic where young engineers could bring their designs and have them tested. He didn't have money for a enclosure for his amp. He built it in a coffee can, the rep is looking at this "Amp" he was afraid to test it. They asked him what the output was for the amp, 350 watts he said. They finally agreed to hook it up. Sure enough it put out the 350 watts. That became the Phase Linear 700. And the rest is history. Thought you'd enjoy that.

Great review! Really appreciate how you test with different speakers and pre-amps to formulate a fair conclusion. 👏👏👏

I have the XPS from Emotiva and this is the amp that's meant to be paired with it. I think your review just solidified me into getting it

Wow! That was an amazing contrast... with Pre amp and without Pre Amp. Thank you Thomas.

The vocals sounded noticeably smoother with the Freya in the demo footage. Thanks for the review Thomas.

Great video Thomas, finally a company that cares about the customer, and provides a good product, maybe not 40 year good , but 10 year good before service is ok

You are doing better and better, tks Thomas!

Just looked at this video, I've had questions about the emotiva amps , great and comprehensive review it's much appreciated sir🙏🏾🙏🏾💯🔥

Thank you so much for the review of this Emotiva amp along with your well considered comments on amplifiers in general. It was a breath of fresh air compared to many of the reviews out there.

Love my XPA-DR2 gen 3

Great video Thomas. Been looking at Emotiva power amps since I got my hungry Elac Uni-fi UB5

I have had mine for three weeks and I love it. DR-2 that is.

Hey Thomas! Great looking amp, love the aesthetics. Plenty of power, and nice price tag. Love the Star Trek references. I am becoming a really big Emotiva fan. Great bang for the buck. Thanks for another great informative review. Have a great day!

Appreciate your knowledge and honesty. Great review.

I now own the XPA 2 Gen 3 . And i love it next i will be pair it up with tube preamp . Possibly the shciit freya .

Great review, Thomas. It’s surprising how much the Freya seems to improve the overall sound. It just sounds more musical, the vocals seem more pleasant, and when the bass kicks in on that tune, you can hear that it’s become more forward and detailed. Thanks, Thomas! 🎶🔊😁

Thomas, I have 2 of these amps running 4 ohm pushing 4 Rockville 15's and shaking everything off the walls!...LOTS OF POWER

Hi thomas thank you for the review. From what I have read Emotiva's pervious MPS 1or 2 era models were the home theater/mono block power amplifier to purchase with this H Class topography.

I own the XPA-5 and XPA-7 Gen 3's, love the value and what it brings to my system.

I would LOVE to hear your impressions of a Monolith amp now that you’ve reviewed the Emotiva. Good review as always.

I been using emotiva xpa since gen 1 for my home theater they are great.

Great review, Thomas! I love my XPA3 for home theater and two-channel (Denon X3600H Receiver and SMSL SU-8 DAC). Currently using with Elac Unifi UB5s and planning to combine with a Freya+/Bifrost soon.

Really want to get my hands on a Freya, XPA 2 Gen3, and 2 HC-1 Monoblocks. I think either of this setup at under 3k is a great system. I been using my NAD2200 and it has sounded so good for so many years.

Hearing this with high end headphones and upgraded braided silver wire over KZfaq certainly showed much more clarity with a Schiit hand off...

Totally agree with your opinion on high power amps.

I have an XPA-5 Gen 1 since 2012, works great. Emotiva amp gives good bang for your buck in my opinion.

Thomas, much appreciated...thank you

have the emotiva xpa 5 gen 3.... happy with it... got it a few months back.... have it powering my LS50.... preamp is denon avp a1 HD...... so far am satisfied.....

I got the XPA-7 Gen 3......LOVE IT

This review is only the second one that I have watched from you and I really like your delivery which is respectful and honest (there isn't the perfect amp). My first one of your reviews was on a speaker comparison and you made me smile when you outlined different people takes on them. If you haven't already considered by-amping I suggest you try with a tube or hybrid amp, with a volume control, for your high frequencies using tubes known for silky and airy treble like Mullard 6G6G. You could use your best amp for the mid and bottom end and blend it with the tubes for the top end. This might just be the perfect solution for you. Of course you'd need a preamp with 2 sets of outputs and bi-wireable speaker terminals, which I recall you had in that review. Good luck!

Nice review, I received it about 2 weeks ago. Find it to reveal some tonality I haven’t heard in some tracks. Using Yamaha components and several Klipsch Heritage speakers ( so no need for huge power) but I am very pleased with it so far. The higher power does make a difference to me. My 85 watt Yamaha was more than enough but that’s why this is an expensive hobby.. thank you for your time reviewing the Emotiva

With my earbuds I can hear what the freya is doing. Pretty much convinced me to get one.

So glad you mentioned movies. Yes, music is the main reason we get 8nto this hobby, but its not the only reason.

I tested the following in order, for a week each on Magnepan 1.7i: BASX A300 & A5175, the DR2, and a Halo A21+. The A300 was intended for a pair of low Q factor diy sealed subs I designed specifically for use w/ the Maggies but I just had to test it out as a stereo amp first & it was ok but under powered & lifeless w/ these spkrs. The A5175 was really for surround duty and didn't hold up well for 2 channel. Then the DR2 arrived - this was to be THE main stereo amp and it sounded louder, more control, better imaging but lacked mid range details on good recordings. Then I found an open box A21+ for $300 off and when I turned it on I literally stood up - it sounded so sweet and full and lush and detailed & powerful too. I didn't want to like it (or pay for it), I had every intention of returning it after I got to demo it. But 3 seconds after powering on I knew I was keeping it. So the DR2 went back and now I'm very close to another personal dream rig - I still need to choose cabling that will help accentuate the highs & provide a little more detail and sparkle and then I'm done, promise ;) EDIT: I forgot to mention the best Class D amp I've heard has to be from Cherry and it was paired w/ a $3k dac + streamer to a pair of all beryllium Persona B spkrs. Very smooth & articulate.

Thomas, nice review first off. I have the previous model Gen 2 XDA power amplifier and indeed it is a beast in regards to power. It is also considerably heavier than the Gen 3, perhaps 30 pounds heavier. I'm guess it has to do with it's massive toroidal transformer. In any case I really love mine and can use it with either an older Adcom pre-amp tuner or my Emotiva XDA-2 DAC but I am currently using that at my desktop system. Emotiva makes some great gear for those of us with bigger aspirations than bank accounts! Again, nice review!

Awesome overview as always , One thing we share in common is Amps ! And Thomas since i was 13 years old An Amp has always been most important to me over speakers , and since i been reviewing i haven't mentioned this much cause everyone is like speakers are no1 spend 70 percent of your money on speakers ok well if you have a 1k amp and 3k speakers guess what your lucky to get 50-60 percent of the speakers performace , But if you buy a 3k amp and pair it with a 1k speakers guess what your more than likely going to get 80-90 percent of performace out of the speaker, this all being 'On the Average' To me the AMP is the 'foundation' of a system ! Espically now days that speakers on a budget have gotten so dam good ! I mean The gap in performace from a 1k amp compared to a 3k amp is pretty huge in my experiences. The fullness the since of scale What I like to call the 'torque' which is basically a big power supply with good internal audio parts transformer/ Filter caps/driver boards and output stage transitors And My 105 watt Yammy whoops the shit out of my amps that are rated at 100-120-150-165 watts yes amps can have Horsepower which is watts but does it have Torque Power? which to me is a good power supply ! With class A-Ab weight matters ! I truely wish the audio industries had to measure power by the same regulation and have a measurement on that low end grunt power. Thanks Thomas you da Audio-Sensei or da audio Sifu 😆

This is a great review, Thomas...this amp sounds like a great deal and bargain for it's price...but I thought I heard you mention cables in there somewhere...nah...I must be hallucinating...lol. Aesthetically, it's also a very good looking amp. This power amp should satisfy many folks out there!

Thank you I appreciate this review on this amplifier, my friend & neighbor told me about Emotiva. I recently purchased Parqdigm Founder 40b's for 2 channel listening & I absolutely love them. After a month of owning them I realized they need more power. My current power amplifier is a late 70's Hitachi HMA-7500, 75wpc, good but not great. I seriously started looking into a new power amplifier, this was on my list & still is. I am currently selling off my older stuff to help cushion the financial blow of this future purchase. P.S. I did enjoy your review on the VTV Purifi Class D with Tube Input Buffer. That is also a consideration for a amplifier purchase, but I still don't know what the Dampening Factor on it is.

When I got mine I really liked it but I felt like something was missing. I couldn't put my finger on it as the amp is a very good value and a power house. The bass is amazing! It would make my RF7 IIs rock the house and it was more than adequate for the LRSs . Like I say though there was something missing. I think you nailed it, the top end refinement. I am going to add this amp to my home theater, might even get the third channel added (Emotiva will do this.)

I bought a used (ebay) Niles Si-2125 power amp for about $149. It is a low noise, high current, high damping, class A/B old school solid state amp. It is rated at 125 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 200 watts per channel at 4 ohms, and is stable down to 2.8 ohms. In short, it kicks ass and can easily power Magnepans to good effect.

Been enjoying my Denon POA-2400 I picked up for $80, for some years now. More power does sound better.

Thomas emotiva power amps the best bang for the buck even their $400 emotiva bass X a300 it's just a solid performer and I don't even miss my classe A amplifiers😀✌

Thanks Thomas! I feel the same way in regards to A-B watts vs Class D watts. They are different. It's hard to beat high power Class A or A-B.

Yep more power is better. You can hear it in the bass and also when playing a piano. More power behind a note is heard in the piano and is something to experience.

Carver power amps were class H, switching power supply. High power cool running. Pissed off a lot of high end manufacturers. I have a Carver av705x, 125 watts a channel. Plenty to drive my system to levels 110db

The Eotiva is a nice solution for a cheap Bi-Amping Equipment! Since there are 2 Mono-Modules in One Amp, it would provide 4 Mono Modules for under 2,5K, what I call a great price! And if one can manage it to X-over the Signal before the Power-Amp, I would call this a real great Amplification Stage!

I own a Pioneer sc-LX901 receiver (145W/ch) and I bought an EMOTIVA 6 channel XPA amplifier because some 140W/ch receiver onwers praised the Emotiva SPA amp. I had quite high expectations. However, after installing the amplifier and comparing them for more than 2 hours, (both bi-amping Front & center) there was no difference - dynamics, clarity, details, and volume except sound color. The Pioneer is a D3 amp, so it's a little more vivid and bright, and the Emotiva is an AB amp so it's warmer and smoother. Both have great sound. I preferred the D3 amp sound, so I returned the Emotiva.

Thomas, I have this amp, and also the older XPA2 GEN1 MONOBLOCK BOTH POWERING 8 ROCKVILLE 15'S 600 RMS, PYLE 8000 AMP , NAD 388 AMP, AND 2 GTD 8500 HOOKED UP TO A ROCKVILLE 31 BAND EQ, A PIONEER RECEIVER PUSHING 4 KLIPSCH TOWERS, THE GTD AUDIO PUSHING 8 10'S ...AND FINALLY 2 12 IN POWERED KLIPSCH SUBS AND 2 15 IN KLIPSCH POWERED SUBS FOR ....OH MY GOD...WOW! IN MY BASEMENT!!!!))))......P.S,..EVERYTHING UPSTAIRS FALLS OFF THE WALLS AND SHELVES..LOVE IT!))

I have this amp in the 3 Channel version and it's a beast! Have it hooked up to Parasound P6 Preamp, with AudioQuest Mackenzie cable - overall very happy with music and movie performance! 270 watts into 8 ohms for 3 channels - or 300 watts for 2 channel. Also - absolutely imperative, use XLR! I was using WireWorld Luna RCA's, and the sound was polite but when loud gave me ear fatigue - switched to XLR - talk about blowing the roof off! ATTACK - the immediacy and speed was incredible! Thomas - please do a video imploring folks, that if XLR is a choice they can use, they are seriously short changing themselves, on money and listening pleasure if it's not XLR for at least their dedicated 2 channel listening!

Great review! You’re VERY good at this and, believe me, I watch a ton of HiFi reviews. Thank you, Thomas.

For an alternative I’d consider the Outlaw M2220 Monoblocks. ASR forum tested the Outlaw monoblocks and they put out a true 300 watts at full bandwidth at pretty low distortion. Emotiva is a better looking product but the Outlaw monoblocks are similar in power and the cost is similar. I’d love see Thomas test them!

I have a class D amp that drives my Maggie's lt weights a ton! Makes my Maggie's come alive! Even my Definitive Technology Mythos ST's that are very efficient

i have a soundcraftsman 5002 amp its class H with veriportnal head room buffer love it had since 1983

Love this powerAmp. Sharp, detail, expressive. Just missing what Thomas said I agree. Almost like the Rotel RB991 or RB1080. Both with 500 damping factor, uncoloured natural music, much better than Hegel190 400 damping factor costing £2700 vs £900+£600=£1500 200W at 8ohm At 1.2kva , massive Tordial transformers, 4 oversized capicistors and 90.000 microfarads .

Hi Thomas, I've read that Emotiva XPA HC-1 monoblock power amps drive Magnepan speakers very well. If possible I would love to see you do a review on a pair of Emotiva XPA HC-1 monoblocks with Maggie LRS (which you reviewed a while back). Cheers.

Good sounding power amp match with my JBL Studio 590 and Anthem preamp!

This is a Class A/B Amplifier with an intelligent class H power rail system via an SMPS. My XPA-2 Gen 1 I think is better. It uses a Linear Power Supply vs. an SMPS, so you don't need to shove the noise further up stream. The Amplifier output stages are legendary at this point. Used in UPA and XPA and XPR, the XPA-2 Gen 3 has much to owe from these amplifiers. I have a very close relationship with Emotiva. Doesn't hurt I live 45 minutes away from them too. You are spot on on the sound. It sounds like an early Krell. It needs some smoothing from like the Schiit Freya Plus is a great way to go. The Differential Reference will even be better especially the Monoblock as it is truly differential from input to output. Fun to review huh Thomas?

You're right! My prejudice against class D amps is silly. The Mcintosh Ma252 amp driving the Sonus Faber's was the most beautiful sound I ever heard! Plus its McIntosh! their name MEANS quality!

Would love to see you review the DR

I have the dr2 and it’s pretty powerful. Pushes my old huge fishers. Heritage series. They are old and huge. The amp really pushes em to get the most outta them. Replaced and old pioneer with the dr2 I believe it’s 550 wpc

Thomas, great review, thank you. I cannot think of a better contender to test this Emotiva against the Krell 300 Trio XD (trio would give you 3 channels). They are both 300 wats and it would be a clear class H vs Class A (with iBias) test. The big question is, could Krell justify 10K premium.

Just buy the Schiit Freya Preamp first, then get a Amp , the difference even going through my Apple Desktop audio is huge.The Emotiva sounded a bit harsh first.

I am very open minded about new and emerging technologies. I trust reviews....I do not trust ratings. I like your reviews and, I trust your modesty. People know that your giving your opinion from your experiences. We all hear things differently. I think 300 watts is minimum of what you should strive for in an amp....you need to allow headroom for dynamics. However, we do not all have the opportunity to review these products. Even though you, and all of us have different opinions of what we hear, I trust your experience along with your opinion. This is where you are highly valued by your viewers...including me! TY for your professionalism Thomas...you are highly appreciated! Looking forward to your next review...

Great video and voice. Hopefully you got a pop filter by now for in front of the mic 😀

I own it. Love it👍

Great review. I see you had an Adcom. I'm using an old Adcom 7500 5 channel amp. Is it worth it to jump to an Emotiva XPA-5? I'm using an Emotiva pre/pro with old Paradigm Studio 60's V2.

Well I've been waiting on this review because I've had my XPA for about 2 months now but I also have the A-300 and I kept the A-300 because for $400 its worth keeping if you hear it its only a 150 watts to where the XPA is 300 watts and I've only been able to try 2 different speakers with both of these amps witch is my McIntosh LS350 and my JBL s310 and to be honest they both sounded great with both amps I think emotiva is a Decent company and the price is perfect!! Just my 2 cents.... Thomas Great video as usual.. I'm glad I decided on Emotiva it's a pretty good amp for the price I only use my amps for 2 channel....

Hey Thomas. I just started my "hifi" and hometheater journey. I just bought my first speakers Kef 950. I really started to appreciate music like never before. Now i found my self eager to buy second system for only music listening. And i find myself fantasize about buchardt s400. Problem is that i really do not know what kind of amplifier i shoud consider with that. I have 3 different option that i can find in my nearby dealers or order from internet. 1. Xtz edge (2 pieces or 3 pieces for hometheater use also) 2. Emotiva xpa-3 gen2 (whitch i can use also in my hometheater setup) and 3. Yamaha r-n803d (plus side is that this one "has it all" for easy use) can you give me your opinion whitch i should buy or can you recomend something decent with the s400s?

Hi Thomas, I would like to suggest a review of the Emotiva XPA HC-1 mono blocks with the Schiit Freya as the Pre-Amp. Pairing it with some Maggies for the review would be awesome and maybe a pair of Zulu Omen

Thomas, how u like the Classe CA-D200? i have the Parasound A21 amp and wondering it there would be a decent step up or not.

Any chance you can review some newer Technics stuff? I.e Technics Sug700 intergrated amp? Only one review of it that ive seen. Great vid.. Thanks!

Powerrrrrrr💪💪💪

Nice looking Sonus Faber toy bookshelves....

My question surrounds the Emotiva XPA HC-1's pairing with Magnepan's and the Schiit Freya+. I currently have a factory fully refurbished MG-1c's (MMG's prior as my first purchase into this world) and will be looking in the near future purchase of the LRS+ and hopefully at some point, release date TBD, the Magnepan UBS. Fingers crossed, based on the reviews Magnepan will release the UBS. What are your thoughts and suggestions. I'm a new subscriber and have enjoyed listening to your reviews and commentary. Thank you

Not all class Ds have a dip in the mid-range. My EVS 1200 (dual IceEdge 1200AS modules) with lots of mods. It's one of the very best amps I have ever owned

Thomas I am in love with Hypex nCore. Would hope if you can review power amps made with Hypex nCore OEM modules and let us know your judgement

Thomas, great video.. made me wonder about "high power amps"... for two channel music listening only using a Freya as a preamp, what other stereo amp would you recommend at the same price-point or even next pricepoint that would get one close to the bucket list you described?

Hey Thomas great video. I haven't been keeping up to date but have you discovered a speaker you think you will keep as a end game speaker or at least longer then a year or two?

Myself I’m getting the 11channel Emotiva AMP

Hi Thomas, thanks for the great review. Would you recommend XPA-3 (3 channel) for home theatre? I mostly watch movies. I didn’t get if you said it is a good amp for movies! :)

Hi Thomas! I have a question.. Some while ago you wrote or you even responded to me, that you should not turn off a (Class C) amplifier, but leave it 24/7.. I am doing this now for over 2 years, power draw in standby is only 4 Watts, and everything is fine.. Now someone contacted me and asked me about the quality and that many have problems after a few months. So could it be possible that if you turn active speakers off and on multible times a day, that this can cause problems? VS.. just leaving it on? Thanx in advance..

I have RPA-16s from Rockville.. Very happy for $400 each! Class H.. Clean, to me... as the critics say no.. 1.4K per side..@ 4ohms..I'd say a mix of Class H, AB and D is the best with suitable speakers.. I prefer Class H if I only had 1 choice.. Maybe class A for a very fine HEAD amp. or pre-amp for a H class or a good D class amp.??

Thomas, please review the DR-2 or 3. Many of us are quite curious if the added cost is worth it over the regular XPA-2 and 3 and also if it compares favorably to amps in that higher price range.

Let me just say this first. I don't know anything about good/superior speakers and amp. Back in 2012, I brought Martin Login Vista and Stage for my theater room because they look beautiful. :-) Yes, I brought them for the look. I tested with my father-in-law's audio research vt60(tube) and adcom 545II and they sound like tiny computer speakers. I brought Emotiva XPA3 and that setup has been in my theater ever since. This combo has been working out for me. As I said, I don't know much about speaker gears. If anyone has a good Amp recommendation for my speakers, please please let me know. TIA

I think the harshness on the top end that you are hearing in the Emotiva is distortion.

Hi, I am new to the separates and have a question it might sound stupid and I'm sorry if it does 🙄I have denon 3311ci receiver and it does sounds very good and functions 100% still today. I wanted to get new 8k 4700h and catch up with the newest technology. But then I start to thinking about separates for extra power because recently I bought pair of b&W 606 anniversary speakers and seems like 3311ci won't sent enough power to them in low volumes.(money wise I have to do either 3311ci and emotiva combo or 4700h by itself) Then I discovered emotiva brand. It sounded like more power for less money. But then I heard about harshness and its a deal breaker for me. In the comments people says less harsh with Freya ( I guess it's a sound processor) so before Freya what was the source that made amplifier sound harsh? When I use it with 3311ci what is music going to sound like? Like denon or Emotiva or both? In the future can i add tube pre Amp and dac to denon and emottiva combo. Or using emotiva with different kind or brand audio receiver will effect or change sound of emotiva? Thank you very much in advance.

The only reason why I started going towards class D amps is that they typically run cool. Some of my AB amps are like running a space heater. I've still not heard a class D that sounds as good as an AB within given similar price range, but they are getting good and apparently very popular, since most of the good ones under 3K, seem sold out much of the time. Also, the class D can be constructed in a small box and not need to waste a lot of internal space. It is nice that Emotiva and similar offering make it possible to take a big step up from AV receivers without a big price jump, except when you go to get an AV preamp/processor, you're out more than 3K for just the processor. This never made much sense to me since a decent AV receiver capable of decoding all the Atmos, dts, etc. formats can be had around 1K, but the same processor chips in an external unit causes the price to jump 3 fold, with no amp section.

Seems to me high power only really matters depending on the speaker. My LS50's are happy on both my Hegel H90 and 190, my Spendors are the same, but my Monitor Audios transformed in a way I didn't expect. The sound of my other speakers did improve but the Monitor Audios transformed dramatically and the only reason I can think of is they are 4 ohm. Maybe in order to reach their potential, they need a beefier power supply.

Hi Thomas: I'm looking at Emotiva HC 1(2) or 1 DR2 VS. Something from Parasound. maybe a 2350, or Halo a21+ of course the Halo is more but I can use the XLR's on my oppo. Your thoughts on the best sound quality please. Thank you.

Why watts are different is because of the ratio of how much of it is current and voltage. You can get a 100 watts tube amp using KT tubes and still will not get the drive-ability of 50 watts solid state amps, because most of it's watts are high voltages. Same with different classes and designs of solid state amps. Also the output impedance play a major role on the bass quality. An example of high current amps that have no problem driving 2 Ohm loads are the Halo line of Parasound amps. Those people test their amps to close to 1 Ohm loads lol. The high current amps have no problem delivering the juice.

I still trouble deciding these PS Audio M700 (is not a modular design and has a toroidal) or Emotiva XPA-DR2 (Is a modular design doesn't have a toroidal) Help?

Firstwatt F7 here. 20watts of smooth, dynamic, higher resolution class A. Thomas grab one for a listen, pair with some high sensitivity horns and enjoy.

great video. this amp being on the brighter side i m really hesitating cause i have focal aria 936, 906 and cc900 for my HC. any recommandation ?

Hey Thomas , Great review. But Man you make me want to get , the Mcintosh mc462 amp I have the MA8900 int. amp. its Dangerous to watch your videos Lol .

I just got mine. It's replacing a class D audio SDS-470C with enhanced power supply. The difference? The XPA has a cleaner, more extended treble, and a more neutral character. pair with a great DAC and pre-amp, it's got no weaknesses. The class H power supply is a back saver. Instead of 75-90lbs, it's 35lbs.

Hey Thomas, how does this stack up to an entry level Hegel/Moon/Naim (H90/240/5si) integrated? I know those do not have close to the rated wattage but those twice the price of these Emotivas. Would be interested to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

Sean should make photo frame of that ... secrets talking style.....

Thomas, what would you say is typically more impactful on the color of music... the power amp or the pre amp? Meaning, as a beginner if I am looking to explore different colors should I focus on changing pre amps or power amps? What piece typically has more character?

As always great review Thomas, many thanks. Professional, down to earth and, most importantly, honest. as far as 'high power sound better' theory I also heard about it from friends. As far as I know it's best to have an amp with both high power and high current which is not easy to find. A lot of friends say that the high current is the most important as bass is created out of current (and not power) and that high current=full sound at low volumes (full bass/sound at low volumes is very important to me). They also say that if the speaker has difficult impedance then I will need high current amp. Then there are other friends who claim that high power from an amp is a must with low sensitivity speakers as only with such an amp they will perform well. My knowledge was that simply a low sensitivity speaker will be quieter at the same power so all one needs to do is put the amp at higher power (just turn the volume knob clockwise) BUT.....I have an uncle who once told me that at home, at normal listening levels I will stay under 1W of power and almost all of my listening won't go above 10W of power with 20-30W of power almost impossible to reach at home. So I knew this and I keep asking my friends (those who claim that high power amps sound better) how is possible these amps sound better when one never is able to use 300W of power and rarely go above 10W in a home environment. Up until today no one offered an explanation of this phenomenon. What a mystery.... The other thing is that I heard that powerful amps (250-300W and over) don't perform well on low volumes and need/like to be put to work to really shine. Also Thomas, in the review of Crown XLS you said when you moved from XPA-2 to the Crown, the Crown seemed straight away lively and injecting adrenaline into the speakers. Among other things you said that the Crown has amazing bass. Well, considering all this....which amp would be better for electronic music I listen to? I am after amazing and jaw-dropping bass, wow-factory presentation and biggest scale of sound possible - yeah, I know....not really an 'audiophile' presentation but I am not an audiophile and I don't listen to ambitious acoustic music like jazz/blues/soul. I want greatest Wow-factor on my and my guests. Emotiva or Crown? Many thanks Thomas ps. My speakers are very low impedance Mirage M3-si and are said (supposedly) to start to sound amazing when fed by an amp with minimum 200-300W of power