The power amplifier performs the simple but critical job of boosting the output signals from each channel of your stereo preamp or surround sound processor to the level necessary to drive your loudspeakers. While this may seem trivial, a really good power amp is essential to having a great audio system, because any flaws in the performance of your power amp are going to limit the performance of your entire system. Every amplifier in the new Third Generation XPA series was carefully designed to deliver superb technical performance, unsurpassed sound quality, and an exceptionally accurate and dynamic rendition of all types of music, thus ensuring that your entire system will sound its absolute best. Each individual XPA amplifier is modular, and can be customized to provide exactly the power and number of channels you need today, and expanded later if your needs change; and multiple matching chassis enable you to add even more channels, or more power, for a near endless variety of options.

XPA-9

The new XPA-9 is a nine-channel audiophile quality power amplifier. The XPA-9 is populated with five of our High-Powered Single Channel Modules, and two of our Stereo Modules, for a total of five high-powered channels and four lower-powered channels. This combination is ideal for a surround sound system that is used for both music and home theater listening, and includes height speakers.

In a 5.1.4 system, the front speakers and surrounds are powered by high-powered channels, while the height speakers are driven by the lower powered stereo modules. In a 7.1.2 system, the front speakers and side surrounds are powered by high-powered channels, while the less critical rear surrounds and height speakers are driven by the lower powered stereo modules. Even though the channels differ in terms of maximum power output, they feature perfectly matched electrical characteristics, and the same superb Class A/B sound quality.

The XPA-9 is perfect for powering:

• A 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos or DTS-X system
• A 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS-X system
• A 5.1 channel system with two additional pairs of speakers in other zones
• A 7.1 channel system with one additional pair of speakers in another zone
• A 7.1 or 7.2 channel system that also includes two pairs of smaller speakers in other zones

The power output capabilities of the various channels on the XPA-9 were optimized to provide the best sound quality in real-world listening conditions; the main channels, which are the most critical for both dynamic music reproduction and crystal clear dialog, receive the most power.

Configuration:
5 x High-Powered Single-Channel Modules
2 x Stereo Modules

Power output (Stereo Modules):
65 watts/channel RMS into 8 Ohms; two channels driven
100 watts/channel RMS into 4 Ohms; two channels driven

Why You Need A Dedicated Power Amplifier

Most experts agree that, if you want the absolute best sound quality and technical performance, separate components are the way to go. Our new Third Generation XPA series power amplifiers are all designed from the ground up to perform a single critical task – to accurately reproduce every detail and nuance of your music. By focusing all of our efforts on that one goal, we’ve been able to design an amplifier that performs its job with remarkable precision, and avoids most of the compromises that limit lesser designs.

Experience Meets Cutting Edge Technology

When we set out to design the latest version of our XPA series of amplifiers, we analyzed everything in every amplifier we’ve ever made, from front to back, inside and out. By combining years of design experience, with a thorough understanding of recent advances in audio technology, we were able to determine several areas where we could improve on our previous designs. After carefully weighing all the options, we kept the best features of our previous models, added some new technology where we determined it would actually deliver significant improvements, and optimized several operating parameters to ensure that it would all work together flawlessly. The new Third Generation represents a significant improvement for our highly acclaimed XPA series of amplifiers – and delivers improvements in both technical performance and sound quality.

All of the models in our new Third Generation XPA amplifier family are designed to reproduce today’s high definition movie sound tracks and music sources with awesome realism, amazing finesse and precision, and without the slightest hint of strain or signal compression. They deliver a listening experience that is far above anything you can achieve with multi-purpose components like receivers, or with other amplifiers in their modest price range. We’re talking about real-world power and fidelity that you can immediately hear and appreciate.

Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS)

One of the main limitations with traditional amplifier designs has always been the power supply. Until recently, a power supply that could deliver enough current to run a modern high-powered amplifier required a bulky transformer and large filter capacitors. While these traditional power supplies delivered good performance, they were heavy, expensive, and inefficient. For years, precision components like preamps and processors used regulated power supplies, but regulated supplies powerful enough to be used in large amplifiers remained complex and prohibitively expensive.

Thanks in part to recent advances in power supply technology we’ve finally overcome this limitation. One of the design enhancements shared by all of our new XPA power amplifiers is our new, specially designed, high current, switch mode power supply (SMPS). Our powerful, intelligent new power supply offers all of the benefits of a classic transformer-based design, but avoids virtually all of the limitations. It can deliver over 3 kW of fully regulated power, which ensures optimum performance under a wide range of load conditions, and plenty of dynamic power to ensure that musical peaks will never be compressed or limited. However, it’s also more efficient, more reliable, and much lighter. (Our revolutionary new SMPS has enabled us to reduce the weight of our new amplifiers by about 30%, making them easier to ship, and easier to install in your equipment rack or shelf.)

Learn About Gen 3

Class A/B Sound Quality Meets Optimized Class H Efficiency

The High-Powered Single Channel Modules used in the XPA-9 utilize a fully analog Class A/B output stage, and our highly regarded Soft-Switch™ Optimized Class H power supply topology, which increases their efficiency significantly without compromising their superb Class A/B performance and sound quality. At low power levels, each channel operates on a relatively low supply voltage, to minimize quiescent power consumption and standby power losses. Then, when the demand for power increases, it instantly and seamlessly switches to a higher voltage rail to ensure that 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 Stereo Modules used in the XPA-9 utilize a fully analog Class A/B output stage, which is virtually identical to the output stage in the High-Powered Single Channel Modules, but operate from a more traditional single power supply voltage.

Designed and Assembled in the USA with Globally Sourced Components

All of our new Third Generation XPA power amplifiers, including the XPA-9, are designed, assembled, and tested in the USA. Assembling products here in the USA gives us exceptional control over every facet of the design and production process, which helps us build the highest quality products for our customers while minimizing unnecessary complications and production delays. Each Emotiva amplifier is carefully designed with premium components to deliver a stunningly capable, reliable, and refined system.

Note: To ensure that amplifier channels are always installed properly, and function to our specifications, amplifier modules must be installed by Emotiva, or by your local authorized Emotiva service representative.

Circuit Topology

The XPA-9 Gen3 is a fully modular audio power amplifier with a high-efficiency switch mode power supply (SMPS), independent, fully discrete, dual differential, high current, short signal path Class A/B amplifier modules, Optimized Class H™ power supply topology, and microprocessor-controlled fault protection.

The XPA-9 is powered by a high efficiency, audiophile grade, Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS).

Audio Specifications

The XPA-9 Gen3 features five of our High-Powered Single Channel Modules and two of our Stereo Modules.  

Audio Specifications (High-Powered Single Channel Modules):

Power Output:
300 watts RMS/channel; 20 Hz – 20 kHz; THD<0.1%; 8 Ohms; one channel driven.
550 watts RMS/channel; 20 Hz – 20 kHz; THD<0.2%; 4 Ohms; one channel driven.
300 watts RMS/channel; THD<0.1%; 8 Ohms; two channels driven.
490 watts RMS/channel; THD<0.1%; 4 Ohms; two channels driven.

Power Bandwidth (at rated power; 4 Ohm - 8 Ohm load): 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+ / – 0.1 dB).

Broad Band Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 80 kHz +0/-2 dB.

THD + noise: < 0.005%; at 100 watts RMS; 1 kHz; 8 Ohms.

Signal to Noise Ratio (8 Ohm load):
> 115 dB; ref FTC rated power; unbalanced input (A-weighted).
> 86 dB; ref 1 watt; unbalanced input (A-weighted).

Minimum Recommended Load Impedance (per channel): 4 Ohms
(which equals one 4 Ohm load or two paralleled 8 Ohm loads).

Damping Factor (8 Ohm load): > 500.

Input Sensitivity (for rated power; 8 Ohm load): 1.5 V.

Gain: 29 dB.

• Maximum Power Consumption: 2,600 watts.
  Note: The values shown refer to the amount of power the amplifier would 
  consume while playing test tones continuously, on all channels, at full power, into a load bank. Therefore they are not at all characteristic of what you would expect when playing music or the sound track from a movie. Normal audio signals are dynamic, so the amount of power they require from second to second varies widely, and the average is far lower than this. With normal content, even playing very loudly, one of our amplifiers will consume far less power than indicated in the chart, so these values should not be considered to be a circuit requirement for normal operation. 

Input Impedance:
33 kOhms (balanced).
23.5 kOhms (unbalanced).

 

Audio Specifications (Stereo Modules):

Power Output:
65 watts RMS/channel; 20 Hz – 20 kHz; THD<0.1%; 8 Ohms; one channel driven.
100 watts RMS/channel; 20 Hz – 20 kHz; THD<0.2%; 4 Ohms; one channel driven.
65 watts RMS/channel; THD<0.1%; 8 Ohms; two channels driven.
100 watts RMS/channel; THD<0.1%; 4 Ohms; two channels driven.

Power Bandwidth (at rated power; 4 Ohm - 8 Ohm load): 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+ / – 0.1 dB).

Broad Band Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 80 kHz +0/-1.5 dB.

THD + noise: < 0.02%; at 60 watts RMS; 1 kHz; 8 Ohms.

Signal to Noise Ratio (8 Ohm load):
> 105 dB; ref FTC rated power; unbalanced input (A-weighted).
> 85 dB; ref 1 watt; unbalanced input (A-weighted).

Minimum Recommended Load Impedance (per channel): 4 Ohms
(which equals one 4 Ohm load or two paralleled 8 Ohm loads).

Damping Factor (8 Ohm load): > 500.

Input Sensitivity (for rated power; 8 Ohm load): 0.8 V (800 mV).

Gain: 29 dB.

Input Impedance:
33 kOhms (balanced).
23.5 kOhms (unbalanced).

Input And Output Connections

Input Connections (High-Powered Single Channel Modules):
Unbalanced (RCA); balanced (XLR); one each per channel, independently selectable.

Input Connections (Stereo Modules):
2 Unbalanced (RCA); 2 balanced (XLR); two per channel, independently selectable.

Speaker Output Connections: Audiophile grade, gold plated, 5-way binding posts.

Trigger:
Trigger Input: 5 – 12 V (AC or DC); <10 mA input current required.
Trigger Output: 12 VDC; can drive any load up to 120 mA.

Power Requirements

Between 100 VAC and 250 VAC @ 50 / 60 Hz (automatically detected).

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Standby: push button (halo ring changes color to indicate Standby or On).

Status LEDs: one per channel; blue.

Status LEDs change to red to indicate a fault condition.

Rear Panel Controls

AC Power switch: rocker switch (switches AC main power).

Status LEDs switch: disables front panel Status LEDs and dims Standby button halo.

Input selector switches (one per channel): 
metal toggle switches; select between balanced and unbalanced inputs.

Circuit Breaker: press button to reset circuit breaker.

Protection

The XPA Gen3 is protected against excessive operating temperature, shorted speaker connections, ground faults, and other common fault conditions.

Mechanical

Dimensions:
17” wide x 8” high x 19” deep (unboxed; including feet).
17” wide x 7” high x 19” deep (unboxed; without feet).
24-1/2” wide x 12” high x 24-3/4” deep (boxed).

Weight:
53 lbs (unboxed).
58 lbs (boxed).

Downloads

Download Product Manual