Not this much. The 1200AS has SINAD 94 at 5W and 4 ohms, 30 dB quieter than the 64 dB here. And this ICEedge module has the high frequency distortion under control too, so a very competent module for the power and price.
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Emotiva XPA-DR2 Review (Stereo Power Amplifier)
- Thread starter amirm
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can you link me the reviews? because I don't remember Amir measuring the high power ICE modules.
But I don't think Emotiva is targeting Public Adress, we can doubt that anybody need that much power, I don't know, but it's certainly slightly about bragging right. It's a quiet amp, has no fans, I assume many "Old timers" In the audiophile game that don't believe in class D and chasing low SINAD, there are still many, would subjectively give high marks for something like that. Audible distortion don't necessarily mean bad sound, and not only "tube like" distortions. Nelson Pass class A designs have had even higher numbers but still have had cult like follower base, and that's just an example.
respice finem
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For bragging rights, it should measure "a bit" better IMHO - but certainly, if "power is everything", why not. The Pass class A is proof, we can hear less than we would like to believe...
See the list here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZlTOYxmPs938gqHjtDABkWS-MApu7uJjzIGnJ2Elm6Y/edit?usp=sharing
The SINAD came from its datasheet power x THD+N in 4 ohms graph.
I don't trust the fact that the ICE modules perform as well as the Hypex modules perform. When Amir measured the ICE125X2, it performed 8 dB worse than the Hypex NC252MP.
...Sure, but not really priced the same as 1200AS2 assembled amps.
...Sure, but not really priced the same as 1200AS2 assembled amps.
they're at similar price compared to the Emotiva though.
Different ICEpower models have different specs.
and if you would pay attention to these specs you would see that they are done @ 100Hz before the signature Class D 'rising distortion with rising frequency' kicks in.
linearity across the entire frequency range is what makes the Hypex better at all situations.
In fact non-linearity in harmonic Distortion could actually be more audible in certain situations (than higher but linear overall distortion) as the harmonic distortion will emphasize the high frequencies making the speaker potentially brighter.
AudioSceptic
Major Contributor
There's something wrong here. Paul Miller said
0.004% is -88 db and 0.008% is -82 dB. Is it possible that these need precise internal setup and Amir's sample has drifted off?
To think I was almost upsold to this "upgrade" after talking with the Emotiva support about a XPA issue. Thread: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...weird-phenomenon-with-emotiva-xpa-gen3.23394/
The issue in short: the sound was compressed, peaks weren't as powerful as with any other amp I ever had. To this day I can only guess the cause, ranging from the RCA output/input sensivity or a broken Class H design.
Also reminder people: You rarely even reach a volume demand or setup that requires more than 100 watt for home audio. For example, I firmly believe that no one has ever brought a AHB2 to it's knees, reaching the 200 watt power protection shutoff.
The issue in short: the sound was compressed, peaks weren't as powerful as with any other amp I ever had. To this day I can only guess the cause, ranging from the RCA output/input sensivity or a broken Class H design.
Also reminder people: You rarely even reach a volume demand or setup that requires more than 100 watt for home audio. For example, I firmly believe that no one has ever brought a AHB2 to it's knees, reaching the 200 watt power protection shutoff.
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Thanks Amir. This is one I had on the dream list a couple years ago. Good thing I found ASR!
Agree with comments Ice Power 1200 is better at this price, and Hypex 1200 and 2000 are far better for a little more. Still, a beast of an amp and far less expensive than many options.
Agree with comments Ice Power 1200 is better at this price, and Hypex 1200 and 2000 are far better for a little more. Still, a beast of an amp and far less expensive than many options.
No need to speculate, the datasheet shows that highs are under control.
ICEpower 1200AS
Actually, this model is targeting audiophiles:
"The XPA-DR2 is a high-powered two-channel audiophile power amplifier that combines the exceptional accuracy and finesse of a true balanced differential design with the power you need to deliver musical crescendos and movie special effects with stunning realism and impact. Whatever your listening preferences, the XPA-DR2 will give you the combination of detail and power than only a fully differential amplifier can provide"
AHB2 in stereo or bridged mode? I have the AHB2 and have been debating whether it has the headroom for less efficient bookshelf speakers (84 dB), but I'm only 5 feet away .
Obviously not relevant as the overwhelmingly positive reviews by discriminating audiophiles on their site indicate 100% satisfaction which means it's a successful product regardless of what we think. Distortion? Sure but speakers throw in their own distortion and likely at 85 dB listening levels will mask these artifacts. Ultimately, it's why people are now buying pro-audio 1000 watt amplifiers from Behringer and Crown for less than $500.
Oh yeah, forgot you can bridge it for about up to 500 watt? Don't have the exact number in mind but it's about that range. If I remember the review correctly it's absolutely distortion free until it shuts itself off. So you're free to try to turn your bookshelf speakers into PA speakers. I bet your hearing or the speakers will give in before the AHB2.
Edit: Looking at this calculation you have about 110 dbSPL at 200 Watt at 1 meter. This is huge and way above anything you'd ever need. For reference, at about 85 dbSPL it starts getting unconfortable when listening for several minutes.
it has enough to drive an [email protected] speaker to ~101 dBSPL (anechoicly) at your distance. it should be fine in a room.
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