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I was a representative for Parasound and many other well known brands for years. Sold the multiple Parasound amps years ago and replaced them with an Emotiva XPA-5 Gen 2 of equal wattage for my Paradigm Reference Studio V5 towers and home theater setup. This was an immediate upgrade in trerms of dynamics, low volume sounding more fleshed out and never any hint of strain while sounding better than any previous cable/source upgrades I had tried over the years. Like Andrew I was lucky enough to be in the biz and was sent multiple products to evaluate and/or demonstrate including exotic car priced components. Emotiva is a well designed, built and fantastic sounding amplifier for both my 2 channel music listening and home theater needs without breaking the bank. Love your videos and it helps me keep up with what's new these days. Thanks to you both and keep telling the truth!

Have an older Emotiva BASX 5175 (125 WPC x 5) and I'm absolutely impressed with the amp. Sounds beautiful, gobs of power, absolutely silent and no matter how hard you push, it never gets hot.

Been considering Emotiva monoblocks for the past few years. You sold me! Thank you Andrew! Seperates all the way - for serious listening. Casual listening - it doesn't matter.

I bought a pair of Emotiva XPA HC-1 monoblocks to drive my Magnepan 1.7 speakers. I agree 100% with this reviewer, Emotiva delivered clean, uncontaminated power to my Maggies at all volumes, tremendous sound stage and imaging, transparent vocal and instrument separation, and excellent linearity. One thing you'll notice right away is how grippy the sound is with 600 watts of high current power. For the price, I think this Emotiva is an amazing bargain, especially for hard to drive speakers like Magnepan.

I'm so happy somebody accurately reviewed the HC1. I absolutely LOVE mine. My living room is huge and the HC1s pushing my Ulfberhts absolutely fills the room with sound.

Great review! You really damaged some people's egos in the comments with the truth 🤣🤣🤣. Some people can't handle other people getting the same exact performance for a fraction of the cost. Keep it up. You're helping bring the cost of audio down and we appreciate it. These companies watch, I know it.

I love my new Polk Audio Legend L600s powered by the Emotiva DR2. At 4 ohms there is 800 wpc on tap. I also have the Polk Audio L400 center channel powered by the Emotiva DR1 monoblock and at 4 ohms it has 1000 watts on tap. This is the most impressive system that I have ever owned now that I am retired and spend a lot of time listening to music.

That was one of the best reviews/explanation of power that i think i've ever heard. Thank you,

Hey Andrew, thanks for putting this out there... I went and bought a pair! even though I only recently bought the Denafrips Thallo (120w into 8ohms) HOLY TOLEDO BATMAN!! what a difference mono blocks make. I was worried that there may not be much of a change in sound quality, considering the excellent sound from the Thallo. The Emotiva blocks woke up my PMC speakers, separation, sound stage size, clarity, details & BASS are all improved. I guess that's why we see mono blocks in high end systems at Hifi shows. Now I need to sell the Thallo, I know you mentioned you prefer the simplicity of Intergrated amps (I understand I'm a designer) but I don't think I can give up how powerful Mono blocks control sound...

I just love Polk audio and emotiva , I can have amazing sound for not an insane amount of money! I'm very grateful . Have a great day, !

I am an Emotiva xpa-9 g3 5-2s owner. I love it, you described so much about why I love my amp. thanks, look forward to more!

I really enjoyed this review, the analogy of torque versus horsepower in regards to amplification was spot on. I am a supporter of separate components. I recently made the switch from a Marantz SR18 reciever to Nad C162 preamp and C272 power amp combination. A coworker heard the system fell in love and had to have it, so I sold it to her. I am now running a Primare Pre30 preamp and A32 power amp which raised the power from 150 watts to 250 per channel. The added power was instantly noticeable, so much dynamics and effortless finesse. The preamp gave me the ability to gain match each input no matter what kind of components were being used.

I haven't heard it, but I bet the Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3 may be the sweet spot here. A few hundred $ cheaper than the monoblocks and still loads of power.

Best explanation about power and not needing to really hit a speaker with it to get the most from a speaker. I have for decades felt the same way. As you've said a quality amp although powerful does need the volume control maxed out to get the speakers to "sing". Point well made and a reason to get a powerful amp and yet not use it to bring down the house!

I really appreciate the manner you conduct your reviews Andrew with articulation and thorough information for viewers and I also appreciate how you bring Kristi in and allow Kristi to share another perspective respectively and patiently allow another sharing of valued input. I prefer the integrated amps as well. Hope to see a review on the Polk Reserve Series R700 Floorstanding tower speaker.

Hello, love to see these videos of other guys rooms as I’m building a very humble room myself. Keep them coming.

Mr Robinson, great review, have always liked and eyeballed the concept of the Emotiva mono amplifiers smaller and larger ones . Currently just picked a gently used Emotiva PT 100 preamp/ tuner. Youve solidified some things for my consideration of the Emotiva mono blocks. Enjoyed this review, it was thorough in showing people what more powerful amps truly mean and it’s not just loudness or more frequency exaggeration but quality and realism! 💯💯🙏🏾 much appreciation to you

capacity to provide instantaneous current is a HUGE demand. This is what tests amplifiers and fits your analogy of torque from a motor. It is relevant. The topology of power supply and the storage for current provision is what I think too many amplifiers compromise for reduced cost or to fit a constrained space.

Quality Power = Better Control, absolutely! And a big thumbs up to Kristi's contributions to this review. I have preferred and enjoyed separate power since I purchased a Carver C-11/TFM-15 set in the early 90s. Many formats and sources have come and gone, but the TFM-15 (refreshed) remains an active part of my listening.

This was one of your better topic videos this year. Enjoyed much and learned stuff :)

Great review. I've been thinking about these HC-1s and now I'm totally sold. Thanks.

Finally someone reviews these. Thank you sir. I'm on to Parasound now, but these deserve a look.

I just connected an Emotiva 5 channel XPA to my Polk R700’s and could not believe an AMP could improve a top Yamaha receiver’s performance as it did….its a new world, i hear sounds i never heard before & if you like bass, well…..amazing!!!

One of the best uses of a separate amp is with an AV receiver for the two front channels when the AV receiver has pre outs.

Another great review, although I’m 4 month’s tardy in watching! Loved your explanation of an amps power analogy to torque in a motor. About six months ago I went from and integrated receiver to separates. Upped the power to 160 wax from 50. Was a little worried that I might damage my vintage JBL L100 century classics (circa 1976) but am now a lot more secure given your explanation. Thanks to you and Kristi for doing what you do, bringing some clarity and solid advice into the world of highly individualized tastes (and biases lol)

Great video! I was strongly considering buying an amp from the Parasound Halo line but after watching this i definitely need to look more closely at Emotiva. Your comparisons and break downs of quality are very helpful.

Always been an integrated due to less clutter. Love your reviews and your layout. Thank You!

More Power Scotty, I need more Power! Great review.

Hi Andrew. I have the Emotiva XPA GEN 3 Modular Power Amplifier with just the 2 basic channels. I bought this amplifier as a replacement to my Rotel RB-1582MK 11 stereo power amplifier in case it "kicks the bucket". The Rotel has a slightly "warm" sound which complements the LS50 Metas. The Emotiva sound neutral. The Preamp i am using with both power amps is a Goldmund tube line level preamp designed after the famous Marantz 7. It is important to note that you can damage a loudspeaker with less power than with more. Preamps that are separate from power amps tend to degrade the source signal less than integrated amplifiers which share some of the components.

Great review, Andrew! I'm glad you covered the subject of the advantages of having large amounts of power on tap, especially for more difficult to drive loudspeakers like the Paradigm Reserve Series. This gives you the flexibility of experimenting with some of the more exotic loudspeaker designs out there, such as the Wilson Watts and be able to be assured that those designs won't be deprived of sufficient power reserves.

Well I have something to say.... Got a pair of these, actually took me awhile to try them, and once I did well they were simply not my cup of tea.... Disconnected them and life went on... Lately I started to get more new equipment that forced me to go all balanced in and out....and I really liked the results...so I've been going through all my equipment that as balanced inputs... Totally forgot that these do that...one day I gave them a try and omg! Its like a different amp! Today these are one of my favorite amps! So happy that I didn't return them! Probably one of the best deals today! Just my 2 Satoshis... Can't recommend enough.

Great comment at the end of the video. I'm running 98 db sensitivity speakers with 575 watt mono blocks. I have hit 103 db at -30 db on the dial during cercendowes. At -40 db on the dial I'm around 80 to 85 db. Just effortless sound

My preference is integrated amp. Your analogy to engine torque vs amp reserve power is easily understood and spot on. great presentation.thanks

Seriously... your reviews are great. When your looking for the perfect sound... $ is not the driving force.. performance is.

I think that when you and Kristi did your final thoughts at the end will be very helpful to a lot of people. I believe the subject of high sensitive speakers isn't talked about enough..that high sensitive speakers aren't reviewed enough. Or maybe there just aren't many being made anymore..I don't know if that's true or not but I very rarely, if ever, hear about them. Everything new these days in an affordable range is low ohm low sensitivity, needing more power. I love the idea and look of integrated amplifiers, but due to my speakers dipping into the high 3 ohm's along with their 86db sensitivity rating I have to use that external or "separate" amplifier to get them to their full potential. Great review by the way 👍

I’ve always liked Emotiva. I’m definitely going to use one of their amps for my Atmos setup. Great review as always!

You ask for comments about separates or integrated. I am 67 and back in the 70's I loved my separates, and I loved my Klipsch Corner Horns for fronts and my Klipsch La Scala’s for rears, yes this was the era of 4-channel surround systems. I loved the Klipsch so much that I brought them with me to Germany when I was in the Army and everywhere I went for the next 20 plus years. However, in the 90s I went back to 2-channel quality sound buying my first integrated the Yamaha DSP A1, I fell in love, it had it all. No, I don't believe you have to spend more than $3500 for an integrated, there is a clear point of diminishing returns. In the 2005 timeframe, I sold my Klipsch speakers and I will forever regret it. I also sold my Technics SL-1000MKII SP-10MK2 Direct Drive Turntable EPA-100, SP-10 MK2, and SH-10E, also regretting it. So, I left the audio world behind for sixteen years, for many reasons, however, I always felt my life was lacking as a result, music is so therapeutic. Finally, when I retired I was thinking about trying to build another system. Two of my sons and I took on a project building a 450 pound folded horn enclosure modelling after the Klipsch, in the form factor of a large coffee table using two 12” dual voice coil subs powered by a 1200 watt Yamaha Power Amp with a DBX Sub Synthesizer, which I connected wirelessly using Martin Logan 2.4Mhz transceiver connected to my old, yes my faithful Yamaha DSP A1, my speakers are polar opposite to the Klipsch as I got a deal on a pair of Martin Logan ESL Impression 11A speakers, at 4ohms I was getting 180 per channel. I needed it even though the speakers are actively powered with 250 watts internal amps. I can't tell you how balanced and totally quiet my system sounds in terms of distortion, but the subs are never set above 3, and it is amazing, I can go into all the typical audiophile speak here, but I won't bore you, let's just say I have not heard anything that delivers quality music like this unless you are spending six figures and I still think you would be hard-pressed. I did start thinking, as most do, is there anything I am missing, I pondered this question for the next year and then I went out and purchased a midrange DEVIALET integrated, and while I love so much about this unit for all the right reasons, I go back to my Yamaha DSP A1 every time, so the DEVIALET was relegated to my bedroom system. I know you must be thinking he is crazy, but you have to sit and listen, it will blow you away. Oh and yes I finally got a deal on another Technics SL-1000MKII SP-10MK2 Direct Drive Turntable EPA-100, SP-10 MK2, SH-10E, I had it upgraded with all the recommended board-level comments and had it serviced. Between the vinyl and WIFI streaming from various quality sources, my music experience is pure happiness. Oh yes, I also added the Jasmine Audio LP2.5DU MM/MC Phono Preamplifier, a great MC cartridge and cables, not a crazy expensive one as I think it gets ridiculous quickly. Yes, the Yamaha DSP A1 is untouchable at the eBay price of around $400, if a 2-channel system is all you want you just can’t beat it. But to be very honest my setup would not be so exciting if not for the folded horn loaded sub my sons and I built, I wish you could hear it. Even though my integrated is missing the HDMI inputs, I have no problems re-creating great blue-ray Home Theater quality movie experiences with this system. My simple conclusion is don’t get sucked into the marketing hype, there is only what is in the original signal to be reproduced, period, anything else added is at your own risk. A few examples are cables, speakers spikes and component vibration Isolation devices, so much here is total nonsense. Listening experience: BEYOND WHAT I HAVE ALREADY SAID When I switch between sources or tracks and my system levels on the DSP A1 is 70% and the Sub amp is 27%, I can hear a pin drop there, is zero distortion/noise, that’s my ultimate litmus test. When I had my Klipsch speakers I used a DB meter and I can attest to a listening level above 105db, now it's more about quality sound stage presence, and imaging. My music tastes are eclectic, when I listen to pentatonic, I am smiling or Jazz and classical the same is true, even with Led Zeppelin, I am more than satisfied, any questions I think I have were in my own head.

What an excellent discussion of amps!

I would absolutely love to get a new video explaining amplification as it would majorly help with my job. Being able to explain why more amplification is better with realistic examples like you gave can really help a customer make a better purchase. It would go a long way to include the differences on classes of amplifiers as well!

In 2003 i was switching to a home theater system, i sold my Adcom GFA5500 to my cousin, couldn't afford to add the GFA5500 3 which was over $1200. Looked on Ebay, found a Carver AV 705x amplifier, looked up reviews and liked what I saw. For $450 i got this beast of an amp 45lbs. When I hooked it up, one channel was out. Contacted the seller who offered me a full refund or would send it to be repaired at a Carver authorized repair and would pay for it. 3 weeks later I got it back and all I could say was WOW. That amplifier is still powering my Infinity Interlude suite of speakers IL 50s, IL 10s and IL25C. It's quiet, runs cool and drives my speakers to theater and concert levels without breaking a sweat. Only upgrade was the Preamp from a Rotel to a newer Marantz and the sound has only gotten better.

I've had my Emotiva XPA5 and my RPA2 for about 7 years now. They've been rock solid, and honestly as heavy as a rock too. No complaints with them at all. They even heat the room in the winter too :) My Kef towers have no issue playing clearly much louder than I'd ever want to listen at. The amps seem to be built like tanks, I'd buy from Emotiva again....if I wanted the A/B design. The Crown XLS are intriguing though.

Also, big thanks for your video last year about your pioneer sx 780 upgrade from Just Audio. Their channel is awesome, and just wanted to thank you for making me aware.

Yoooooo .... I really like this system you have set up here. Great choices!!!

Nice review as always,it would be nicer if you make a review, about the xpa dr3))!!

The way you explained it Andrew, it made me realize I'm good without an amp, and others might benefit with one. Thank you both for all your honest and great reviews.

Separates for me all the way !!!! Tons of headroom is a wonderful thing. Have a great week Andrew & Kristi. 🤘🤘🤘🤘

Awesome video... honesty... open window... fresh air. Emotiva makes great stuff! Basx TA1 stereo integrated... is a Killer at $550. They do lack bells and features... no HD tuner, no built in usb, no media skills. But crazy clean power at blue collar price.

(in lil Jon's voice) Whaaaaaaaat???!!! Andrew, 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 not only did we get a power amp review but a mono block power amp 👍🏽👊🏽 thank you Sir. So the question is will this be the only one this year or will we see the newer Outlaw 2200 mono block? Btw it's as slim as an old school fm tuner 😉

Simplicity of an integrated amplifier for sure. As always I enjoyed the review guys.

Great videos! Useful content. Great personality. Helpful, relevant comparisons. I was on the fence about the Emotiva HC1 monoblocks. Your video helped me decide to get them! Keep up the great work!

I enjoyed this video so much, I watched it twice... on the trot 😁 I think it was that torque analogy that done it for me.

Hello Andrew, I’ve been a big fan for a few years now and thanks to you I’ve been on an amazing journey with new audio gear and experiences. This channel has exposed me to so much and I’m truly thankful. I do however have one small request which I think 90% of your audience would really enjoy. Do you think you can share links to your tidal or Spotify playlists that you use to either test new speakers or just enjoy new gear. I find myself pausing your videos and then going to look for the mentioned song on a streaming service and I just wish we had access to all of them on one place. Sorry if I sound like a needy viewer. Thanks again for all your hard work!

Best a/v reviewer on youtube by a light year

i completely agree about polk speakers being hungry for power . they are like a super fit athlete that NEEDS a minimum amount of calories in order to perform at their optimum level . when i had my SDAs back in the eighties the salesman explained the same thing, that those speakers need premium high octane fuel to sound good so he recommended the carver magnetic field amp which did the trick .

Just started this review/ video. So prior to completing my viewing of your: I am looking for more power. However, I want my whole system to be a musically forgiving system, which plays well recorded music; but allows for musical enjoyment of all the not-so-well recorded music I love so much.

Like the "one Machine" approach. Order for a NAD C399 with BluOS Modul is placed 😉

Thanks for the review! I appreciated the power metaphor, too. Emotiva is a brand I've been looking at for a while so your opinions were welcome :)

Like many, one system does all, multi channel video and two channel music. I use a 3 channel amp for my LCR's. Your discussion comparing amp power to vehicle torque was appropriate. The Denon x3600h i have is rated at 105 watts for each channel. I now use an Adcom 6300 amplifier to drive the LCR's and the Denon x3600h reciever to power the surrounds. The Adcom is rated 100 watts x 3 60 watts x 2. Adding the 100 watt Adcom greatly improved the listening experience. Tighter better detail, dynamics and bass.

My dad always had good audio equipment, built his own speakers, and so I was exposed to "hi-fi" at a young age and have always appreciated it. I worked my way up from the typical Cerwin-Vega/Pioneer SX-xxx (went through several), Dual turntable in college through several system iterations until the separates I have now. I actually have an Emotiva XPA-7 which replaced a Carver 5 channel a while back. I'm an old school, separates guy. I do agree about your "power is torque" comparison. Although I have a set of Klipsch Heresy's running off the Emotiva's now, I got my JBL L96's back last year after my dad passed. (I gave them to him when CRT TV's were the norm and the magnets played havoc with the picture.) The woofers had been re-coned a few years ago, and after I got them back from Just Audio, who replaced the twist-lock speaker binding posts with 5 ways, sweet cheese louise! I actually prefer them to the Heresy's and the Miller and Kreisel (MK) 125's I also have. The power makes all the difference. (Your automotive comparison reminded me of Top Gear. POWER!) Nice review of a kind of boring topic.

I recently purchased a recently refurbished Vintage Luxman L-430 amplifier. It has 0.015% THD, 110dB S/N ratio and delivers more than 105watts into 8 ohms. It's the most neutral amp I have ever heard and will do me for the foreseeable future.

I bought the Emotiva BasX PT1 pre-amp and BasX A2 amp (175 wpc) and they brought wonder to my speakers. And the combo was less than $1,000. I am sold on these guys and happy that they are American owned as well. Good review, Andrew and Kristi!

I have recently added separates to both of my systems and it's remarkable how more dynamic the sound difference is. I was always a receiver is just as good don't believe the hype, but my speakers and ears bed to differ!!

Agree with your comments on clean power. I run a Musical Fidelity M6 500i integrated, 500w per channel dual monos in a single cabinet. Life is about compromises. This amp will drive anything cleanly and negates need for seperate interconnects etc. I'm satisfied and that's what matters. Keep up the great work.

This review comes at a great time for me. Thanks

I get it, reviewing power amps aren't sexy but for those with A.V.P.'s or power hungry speakers we need to know your opinion ! It's so good to see you doing them until of course powered speakers with DSP become more mainstream. Thx dude 👍🏼

Kristi's so funny! LOL "2 minutes"..... Ive been a fan of integrateds since Symphonic Line's RG9 when I walked into a high performance shop here in Kansas City. Of course, NAD "little bugger" 3020 was more accessible and I had one way back when.

Hello Andrew, it is amazing how much I have learned from you.. I thank you Sir 🙏🙏 - a new subscriber here.

There is an event coming up in July called MWAVE (Midwest AV Experience) were we get to blind audition different amps and receivers against each other and see what listeners like. It’ll be interesting as we get o compare some flagship systems and some very budget systems. Come on out to KS and join us!

I recently bought an audio power amp for sonar work. Dual channel job at 425W RMS per channel, usually used for audio reinforcement work. The look of the amp is fairly pedestrian however the performance was pretty good. It's a class AB job. Given that you talk about budget amps, this one came in at about $360 AUD from memory. You may want to consider looking at the gx3 by QSC. If you look outside the hi end jungle of audio, and don't judge a book by its cover, you may find some surprises.

Excellent review! Im using my sr8015 with monolith x7 and just like you said felt it in lower volumes too. More power is always better imo

great review Andrew! 👏🙌 I definitely prefer separate modules, especially when it comes to power amps

Those white polks look fire 🔥

I look forward to seeing you review some Rega amps. 🤞🏽

Thanks for your work 🙏 I recently got a Topping Pre-90 to pair up to my Crown XLS-1002 and - using XLR cables - the "hiss" I used to know is completely gone!

Im integrated all the way....I like the emotiva basx5

Hello Andrew, Thank You for this review of the HC-1. I bought a pair of these last year to pair with my new Magnepan LRS, I absolutely Love the combination. I also scored a couple Schiit Vidars which I switch back and forth between the LRS and some Vintage 1986 Klipsch La Scalas, but I digress. You asked the question, Separates or Integrated/Receivers. I'm probably a bit older and a product of the 70's Receiver Wars. When I graduated High School in 1974 I was set on obtaining a Marantz or Pioneer Receiver or Integrated Amp. I joined The US Military to jump start my spending career on Audio equipment. In 1977 I found myself in Okinawa Japan, where actual Separates were a fraction of US prices and not costing much more than Receivers of the day, that were very inexpensive in Japan as well. The base I was stationed at even had an Audio Hobby Shop where you could audition all kinds of audio equipment. I dedicated the entire year of 1978 to auditioning Amps, Pre-Amps, Integrated Amps, and Receivers, not to mention Speakers. Of course I choose a speaker First, The Pioneer HPM 150. I then figured out what equipment made my speakers sound THE BEST!!! Hands Down it was The Separates that Won The Day. I chose The Pioneer Spec 1&4 Pre-Amp/Amp combination, 150 Watts/Channel@ 8 Ohms. Unheard of Power for this era. I feel you were Spot-On with your Torque Analogy, this is Exactly why I choose Separates in 1978. The Dynamic Range of the Spec 4 was just Effortless at Any Sound Level, it was just so obvious to me back then. I've stayed in this Camp Ever Since, 40 Plus Years and counting. Pioneer to Soundcraftsmen to Carver to Adcom to Emotiva and Schiit Audio. You Gotta Love Separates! D. Scott Houston, Texas

While there are a few other useful audio review channels, only Andrew looks polished and cogent, making the rest look like absolute unprofessional peasants. Truly a cut above and much appreciated in this me too mundane world.

It is rare that you can still find quality and price, but Emotiva is doing it. I love the amp I purchased from them (after Andrew spoke about the Base X series) to drive four speakers with my Marantz A/V receiver. Quite pleased, it's great. I also purchased a sub and it likewise is great. I am one who sings their praises.

Love the price (generally) and fewer cables with an integrated, but much prefer the performance (again; generally), flexibility and actual ease of placement of separates. Great review as I’m considering going to separates for the first time. Thinking a second hand tube pre such the entry level VTL with these Emotiva’s might be interesting and not render me destitute in the process. Cheers!

Time to review Emotivas line of AV recievers esp the top of the line. Tks for all you two do

Thnx again for the wonderful review, always enjoy the thought’s u both have in the wide variety of gear👌🏼, I was hoping that you guys were going to do a review of Monoblocks someday…what are your thoughts of the Emotiva DR-1 Monoblocks? Would the Differential Balance Mono be a night & day difference to the HC-1?

Man Andrew why do you always gotta tease us with these unreviewed speakers in the background!? Anxiously waiting for your thoughts on the Polk R700.

I love my outlaws Model 2220, I just wished it had a little more power. I finally went all seprates with my new setup., LG C1 77 paired with a Marantz 7706 3 model 2220 one model 7000x and a 5000. I have old package subwoofers for 2003 two Polk audio PSW 505 and on 404. Thinking about 2 18" Dayton ultimax with two Crown LSI 2500 in momo to both sub. You and Kristy keep up the great work. Thanks again.

Great video! No doubt you guys are a awesome couple.

Great review, thank you Andrew & Kristi for the entertainment. Kristi's comments sound exactly like what my wife would say, essentially... why are we still talking about this. My experience with Emotiva was their A800, on my speakers it was way too noisy. I thought for a moment about upgrading to their XPS line to solve it, but after a call to Emotiva, where they offered to evaluate it under warranty, and if they found nothing wrong I'd pay shipping - cheched the spec's, decided it was probably just designed noisy and sold it. Replaced with ATI 6012 and noise-floor problem solved. I still have the ATI, but these days, I use a stereo pair of Hypex FA-123 (active crossover, DSP, and power) DIY Linkwitz LXmini and stereo pair of Phoenix(alt) open-baffle subwoofers - FA-123's power everything including the subs. The FA's have even lower noise floor than ATI - ear on the driver totally black background.

I play my ml esl xs on these and it sounds fantastic. Even on stats they don’t struggle, and as you say they are transparent which is what you want with critical listening on stats. Love the review, agree with you.

That was great. Practicality is key. Dope!

Torque would equal headroom for dynamics and lower distortion. A definite need in any and all film soundtracks and especially in music.

Good Review. Perhaps you can do a review on their DR 2 Ch and XPA2 Gen 3 amps. Not forgetting review on JL Audio SUBs D110, E110, Fathom Series.

Thanks for the review.

I dreamed that I saw a young Andrew in an Emotiva educational video... I woke and ordered this... Emotiva Amp XPA-DR1 pair, and Emotiva-DAC, XDA-3 Differential Reference. 🙏

I love the way you talk in the video and your dynamic with your wife is very charming. I have a question, what mic are you using to record your voice when speaking

We're a Sears-Roebuck suit and some pomade away from Ward Cleaver, and yet "Freak on a Leash." Totally surreal.

I never had separates but, because of the room needed, especially for mono blocks units, I stick to integrated amps and vintage receivers, as in my modest vinyl corner where my original SX550, bought after your take on the 450, is now being replaced by a SX780.

I like integrated for a desktop system and separates for everything else. My desktop setup is a Pro-Ject MaiA DS2 connected to my desktop PC via USB driving a pair of DALI Opticon 1s. My other system is a Marantz NR1508 sending signal to a pair of SVS SB3000s and a Crown XLS 1502 driving a pair of KEF R3s. I like the idea of separates because I have more room to experiment with gear. I haven’t really experimented yet but I hope to someday. I find the integrated option to be better for a desktop since the amp is within arms reach so I can control it directly plus generally an integrated will include a headphone output which is ideal for a desktop.

Nice job! Are we getting a dedicated R700 review? They are on my short list for sure!

@Andrew Robinson, great review sir! Before I ask my question, I'd like to thank you again for reviewing products that "the average, non-opulent enthusiast," like myself, has been thinking about. Now, for my question/statement, because the review struck a chord with me. Based on your review and your knowledge, I would be delighted to read your thoughts because I have been giving consideration to the following amplifier configurations to power the Martin Logan Aerius i (L/R), Logos (Ctr), and Scripts (RS/LS). Footnote: Configurations three and four took into consideration a recent conversation with Martin Logan about my speaker upgrade path. I'm sure that within 24 months, I will upgrade my speakers (something larger). With that in mind, they suggested buying as much power as I can afford in the short term to eliminate the potential need to purchase amplifiers again later. Config 1: XPA-HC1 x 2 (L/R) XPA-3 (Ctr/RS/LS) Config 2: XPA-HC1 x 3 (L/R/C) XPA-2 (RS/LS) Config 3: XPA-DR1 x2 (L/R) XPA-DR3 (Ctr/LS/RS) Config 4: XPA-DR2 (L/R) XPA-DR3 (Ctr/LS/RS) Thank you in advance for reading and taking the time to post a response, Andrew!

I have to say, I like Kristi asking questions on behalf of the viewer at the end. It reminds me of Kevin from This Old House. He was hired to ask the questions the audience might have.

I would opt for separates because I like the look and idea of them. I really am a bit of a gearhead though. I do understand the use cases for integrated amps and actually have a couple myself.