Review: Emotiva XPA Gen 3 DR 2 Power Amplifier 

I hope this little review of mine helps someone... As I just installed the latest XPA-DR2 into my system. I have a first generation XPA-2 that I have owned since 2008. I have had a few amps through my system and always wind up "breaking the glass" and grabbing my old XPA-2. Well, I finally found an amplifier that I can now say the old XPA-2 can go into retirement. My other choices were the ATI and Parasound brands, both at twice the cost. I have a pretty simple system, Pi2 Mercury V2 streamer, Denafrips Venus II 12th DAC, Denafrips Athena preamp, XPA-DR2, a pair of SVS SB-3000 subs and a pair of KLH Model 5 speakers. I listen to mainly Blues and classic rock. At first, the DR2 was a bit warm, very boomy on the bass and not so great in the midrange. Then after about an hour, the veil was lifted and everything really started to smooth out. I am not an "Audiophile", I drive a truck for a living, this audio stuff is a hobby of mine, I am not a pro reviewer but am trying my best here. First off... What I noticed was how well the DR2 is able to separate the instruments. I was hearing instruments in recordings that I knew were there when I listened. With the DR2 those instruments are now there, there is no question like, "Did I just hear...?". It really cleans up in that regards, very detailed in its delivery, with no harshness or glare. It is a crisp sound, not Class D crisp, but A/B crisp like you will find in much more expensive amplifiers. Then the bass, very good delivery, it was boomy at first, the bass was very pronounced and muddy, I had to dial back my two SB3000 subs as the Model 5's were now night and day in that department, and not in a good way. After around a half hour or so the bass settled down, now we are talking, very clean in the delivery, faster, it hit harder and faster. I like this, and I did not need to dial the subs back up, but actually down a DB or two. The DR2 really delivers in the bass department. You can hear the roll off where I believe the producer wanted it, and in other tracks, where they did not. A very neutral and honest amplifier in regards to the bass as she burns in. Midrange, the human voice, fingers on the guitar strings, etc. Everything is vastly cleaner and clearer. Right along with the bass, once it settles in the sound is very true to what I believe the producer/artist was trying to convey. The added details the DR2 brings out of the recordings is just the icing on the cake. Same with the highs, no harshness, it is definitely not dry, it is simply a nice smooth delivery. The sound is very pleasant to listen to, like it should be. Now, the 800 pound gorilla in the room, Amir over at Audio Science Review. He reviewed the DR2 when it first came out, and basically killed it out of the gate with his distortion nonsense, that is not audible in the least when the power supply is doing its thing. That review held me back from purchasing this amp for a few years. I did some searching around and finally found some reviews from folks that actually own and use this amp, and they were all positive. I took a gamble and purchased mine with the 30 day no question return for my money back. Amir did Emotiva a huge disservice with that review. I cannot see paying twice the money for another amplifier, to my ears and my gear, I am at the point of diminishing returns. If you are looking at this amp, and have decent gear and speakers, I would seriously consider giving the XPA-DR2 a serious look. You have 30 days to audition. Mine is staying.

Thanks guys for the review. I'm considering that amp with Schiit Fraya+ and Buchardt S400s speakers.

Just picked up the XPA DR3 for $1999. Very excited. Great vid.

@The Audio Couple, thank you for reviewing this amplifier. Emotiva's DR series do not receive enough attention.

Great video and good review thanks for sharing 👍

I'm driving my XPA-2 with Emotiva's XPS-1 pre-amplifier balanced. Very nice results.

300 Watts at that price is unseen in Hifi, nice video, and great product review.

Wow that is a LOT of power

Innovative and value for money- at least abroad, I think R48k landed is a bit expensive, PS Audio components of same US value sells for less landed locally. Very popular in the US market especially in Home theater applications.

i have the Freya+ -Bought ot on your recommendation and others. I am curious if you have any further comments and how it rates relative to other systems- Freya + with the XPA GEN# DR2.?

I am debating purchasing a set of DR1's for my X-mas present to myself. Everything I am hearing about them is great for the price. I have looked at some higher end brands, anything in my price range just doesn't have my power requirements.

Thank you for reveiw. I am considering this vs a Rotal for B&W 702s2. Currently using denon 6700h and the 702s2 are missing bass compared to the McIntosh they where attached to at store. My question is should I go for the extra power 550 watts vs 300 watts of the lower model?

Subscribed ❤. From Maputo, Mozambique. I was looking for reviews of the Emotiva XPA Gen 3 DR2 amplifier, and just found your channel. I am also considering the ROTEL RB-1590 amplifier. In terms of performance, and also protection and quality control and service, would you recommend which of the two amplfiers ? Thanks !!

Thank you for sharing your experience. Unfourtunately, here where I live, I did not have the chance to listen these amps at the dealer (AVstore.ro) . Therefore, I have no clue how they sound...if they control the bass well enough, or not... and how do they sound on low volume. They have power, but are they in control, or not? Sound resolution, how good it is? How do they play voices, instruments? I have no ideea... I still have a pair of big old Infinity Kappa 9.1i loudspeakers which in my oppinion, are competing in 20000 USD speakers range of today products. 4 Ohm nominal impedance, and they drop in 2 Ohm when playing heavy and complex games bass passages. An amplifier if is using just one power supply to 2 power amplifier stages and in different loads...I have my doubts in this, regarding control and crosstalk. For me, hearing is believing! :)

Do you think it's worth spending an extra $600 USD for the differential build vs the standard model? I have Magnepan 1.7i planar speakers and I have not seen a review that compares these two amp versions to each other. Thanks

Hi, What Would u say the sound character is on emotiva harsh or warm?

Dear Sir, does this amplifier have a built-in DAC or in case I buy it I have to use a separate DAC?

I'm thinking of buying the Emotivia XPA DR2 amp as my 20 year old Anthem MCA 5 finally gave up the ghost I have the Emotiva XMC-2 AV preamp and also an ARC LS15 tube preamp that l can use with it. I also have the Spectron musician MKII class D amp designed by John Ulrich back in the day, It also is getting old I use it to Drive my Maggie's as it has 500watts@8ohm 650@4ohms and 1,200 watts@1ohm and weights 54lbs! So my thinking is, l have to replace my Anthem and if my Spectron stops working the Emotiva amp could pull double duty, 2 channel & 3 channel AV My only concern is that it didn't test very well at Audioscience as it had high distortion across the frequency band

I have a Denon X8500H expensive receiver, this still be a good upgrade? or don't?

hello wanted to ask what would be the difference between the emo XPA-DR2 vs the emo XPA HC-1. and how would they drive a pair of martin logan 60XTI

Is it àlmost double the price of xpa-3? Want plug into Denon x4500h ,in a 19' x 11' room with 7.2 system using SVS -2000sb. Do you think it worth extra money going with the 3 channels the xpa-3 vs the Dr? Great review 🇨🇦

I could get one, for $999, minus just over $200 credit ($799 final price)

Where is mentioned the crosstalk? Because the final power stages are sharing one power supply... It is not mentioned on the official site

what did thew wife contribute

EMOTIVA, NO WARRANTY. Emotiva does not honor a warranty.