Emotiva XPA DR-2 Differential Reference™ Two-Channel Power Amplifier

Description

XPA-DR2 Differential Reference™ Two-Channel Power Amplifier

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.

The XPA-DR2 features two Differential Reference™ Amplifier Modules, and is the ideal choice to power a no-holds-barred stereo music system, or to power the critical front left and right channels of an absolutely awesome surround sound music or home theater system. The XPA-DR2 delivers 550 watts RMS into 8 Ohms, and 800 watts RMS into 4 Ohms, both channels driven, with less than 0.1% THD.

The Power Supply: The Foundation Of A Great Amplifier

In amplifier design, everything starts with the power supply. The XPA-DR2 features a custom-configured version of Emotiva's high-current switch mode power supply (SMPS) - a lightweight, powerful, intelligent design capable of delivering over 3 kW of continuous power with absolute reliability and extremely high efficiency. Cutting edge SMPS offers the dynamic attributes of a classic transformer-based design with none of the drawbacks. Like the best transformer-based power supplies, Emotiva's SMPS delivers plenty of continuous power to enable their amplifier modules to live up to their full performance potential, and plenty of dynamic power to ensure that musical peaks will never be compressed or limited. However, compared to transformer-based designs, Emotiva's SMPS is lighter and more efficient; it’s also fully regulated, which ensures optimum performance under a wider range of load conditions. 

The Latest In A Long Line Of Great Amplifiers

The Differential Reference Amplifier Modules used in the XPA-DR amplifiers use the same basic circuit topology as Emotiva's legendary XPR series amplifiers. A unique differential input stage, with a cross-linked current source, drives a balanced voltage amplification stage, and this advanced input circuitry delivers an incredibly accurate and pure audio signal to the complementary, fully discrete output stage. A pair of these modules work together in perfect synergy to power a single channel of one of new fully balanced, fully differential, XPA-DR amplifiers. Together they deliver a holistic, natural, and powerful listening experience.  Low-level musical details and dialogue emerge from a deep black background; musical crescendos are delivered with both stunning impact and precision. The wide bandwidth, low distortion performance of the XPA-DR2 reveals every nuance of your high-resolution music sources, and it has plenty of power to drive even difficult loudspeakers with absolute authority and control.

Class A/B Sound Quality Meets Optimized Class H Efficiency

The Differential Reference™ Modules in the XPA-DR2 each use utilize a matched pair of amplifier modules, each of which features fully analog Class A/B output stage, and Emotiva's highly regarded Soft-Switch™ Class H power supply topology, which increases their efficiency significantly without compromising the audio performance you’d expect from an Emotiva amplifier. The output stage in each operates on a lower supply voltage at low power levels to minimize quiescent power consumption and standby power losses, instantly switching to a higher voltage rail when needed to ensure the signal passes cleanly and without clipping. This process happens on a continuous basis in real time, allowing greater overall efficiency, cooler operation, longer component life, reduced power consumption, and increased reliability.

The Benefits Of A Fully Differential Balanced Power Amplifier

Most experts agree that, if you want the absolute best sound quality and technical performance, you should use dedicated separate components. Because Emotiva's power amplifiers are designed for a single purpose, we can concentrate on ensuring that they perform that one task very well, and avoid the compromises inherent in products that are expected to perform a variety of different functions.

The Differential Reference Modules in the XPA-DR2 are each made up of a perfectly symmetrical balanced pair of high-performance amplifier modules. Each individual amplifier module already has vanishingly low distortion but, by connecting them as a balanced differential pair, a significant portion of the tiny amount of remaining nonlinearity is cancelled out. As a result, we are able to achieve even lower levels of distortion in the XPA-DR2, resulting in remarkably transparent sound, with unprecedented smoothness and clarity.

When you put it all together, the XPA-DR2 is simply the finest stereo amplifier we can devise, and we’re sure you’ll be as impressed with its performance as we are.

Designed and Assembled in the USA with Globally Sourced Components

The XPA-DR2 is designed, assembled, and tested in the USA, where we use the finest materials and latest technologies to bring you world-class products. Each Emotiva amplifier is carefully designed with premium components to deliver a stunningly capable, reliable, and refined system. 

The Latest and Greatest - A new approach to amplifier design.

When Emotiva set out to make the new X Series line, they analyzed everything in every amplifier they ever made, from front to back, inside, and out. In doing so, they discovered several areas where years of experience, and advances in audio technology, indicated that they could make significant improvements in their amplifier designs. After carefully weighing all the pros and cons, they kept the best features of their original designs, added a new set of optimizations and improvements, and the result became the foundation of their new line of audiophile amplifiers. The new XPA-DR amplifiers are the fully differential members of the new XPA amplifier family, and carry their philosophy of continuous product improvement to its ultimate conclusion.

Modular Construction

Each XPA-DR Differential Reference™ Power Amplifier is comprised of a heavy-duty chassis, which houses Emotiva's massively overdesigned, fully regulated, 3 kW switch mode power supply, and up to three Differential Reference™ Amplifier Modules. The front panel display and protection system are designed to work with the maximum number of channels, and so need not be updated when the XPA-DR is expanded; on the rear panel, slots not occupied by amplifier modules will be covered with protective cover panels

Differential Reference™ Performance and Sound Quality

The XPA-DR2 features a high-powered, fully differential, low-distortion amplifier design that delivers powerful dynamics, smooth precision, detailed sound, and natural imaging.

Sound Quality First

Designed with sound quality as the priority, the amplifier uses a low-noise, low-distortion, wideband Class A/B output stage for smooth and detailed audio without harshness. It is also designed to remain stable with real-world speakers and demanding audio systems.

Modern Efficient Circuit Design

The optimized Soft-Switch Class H™ power supply improves efficiency while maintaining strong audio performance. Its switched-mode power supply provides reliable performance with lower power consumption, reduced weight, and improved efficiency compared with traditional linear supplies.

Quality Construction

The XPA-DR2 uses high-quality components and a heavy-duty 4RU steel chassis with a milled aluminum faceplate for long-term reliability. Gold-plated RCA connectors provide secure connections, while its modular construction allows additional channels to be added when required. The amplifier is designed, assembled, and tested at Emotiva’s plant in Franklin, Tennessee, USA.

Flexible Signal Connections and Power Options

The amplifier features gold-plated five-way speaker binding posts that support bare wire, lugs, and banana plugs. Each channel offers independently selectable balanced or unbalanced inputs, while remote trigger input and output allow easy integration with other compatible equipment. It supports worldwide AC operation from 100–250 VAC at 50/60 Hz and uses a standard IEC power inlet.

Protection

Audiophile-grade protection circuitry safeguards the amplifier and connected equipment against common faults without affecting normal listening performance. A resettable rear-panel circuit breaker provides additional protection against AC line faults. The XPA-DR2 is backed by a five-year warranty for long-term peace of mind.

Technical Specifications