Emotiva XPA-11 Gen 3 – 11-channel amplifier best buy

11-channel power amplifier for immersive surround sound
The Emotiva XPA-11 Gen 3 is an 11-channel amplifier of exceptional talent and skill. Its 11-channel output offers excellent system flexibility. Use it to drive a Dolby Atmos/DTS:X 5.1.6 or 7.1.4 system. Alternatively, you can run a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system, with multiple speaker pairs in other rooms.

The power to impress
With advances in power supply technology, the Emotiva XPA-11 Gen 3 perfectly balances power, quality and profitability. Using a regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) power supply, this amplifier combines traditional Class A/B and H-Class technologies for the perfect combination of quality and power. With up to 300 watts per channel (in stereo mode), the three main modules offer crushing power. For lower-effect speakers, channels 4 through 11 are powered by stereo modules that offer up to 65 watts per channel.

Purity to match power
Unlike some digital-only digital power amplifiers, the XPA-11 Gen 3 also uses an A/B-class analog amplifier stage. This preserves the excitement and “flow” of music in a way that many digital amplifiers struggle to transmit.

Modular construction for upgrade potential
Modular construction allows you to configure XPA power amplifiers from 2 to 14 channels. This not only helps reduce costs, but also allows you to upgrade the power amplifier in the future. Return the amplifier to the Emotiva Base of the United States and have additional channels or higher quality Differential Reference (DR) modules installed, without having to change the amplifier.

XlR balanced and unbalanced RCA phono inputs for system flexibility
For maximum system flexibility, the Emotiva XPA-11 Gen 3 is equipped with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA phono inputs. For best results, pair an Emotiva processor and use balanced XLR connections for strong synergy and high levels of resistance to electrical interference. RCA phono inputs and well-balanced sound make this power amplifier ideal for use with other brands of AV processors.

Designed and built in the United States
Designed and built, at home, in the United States, it means that Emotiva maintains consistency and high-quality control. The sturdy steel case has the visual muscle to fit the sound that fills the room.
Emotiva XPA-11 Gen3 is a high-quality 11-channel power amplifier. It offers a blunt growl where it is needed, and it does so efficiently. It has more than enough power to drive even the most demanding system, while it is also very sensitive.

The amplification of the XPA-11 is balanced and detailed, but it also produces a lot of head space, so even at large volumes, it is never distorted. It is not always the most refined amplifier, but the point is missing, and those looking for a powerful and muscular delivery will be happy.

The XPA series utilizes a modular architecture that features a sturdy steel chassis on the exterior and a choice of customizable amplifier modules on the interior. When purchasing an XPA amplifier, you can select the desired number of modules, but also have the option to add more later by sending the amp to Emotiva for an upgrade.

The chassis contains the power supply, protection and control circuitry, and Class AB amplifier modules, including a basic 300W mono module and a 2 x 65W stereo module, with room for two to seven modules in total. The modules are easily inserted at the rear, and the front panel displays status LEDs for each module, along with a large illuminated standby power button.

A single chassis can be configured with as few as one channel at 600W or as many as fourteen channels at 65 watts each, enabling gradual amplifier upgrades as your system expands. The Emotiva XPA-11 Gen 3 utilizes three mono and four stereo modules, providing 300W (8 ohm) or 550W (4 ohm) to each of the front three channels and 65W (8 ohm) or 100W (4 ohm) to the remaining channels.

This configuration makes sense as the front three channels are crucial for music and creating a clear LCR soundstage with distinct dialogue, while the other channels handle surround and overhead or height speakers. Each channel employs a fully analogue Class AB output stage, originally developed for Emotiva’s first- and second-generation XPA devices.

Apart from the modular design, Emotiva’s other major innovation is the high current, switch mode power supply (SMPS) used in the XPA-11. The SMPS provides substantial long-term power capacity and significant short-term dynamic power reserves, while also reducing the weight of the amp by 30%. Additionally, Emotiva’s ‘Soft-Switch’ Class H power supply topology increases overall efficiency by deploying a lower supply voltage at low power levels and switching to a higher voltage rail when more power is required.

The chassis is well-made with a heavy steel construction and a brushed aluminum faceplate. The XPA-11 looks ruggedly stylish for a power amp. The rear panel features eleven sets of unbalanced phono and balanced XLR inputs, independent switches for each of the seven modules, and remote input and output triggers for controlling and being controlled by other trigger-enabled equipment. The status LEDs can be turned off with a rear button, but the illuminated power button cannot.

Emotiva’s goal is to produce high-end products at affordable prices, achieved by keeping operations lean, focusing on a limited product line, and using a modular approach that lends itself to economies of scale. The Emotiva XPA-11 Gen 3 is a prime example of this, utilizing a modular design to create an affordable multichannel power amplifier that can drive eleven speakers simultaneously. It is the cheapest option in a limited market segment. Emotiva designs and assembles its entire range in the United States, which is a rarity in the industry.

It’s beautifully crafted, with an eye-catchingly designed chassis and a modular approach that allows owners to gradually add channels as their system expands. The Emotiva XPA-11 also has a competitive price tag, which currently makes it the 11-channel amplifier with the best value for money and the best final purchase.

Expand your entertainment channels with Emotiva XPA-11 Gen 3 amplifier.

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