Extron XPA 1002 Plus Amplifier Review

[Sharpi31]

XPA1002 (non-plus) internals…….

 

[Bruce Morgen]

XPA1002 (non-plus) internals…….

Those Fairchild MOSFETs make it likely that the output circuit is based on one of the venerable Infineon Class D driver chips -- if so, Extron has done one helluva job getting excellent performance from those parts.

 

[jhaider]

don't worry, my system is junk free

Your avatar compels the opposite inference.

Also, solid core wire is approaching peak audiophool - unwieldy and fragile, but of no benefit compared to stranded. Put them on “risers” and then you’re all the way there.

Also, I don’t know about these but I’ve seen Phoenix connectors that take up to 10AWG and I bet they go bigger. They don’t care what brand it is.

 

[DonR]

Extron video distribution amps make great 10MHz reference signal distribution amps for the larger home lab. Mine has been going steady 24/7 for many years now.

 

[tiramisu]

I always think of Extron as Crestron's little brother. I would be happy to have a full-size rack of either of their audio or video gear to play with.

 

[dlaloum]

Anyone know how they behave at 2 ohm?

 

[amluto]

Also, I don’t know about these but I’ve seen Phoenix connectors that take up to 10AWG and I bet they go bigger. They don’t care what brand it is.

These things are called “Phoenix” because the canonical brand is Phoenix Contact. They make serious industrial gear, and their terminals go up to at least 500MCM. I would love to see someone’s speakers connected with 500MCM wire!

 

[kipman725]

I work for a community college and we exclusively use Extron. The other players like AMX and Crestron wouldn't even talk to us because we didn't have a pocketbook that matched their preferred customer. We now have 200 classrooms using Extron equipment and I have tweakers in every vehicle I own and every room of my house. If you work with Extron you know what a tweaker is. Extron has always been a huge value compared to other players in the industry. Programing is also much easier compared to other companies.

Creston wouldn't even send me the software to evaluate the functionality of their DSPs. So if you see any second hand avoid them as they will be useless unless they come with software.

 

[maverickronin]

Creston wouldn't even send me the software to evaluate the functionality of their DSPs. So if you see any second hand avoid them as they will be useless unless they come with software.

That kind of thing is just weird. Is it just extreme market segmentation or what?

I bought a used BSS Blu processor for home use because they have the software for download without so much as having to sign up for their spam list and a YouTube channel with basic tutorials.

 

[tsanguine]

If you don't spend big money with Crestron they don't even want to waste their time talking to you. My boss went to them when we first started integrating technology in the classrooms about 20 years ago. They asked what his budget was and then ignored him when they determined he wasn't a big enough fish.

I'm sure you would get better help with Extron but it depends on what you are trying to do. You can't use some of their software without training and certification from them. I believe that's mostly integration work though. Getting everything to behave nicely together and control many devices with a single touchscreen gui and whatnot.

 

[kipman725]

That kind of thing is just weird. Is it just extreme market segmentation or what?

I bought a used BSS Blu processor for home use because they have the software for download without so much as having to sign up for their spam list and a YouTube channel with basic tutorials.

Its super weird I use QSC and Symetrix processors and they just put the software on the internet to download. ASFIK they are also higher performance and used in larger installs than the Creston stuff. In my opinion its a poor commercial strategy as quite probabl the small person that you refused to deal with becomes a big person with a prejudice against you.

 

[tiramisu]

That kind of thing is just weird. Is it just extreme market segmentation or what?

I bought a used BSS Blu processor for home use because they have the software for download without so much as having to sign up for their spam list and a YouTube channel with basic tutorials.

Creston wouldn't even send me the software to evaluate the functionality of their DSPs. So if you see any second hand avoid them as they will be useless unless they come with software.

Crestron has always been weird like that. You can't program their boxes if you don't pay them for software development licenses. It is not a model that makes me want to buy their gear.

 

[ZZdown]

@amirm I got XPA 4002 - 2 x 400 watts @ 4 ohms, 2 x 200 watts @ 8 ohms, or 1 x 800 watts @ 8 ohms (bridged). Very happy with it, let me know if you want to test it. This amp really opened up my 4ohm speakers and I am never going back to the funny 100 watts amps that I used before.

In the Pro/integration world, there is a new kid on the block that I think is probably going to be the king soon - LEA (Loud Enough Audio). Startup with ex Crown engineers and leaders (after Harman or Samsung killed their division in Indiana). They got even more power in 1U on the way - 4x800 if I am not mistaken 4x700w and looks like it is out. All LEA amps are smart amps with tons of features, including WiFi connectors, watchdog (control separated from amp) and DSPs.

 

[dlaloum]

@amirm I got XPA 4002 - 2 x 400 watts @ 4 ohms, 2 x 200 watts @ 8 ohms, or 1 x 800 watts @ 8 ohms (bridged). Very happy with it, let me know if you want to test it. This amp really opened up my 4ohm speakers and I am never going back to the funny 100 watts amps that I used before.

In the Pro/integration world, there is a new kid on the block that I think is probably going to be the king soon - LEA (Loud Enough Audio). Startup with ex Crown engineers and leaders (after Harman or Samsung killed their division in Indiana). They got even more power in 1U on the way - 4x800 if I am not mistaken 4x700w and looks like it is out. All LEA amps are smart amps with tons of features, including WiFi connectors, watchdog (control separated from amp) and DSPs.

The LEA amps sound interesting, but they are heavily focused on the "pro" world...

They actually don't make a "plain" amp, they all have dante, IOT interfaces, web interfaces etc...

Also they have loud fans (according to their specs) - 50db @ 1m - at Idle

So really they are not aiming for the home market at all! - they would need to release their own equivalent to something like Crowns XLS series.... with either no fans or very very quiet fans...

 

[ZZdown]

The LEA amps sound interesting, but they are heavily focused on the "pro" world...

They actually don't make a "plain" amp, they all have dante, IOT interfaces, web interfaces etc...

Also they have loud fans (according to their specs) - 50db @ 1m - at Idle

So really they are not aiming for the home market at all! - they would need to release their own equivalent to something like Crowns XLS series.... with either no fans or very very quiet fans...

I specifically said in the Pro/Integration market (and so is the Extron amp in the subject), so not sure where you getting the idea of resi. However, I personally have a dedicated closet so everything is pro - don't care about noise, don't care about looks. Pure performance per dollar/rack space. I do know I am rare bread, but not as rare is you probably think.

 

[dlaloum]

I specifically said in the Pro/Integration market (and so is the Extron amp in the subject), so not sure where you getting the idea of resi. However, I personally have a dedicated closet so everything is pro - don't care about noise, don't care about looks. Pure performance per dollar/rack space. I do know I am rare bread, but not as rare is you probably think.

Yeah, I know - but the XLS series are Pro/Integration market, and yet they manage to keep their fan noise down to "not noticeable" levels.

So there really is no excuse for the noise...

And even when I have things installed in a cabinet away from the HT, I still don't want a space filled with howling banshee fans... (I experimented with some ex-corporate data centre switches at one point, but the howling of the fans, made me rip them out again... you don't want that in your home - you don't even want it anywhere near your workspace at the office! ( this became an issue with some corporate comms room installations I was involved with...)

 

[motomech]

Last year I bought an Emotiva TA100 that was being cleared out by the factory because I liked the way it looks. Mistake, when I actually listened to it I was disappointed. Grainy in the mid-range, harsh and brittle @ anything more than half Vol.
I researched it trying to determin which was the main detractor, the preamp section or the amp and decided (w/ the help of Amir's A100 review) the major culprit was the amp.
So I started watching Ebay for an Extron and almost pulled the trigger on a pair of XPA 2002"s for $140 shipped, but didn't really need that much ampilcation (although the high-pass filters would have been nice). Eventually a 1002 showed up for $60 shipped and I snagged it.
It looked mint, but was missing the Phoenix connectors (I knew that from the pics). The speaker terminal was easy, Parts Express on Amazon. After some searching I found these: "Keszoox 3.81mm 5 Pin Phoenix Type Connector" also on Amazon. $16 for both (which come in bags of 5). So, including Taxs, I was in for a whopping $80. I moded some cheap RCAs, but those terminal blocks are tiny and making good connections was "fiddlely (I can vouch the amp has good protection. Still not happy with the result so I've ordered some AV Cable Splitters 1 RCA Male Plug to 3 RCA Female Jacks and will redo the connection when they arrive.
Connected to the TA100's pre-outs, the differecnce was dramatic! Way more dynammic, especially the bass, much reduced "splashyness" on the cymbals. On par, as good as my Advantage or Pioneer Class D AVR's, even w/ the TA's AD1955 Dac chip (Which I suspect is so-so).
W/ the in-put gains maxed out, it has plenty of power to run a pr. of 90 Db. 4 Ohm floor-standers, but hooked up to much less efficient 8 Ohm standmounts, not so much. It does ok in a medium sized room, but it's at point where dual bridged units might be a better option.
Probabily the best money I have ever spent on on audio equipment (I know) and that's saying something, to date myself, the first system I ever bought was a Sansui receiver, AR-6 speakers and an Dynaco turntable at the Grand openning of Circuit City ('70 or'71) in Kensington Md.
Thanx to Amir and ASR.

 

[ROOSKIE]

I need some connectors myself, thanks for the link.

I was also noticing these which seem they would work great.

Extron Phoenix Audio Adapters for Extron Crosspoint RCA RGB PVM BVM Connector | eBay

The adapters are compatible with the Extron Crosspoint Ultra HVA (up to 12 inputs) and Extron Crosspoint 300 series (up to 12 inputs). The larger 16 and 32 input switchers don’t allow for enough space to connect the adapters, so the adapters can only occupy one row.

www.ebay.com

Extron Phoenix Audio Adapters Crosspoint 3.5mm Phono AUX TRS RGB PVM Connector | eBay

The adapters are compatible with the Extron Crosspoint Ultra HVA (up to 12 inputs) and Extron Crosspoint 300 series (up to 12 inputs). The larger 16 and 32 input switchers don’t allow for enough space to connect the adapters, so the adapters can only occupy one row.

www.ebay.com

 

[Paulz]

I just scored a very nice pair of Revel 12s for $400 and need more power, so this amp seems like the way to go, or am I missing something?

Extron XPA 2002 70V Two 200W Channel Rack Mount Power Amplifier | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Extron XPA 2002 70V Two 200W Channel Rack Mount Power Amplifier at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

My only problem is I have cognitive challenges I won't go into, so I was wondering if there's a tutorial or something similar to explain stepwise what's needed to convert my traditional wiring, both the rca inputs and speaker wires, to accommodate this amp. I just need more specific details as to how to modify and apply the cabling and wires. I see the connectors that are needed but that's about all I know. (again my apologies!)

Also, Amir mentioned programmable gain, trigger settings, etc. Is software needed for a simple stereo setup?

Anyway, I'm very intrigued by this amp option and would like to pursue it.

 

[motomech]

I need some connectors myself, thanks for the link.

I was also noticing these which seem they would work great.

Extron Phoenix Audio Adapters for Extron Crosspoint RCA RGB PVM BVM Connector | eBay

The adapters are compatible with the Extron Crosspoint Ultra HVA (up to 12 inputs) and Extron Crosspoint 300 series (up to 12 inputs). The larger 16 and 32 input switchers don’t allow for enough space to connect the adapters, so the adapters can only occupy one row.

www.ebay.com

Extron Phoenix Audio Adapters Crosspoint 3.5mm Phono AUX TRS RGB PVM Connector | eBay

The adapters are compatible with the Extron Crosspoint Ultra HVA (up to 12 inputs) and Extron Crosspoint 300 series (up to 12 inputs). The larger 16 and 32 input switchers don’t allow for enough space to connect the adapters, so the adapters can only occupy one row.

www.ebay.com

Yeah, I saw those when searching, not sure why I didn't go with them. I think I was a little confused with the in/out, red/blue options, must be getting senile. Anyhow, I like that option better than modd'ing more RCA cables, so I thank YOU for the link.