Emotiva XPA-7 Gen 3 Amplifier Review for Home Theater | Dolby Atmos

Check out Emotiva's XPA series of amplifiers and other home theater products here: bit.ly/EmotivaXPA7
The Emotiva XPA-7 is a powerhouse amplifier that can push almost any 7 channel home theater system. My 5.1.2 dolby atmos home theater rocked with the XPA-7! Definitely give the Emotiva XPA line of external amplifiers a look when deciding on an amp for your home theater.
The Emotiva XPA-7 home theater amplifier has been a great addition to my 5.3.2 Dolby Atmos system. These amplifiers can be configured from 2 all the way up to 14 channels to fit almost any home theater. Hope you find the review helpful!
Some of my go-to movies for good audio/video:
Avengers Endgame amzn.to/30aPOtc
Metallica: Through the Never amzn.to/2R5t21K
John Wick 3 amzn.to/36Mxt8b
Ready Player One amzn.to/2seECiE
Hacksaw Ridge amzn.to/2FGraHx
Interstellar amzn.to/309pBLI
Check out all the products Carl's Place has to offer to make your own DIY projector screen!
Carl's Place Home bit.ly/Carlsplace
FlexiGray Material bit.ly/FlexiGray
FlexiWhite Material bit.ly/FlexiWhite
ALR Material bit.ly/ALRscreen
Felt Tape Border bit.ly/FeltTape
LED Lighting Materials:
Milight 6w Bulbs amzn.to/2PzuF6k
LED Controller and Remote amzn.to/2w8XM8B
RGBW 24v LED Strip amzn.to/2PyjGd9
Power Supple 24v amzn.to/2P11qrP
Extension Wire amzn.to/2NEtUuf
All links are affiliate links that help grow the channel at no cost to you.
Home Theater Equipment
Seating
Valencia Theater Seating bit.ly/ValenciaSeating
Receivers/Processors/Players
Yamaha RX-A 3070 HT Receiver amzn.to/2ROqxzK
Roku Ultra HD amzn.to/2qFtZB0
PS4 amzn.to/2T1t5vO
Amplifiers
Emotiva XPA-DR3 bit.ly/EmotivaDR3
Emotiva XPA-7 bit.ly/EmotivaXPA7
Sinbosen FP20000Q Clone amp: bit.ly/FP20000Q
OSD Theatro X11 bit.ly/TheatroX11
Crown XLS1002 (Updated Version) amzn.to/2AXTtQ4
Projectors/Screens
Panasonic AE-8000U Projector amzn.to/2LoTylG
Elite Screens Aeon CineGrey3D amzn.to/31q5g7F
Carl's Place Home bit.ly/Carlsplace
FlexiGray Material bit.ly/FlexiGray
FlexiWhite Material bit.ly/FlexiWhite
ALR Material bit.ly/ALRscreen
Felt Tape Border bit.ly/FeltTape
Speakers
DIY Sound Group 1299s bit.ly/DIYSoundGroup
Monoprice 8 Inch Amber Speakers amzn.to/2JSSnI7
Monoprice 8 Inch Alpha Speakers amzn.to/2T4w7iE
Subwoofers
Dayton Audio Ultimax UM15 Subwoofer amzn.to/2WOukiV
Stereo Integrity HS-24 Subwoofers: bit.ly/SIHS24
Misc Items
MiniDSP HD 2x4 amzn.to/2oaRFiZ
UMIK-1 amzn.to/2mCVMDU
Navepoint 25U Threaded Rack bit.ly/25URack
Tripp Lite Isobar Surge Protector amzn.to/2DwSqcy
8 Inch Metal Can Enclosure amzn.to/2JY13gI
3M Isolation Pads amzn.to/2ICb5EC
Monoprice Active HDMI amzn.to/2KHzknz
Monoprice HDMI Cables amzn.to/2RGtPGw
OSD Audio
Theatro X11 at Whole House Audio bit.ly/TheatroX11
Optimal Speaker Designs bit.ly/OSDHome
Whole Home Audio sales bit.ly/Trevoce12
Use code "lifeofbliss15" to save 15%!
My Camera Setup:
Panasonic G85 amzn.to/2Nu0y24
Panasonic Lumix G Lens, 25mm, F1.7 ASPH amzn.to/2sZE40H
Rode VideoMic GO amzn.to/2wYEsKM
Jobi Gorillapod amzn.to/2QfocOh
MACTREM 80" Tripod amzn.to/34LmCNV
Disclaimer: Affiliate Links are used in the description of this video. By clicking on the above links, it helps support this channel by providing me with a small commission which allows me to produce better content for you and the rest of my KZbin Audience. Thanks for watching!

[@Youthman]

When your wife walked in I cracked up. Probably because that’s what my wife does too. 😂😂😂

[@theonecommenter]

I totally understand

[@LifeofBliss]

Haha yea it's a common occurrence. That or the annoyed phone call from upstairs lol

[@Youthman]

@@LifeofBliss I get the dreaded text, "Can you turn it down please..." hehe She's still awesome though.

[@moveezy5591]

Yeah I get that also and she always just says one word REALLY

[@kevonmanuel]

Oh... Someone needs to do a video - Men vs Women when it comes to home theater. Why do women hate bass and things loud? Why do men like things loud and lots of bass. Why do women think this hobby is a waste of time and money?

[@mikekellendonk9983]

Finally a good review, tons of helpfull info. Thank you for the upload there bud !!

[@MrJamesgrate]

Great honest review of the Emotiva amp, my wife comes downstairs anytime I crank the volume pass (3) on my volume lever, your buzzing noise may come from your system needing to be grounded. I used to have that same issue, when no music was being played, or paused, my mid range speakers would have a slight buzzing sound, until I grounded all of my amps to my mixer, then the buzzing noise disappeared. Love your videos bro......

[@powskier]

What's a "mixer" for? What does it do?

[@tonyworrell6059]

Great honest review of the Emotiva amp

[@scottgodown569]

This video just showed up and decided to watch as I own one of these amps with the Emotiva XMC-1 pre/pro and wanted to see what your thoughts were. Good video.

[@roofermarc1]

I have to build that front stand now. Thanks man

[@ousi00]

Thanks for mentioning the faint buzz. I had the same experience with the Gen2 XPA-5 before... It was a dealbreaker for me since my room is very quiet.

[@Kwarkiemodo]

Couldn't you find any solution for this? Better grounded cables? How did you solve the problem?

[@d.l.2401]

Awsome system you have. I purchased the Emotiva LPA-1 way back in 2007 for $499.00 including shipping. The 7 channel LPA-1 is rated at 125 watts X5 and 50 watts X 2 into 8 ohms and 220 X 5 into 4 ohms. This thing has been extremely reliable and is in my home surround system today being controlled by a Denon AVR X4000 receiver as Preamp Processor. The Denon is powering only the front height channels. The Denon Speakers/Amp Assign mode-Main "FRONT" is set to Pre-amp out so it is not sending signal to internal amps.. My loudspeakers are all cheap Yamaha. 2ea. NS-777 front. 2 ea. NS-555 L/R surrounds. 2ea. NS-333 rear surrounds. 2ea. NS-333 front height and 1ea. NS-C444 center. I have 2 ATI AT2505 amplifiers I used to have in my system when Tri-amping with active crossovers but I move all that and my DIY Loudspeakers to the Finished insulated Garage where I can turn it up when I want to.

[@LifeofBliss]

Heck yea man, those LPA-1s are awesome. I actually have one myself I bought from a friend. Unfortunately I had a channel go out on it a year or so ago. I'm going to either open it up and try to fix it myself or bring it to a repair shop to see what they can do.

[@deanm.rosenberg3847]

Interestingly, I use a BasX A-5175 amplifier and have noticed that faint "buzz" as well. But like you said impossible to hear unless your ear is on the tweeter!

[@battousai412]

Your comedy Hz soo good! We need a song like parents dont understand but called significant others just dont understand our home theater! 🤩💯💯💯

[@pf5658]

I’m actually eyeing this unit right now. Love the bit with the wife. That was quite hilarious.😂 separates is the way to go. Since I’ve gone that route many years ago I’m never going back to receivers.

[@LifeofBliss]

Lol I just wish that was the only time that actually happened 😂 it's been a great amp. I really like Emotiva products for the money. One of the better looking products out there as well in my opinion

[@pf5658]

@Life of Bliss - Yes they are very nice looking amps. I have the previous Gen - 5 channel that I use for my Atmos speakers. I’m thinking of getting this 7 channel.

[@mustangfred2006]

Wife walks in annoyed. Immediately liked and subscribed! We've all been there.

[@gibluap]

Blade Runner 2049 is absolutely outstanding for LFE and Dolby Atmos. Highly recommend you add that to one of your go-to. It is certainly at the top of my list when I want to flex my subs and show Dolby Atmos to friends

[@TheSteppenwolf666]

Also Dr Sleep or Joker. Wow! Mind blown

[@muddasirsultan6256]

The opening scene to Blade Runner 2049 is my absolute favorite to test a subwoofer.

[@jeremyscherbert7336]

I had a slight hum too, when I upgraded my receiver and went to XLR cables it was gone. Were you on RCA or XLR?

[@toolizcool]

I'm getting this exact amp to power my front wides, surrounds, surround backs, and 1 of 6 ceiling Atmos speakers. I probably don't need 200 watts/channel for those but heyyyy.....why not? I got an old XPA-5 Gen 2 to power the other 5 of 6 ceiling Atmos speakers. XPA DR3 will power front 3 speakers. In total, I'm going to be running a 9.4.6 setup with the Anthem AVM 70 as my preamp processor. Unfortunately, the AVM 70 only has 2 independent subwoofer outputs, so my 4 subs are sharing a channel each 2x2.

[@LifeofBliss]

Check out Emotiva's XPA series of amplifiers and other home theater products here: bit.ly/EmotivaXPA7

[@rolandmcneal3806]

Great review thanks the wife coming in was hilarious.

[@paulmardis1512]

Great Video, I have several Emotiva amps that I was using with a Marantz SR7010 AVR. I decided to replace my receiver with a separate processor (Marantz AV7705). If you are going to keep that Emotiva AMP I would recommend replacing the Yamaha AVR with a processor since you are using your AVR as a processor anyway. That will give you better sound with more clarity will eliminating the heat issue you will get with using a receiver. Good Luck PM

[@LifeofBliss]

Thanks Paul. Yea eventually I'll be looking to do that. Once we get into a new home within the next year or two, there will be many changes coming to the equipment list. I like Marantz too, they make good stuff

[@jkairi4]

Amps don't produce better sound, they give you louder sounds.

[@paulmardis1512]

@@jkairi4 , sorry you misunderstood my note. The last two sentences mentions replacing the Yamaha AVR with a processor that will give him better sound. Good Luck. PM

[@jkairi4]

@@paulmardis1512 what's wrong with the sound he's getting with the Yamaha?

[@paulmardis1512]

Absolutely Nothing.

[@e.pritch5774]

The buzz came from not using a preamp processor so you can use XLR cables, XLR cables are positive, negative and ground... Rca cables are just positive & negative so therefore it was no ground to stop the distortion, so the buzz was because of the rca cables.

[@squabby82]

Does the depth of 19” include the rear inputs? I’m a little concerned about the depth of this unit fitting into my media stand and am trying to cover all my bases before purchasing. Thanks!

[@LifeofBliss]

This includes the speaker terminals 👍

[@miggatenogokui2474]

Yess ur back...i hope :)

[@LifeofBliss]

Yea I've got a few home project videos coming up soon and a bookshelf speaker build I'm going to try to finish up this month

[@preferredsound5851]

I don’t own an Emotiva. yet.. but had that faint buzz with my 12 channel amp. To fix it I connected a (speaker wire) grounding cable from the receiver grounding point to the amp and the buzz is practically gone.

[@Punisher-1]

That's some smart thinking.

[@ChannelBri]

Nice diy!

[@Slyder695]

I'd love to add an external amp, just don't have a place for it unless its small

[@danielcunniff5201]

Hey bro I was hoping you could provide me with som insight, my father just bought the XPA-3 Gen 3 less than a month ago. It has been working flawlessly, until yesterday. We were watching golf , so not pushing it at all and the amp has lost all power? None of the other equipment lost power, he uses a base x for rear channels and the Marantz 7705 for processing. Everything is fine. All equipment is powered by the pano max. We have tried even plugging it into a separate outlet, and do not even get the orange power indicator? Do you have any idea what it might be?

[@LifeofBliss]

I would try cycling the power switch on and off in the back and push the fuse reset button. Maybe tripped the fuse with a small power surge? Good luck man, hope it's nothing more than that

[@Cybertron-cs7sk]

Great job on your speaker build 2 x XPA-7's for a 13 channel 7.1.6 is a good amplifier option for a pair of 7 channel amps at a reasonable price and with excellent high end performance without breaking the bank. Love your vids.

[@LifeofBliss]

Heck yea, that's some serious power for all channels. Appreciate it Richard!

[@Cybertron-cs7sk]

@@LifeofBliss I noticed you have the Crown Drivecore 2 amp how does it compare to Emotiva for sound quality channel to channel? I'm trying to decide whether to purchase a pair of Emotiva's or 7 Crown Drivecore 1102's? The speakers aren't hard to drive I just want the best solution out of these 2 choices any thoughts I trust your opinion. :)

[@LifeofBliss]

I was using one if the XLS 1000 amps to drive my Dayton Ultimax 15 subwoofer. It is a good amp, but I only used I for sub duty. I don't know if I would personally use pro amps like that for my mains. I know a lot of people do though

[@Cybertron-cs7sk]

@@LifeofBliss Thanks for getting back, I guess I was curious if you had ever done an A/B comparing both amps as you have both units. Both are top products I was all set for Emotiva and then I kept hearing of how good the XLS drive core is from some very good sources, comparing it to Parasound and JBL synthesis now using XLS Drivecore tech in their very expensive reference amps. If you ever switch the cables for comparison I'd be very curious to see what you think. Personally I would have only used them for Subs but I saw a rack of 7 XLS 1502 in a home theatre and thought to myself 'I wonder if this may be a better way to go?'

[@LifeofBliss]

@@Cybertron-cs7sk I tried driving some diy Swope speakers I made with that amp probably 2 years ago. They didn't sound bad with it at all. That XLS isn't currently in the rack, it's in another room powering a sub at the moment. From what I've seen, the distortion is pretty low on those crown amps so many people do use them for mains. I think we'll be seeing more and more class d amps used for mains in the future as well, the technology is really getting good with them

[@chemicallust77]

Do you run the surround optimization after connecting everything to the external amp?...just curious if it would make a difference in sound stage

[@LifeofBliss]

Yes I do. Idk that it helps dramatically with the sound stage, but if i change amos, I rerun the auto calibration. In my case, its YPAO with the yamaha

[@TheSteppenwolf666]

I have this amp for my surround channels with Mac for the front. Check out Thomas&stereos channel Justin’s system. It doesn’t buzz on mine using 91db speakers

[@donthom1924]

How does this compare to the Monolith 7x amp?

[@bassfan71]

To fix the buzz from the Emotiva, have you tried using balanced XLR connections if possible from the back of your receiver?

[@LifeofBliss]

Not an option with my receiver unfortunately. I'll probably get a pre/pro next with xlr though

[@bassfan71]

@@LifeofBliss Dang. Those pre/pros are nice. Would love to get one myself, to have balanced connections with my Behringer amp powering my full marty.

[@LMGGG7]

Hey, I really enjoy your videos and am in the process of building my own home theatre. I've noticed that in some of your videos you are wearing some KC Gear (Royals). Do you live in the Kansas City area? Born and Raised KC Native here

[@LifeofBliss]

I'm from North KC. Been in Wichita for a few years but planning in moving back in the near future.go Chiefs!! 🤘🏼

[@TechinaSec101]

Great video :)

[@rayking507]

Would you say the BasX version would be close to this or are they night and day difference in sound quality and separation.

[@LifeofBliss]

Your not going to hear a huge difference in external amps to be honest. You'll get better separation with both, but mainly look at what sort of power you'll need.

[@russ6366]

Great video!! I just ordered the 3 channel last night to run my L, R & C. I also have the RX A3070. Did you try running the L&R XLR’s as it does have those? I was hoping I could do this & run my C as an RCA. BTW, I usually get this text, “Can you turn it down?” 😉😂😂🤘🤘

[@LifeofBliss]

Haha it's inevitable getting that text... and sorry to say, but if I'm not mistaken, you won't won't able able do xlr for your left and right. Those are balanced inputs if I remember, not outputs. I don't think you'll be disappointed though!

[@russ6366]

@@LifeofBliss Thx brother!! 😎👍

[@Gaming_Biker]

So, even w/ the DIY kits rated up to 800W, the 100W-200W across all channels was plenty? I've mostly dabbled in 12V systems for car audio & rule of thumb is to match your RMS of speakers w/ RMS per amplication channel, if doing a 1:1 ratio. I feel I'm missing something in this equation.

[@LifeofBliss]

No way I would ever need more than 200w for these speakers. I'd like to have more power (I have a 380w per channel x 11 channel amp in for review) just for dynamics sake. These speakers I have are rated 99 dB @ 2.83v. So these will hit over 110 dB before you reach 50 watts. If I had a large commercial theater to fill with sound? Sure, could probably use a little more power, but these get stupid loud on next to nothing. A lot of the car audio stuff is around 87 to 92 dB efficient if I remember right (what I used to run or look at anyways). You'll need bigger power to get those speakers to a louder level.

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

Now I come over here to watch your skills =) - any experience with the monoblocks?

[@LifeofBliss]

Lol no skillz here! Not with the monoblocks. Have the DR3, but thats obviously a 3 channel.

[@jordenb9469]

How about the Chinese sub amp? Does it have any hiss coming from the subs? How reliable is it and what did you pay for it?

[@LifeofBliss]

No hiss at all. Been a very reliable and powerful amp for my needs. It's anywhere from $800-$950 depending on exchange rates and shipping. I'll be putting out another video in the future once I have time

[@dougc84]

"After 90 minutes of whatever the hell that was..." nice.

[@kyawlinnmaung5127]

Hi.@life of bliss, if I have chance to choose XPA-7 or XPA-9, which one would u recommend to me, please? Currently, I am using 5.1 system only and I may add 2 more speakers in the future. Thanks 😊

[@LifeofBliss]

You'll have more power per speaker with the xpa 7. If you plan on capping your system at 7 speakers, I'd grab that. You'll have expandability with the 9 for future use, but you'll have less power going to the surrounds and probably not worth it if you don't plan on 9 speakers

[@kyawlinnmaung5127]

@@LifeofBliss Thanks for ur reply. 😊

[@OneCosmic749]

The buzzing you mentioned in my opinion is purely the fault of the amplifiers. I don't know if it was hiss or "buzzing" but i have experienced hiss it on some amplifiers even on some more expensive ones 1000$ and up. Personally i always use amp or receiver on my desk with bigger bookshelf speakers and the hiss from amplifier is my main concern about them. I can't stand when there is nothing playing to an amp and just the power and speakers are connected and you can hear the hiss from 1m away of the tweeters/speakers. I have good experience with newer Denon receivers that they have minimal hiss which you can hardly hear with you ear on the tweeter at close to maximum volume which is perfect for me so i don't have to be worried about what is the volume setting on it and just adjust the output level on PC and you are also getting clean sound even on lower volumes.

[@LifeofBliss]

Yea I hear ya... but the buzz was still there when I had everything running off of just the Yamaha receiver without the Emotiva. Makes me think there was something going on with the Yamaha more so than the Emotiva. But I really didn't try too much harder to resolve it like I said cause it didn't bother me at my listening position. I wasn't upset about it in this particular situation, but I have had/seen systems with a significant buzz that would drive me crazy

[@46HarvesterOfSorrow]

Still at the 3 24"s? Finish the cabinets yet? I run an Earthquake Cinenova Grande and may go with this amp when I upgrade to Atmos. Suprising you are still using a receiver and not an Emotiva pre/pro. I replaced my Parasound Halo C2 with an Onkyo receiver a few years ago. Pre/pros are too expensive these days. Will buy a used atmos capable pre/pro as used ones start flooding the market. How are the DIY fronts for music? I know its night and day dynamically for movies. But how are they for music? I run Energy Veritas towers from the early 2000s. They work great for movies as well but cant hang with the two 21" & two 18" subs I run in the system. Well done on your system.

[@LifeofBliss]

Thanks man. Yea once I finished the cabinets I wasn't in the position to take up most of my garage to paint them. Then it got cold, so waiting until it warms up come spring. I'm spraying them so can't really do that anywhere but my garage. Dude pre/pro units are expensive... believe it or not I gotta watch what I spend on all of this stuff as we have been paying off school loans. Almost done, but looking to move within a year probably, so I don't think I will upgrade the receiver or projector before then. The DIYs are pretty awesome for everything I've thrown at them to be honest. They are a little more forward than the smaller Swope towers shown in the video here, but still very enjoyable to listen to. More detailed than other speakers I've listened to and your ears will bleed before they start distorting. Been very hapy with them. Those are some good looking speakers you got.

[@TheGamingArt]

Does anyone know if this unit should have a dedicated breaker/outlet?

[@LifeofBliss]

It doesn't need one. They are pretty efficient and chances are you won't be pushing every channel to its max capability. You could power your receiver/processor and source unit off of the same outlet with no issues

[@kevonmanuel]

I'm still waiting for the Sinbosen amp review.

[@LifeofBliss]

Yep, that's on my short list to do... working on that soon

[@bradthurkle7217]

Great video mate. My mrs does the same thing to 👍

[@LifeofBliss]

It happens lol

[@bradthurkle7217]

Life of Bliss yeah lol 😂

[@bryandepaepe5984]

if the buzz or hum sounds about the same frequency as a florescent light (60Hz) hum then it could be a speaker wire is too close to a wall power wire or another electrically noisy device like an AC fan or a computer or a poorly grounded electrical device somewhere else in the house.

[@scottmackey4182]

Bryan de Paepe, I agree. He should consider doing a video on DIY power and audio cables too. They could reduce his buzz impact.

[@angelst-amour9850]

Inexpensive patch cords

[@powskier]

Did you try the filter that Emotiva sells for the faint buzz?

[@LifeofBliss]

No I didn't. Using balanced connections removed any buzz I had though

[@starwarsfan7371]

Monolith 3 channel amp or Emotiva XPA-3 gen 3, which one would you recommend? What does “channel separation” mean? :)

[@LifeofBliss]

Channel separation means being able to distinguish different sounds coming from different channels. Better clarify and accuracy with surround effects. I personally have not heard a Monoprice amp. I know they are good products, but I can't speak on them vs emotiva. I love emotiva amps and recommend them all day long 👍

[@starwarsfan7371]

@@LifeofBliss thanks for your the explanation and amp recommendation.

[@HarryM2022]

Nice and informative video. 👍For how long have you owned the xpa gen 3? Still happy with it? Any issues?

[@LifeofBliss]

Over 2 years now. Zero issues, great amp. Been running it and the DR3 with the RMC1-L processor

[@HarryM2022]

@Life of Bliss Many thanks for getting back to me. Much appreciated. I am about to go for the XPA-5 version and wanted to see the longer time reliability of the unit. Of course this greatly depends on the use and how much care someone puts into.

[@HarryM2022]

@Life of Bliss Many thanks for getting back to me. Much appreciated. I am about to go for the XPA-5 version and wanted to see the longer time reliability of the unit. Of course this greatly depends on the use and how much care someone puts into.

[@LifeofBliss]

Yea no prob man. Yea these don't run too terribly hot, but heat is the main factor in electronics like these. I wouldn't have them in an enclosed rack or cabinet. Needs to either be an open space (no door on cabinet/TV stand) or have some circulation fans if it's in a closed rack. My rack was all open, so airflow wasn't as issue. They are great amps though 👍🏼 If you wanted, clicking my link in the description to Emotivas website before you buy let's them know these videos are working and gets me a little kickback for any sales. Doesn't cost you anything more. No Worries if you don't, have a good one man 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@HarryM2022]

@Life of Bliss no problem at all. I will. I agree temperatures is the typical enemy. Fortunately i habe an open rack too so it should be ok. Have a good one too 🤛

[@godfather1116]

I own the Emotiva XPA-7 as well, very happy with it. I use the XPA-7 to power all 7 of my speakers and an Outlaw 5000 for my ceiling (Atmos) speakers. Do you by chance own a power conditioner? (Panamax or Furman)? My noise from my speakers went away when I added a power conditioner.

[@LifeofBliss]

I do not, but would like to get one eventually

[@mongoosevsgt]

was going to purchase an emotiva but it seems like the bose of speakers, ok amps but just a value amp. will purchase an outlaw 7900 or anthem p5 which will be connected to my yamaha cx 5200 pre and polk legend l800 speakers just for home theater use. well, until i woke up and will have to settle for reality and my current budget system.

[@jimyounger9490]

Go back and look. The positive speaker wire pulled out. Maybe something to check.

[@LifeofBliss]

That was a spare from my wire box, not one I am currently using on anything. I did notice that as well. The plug needs to be pushed down a bit for a tighter connection

[@DUDETHEATER]

The wife part was super funny That happens to me once a week lol

[@savanpanchal451]

Love your simple reviews. I am running main 5 channel using Emotiva 5 xpa 5 channel. Is it okay to use different amp - looking at Outlaw 5 channel amp to run 4 atmos? I can upgrade my current Emotiva to 9 channel but I get more power per channel and cheaper using Seperate Outlaw amp.

[@LifeofBliss]

Sure, nothing wrong at all with using different amps, especially when powering something like your atmos speakers

[@larvorshirm]

Great video, can u connect a subwoofer to the emotiva?

[@LifeofBliss]

You can, but you'll probably want a more powerful amplifier per channel than this is. You can find a lot more power for a lot cheaper. Sub amps are usually class D, so smaller, lighter weight, less heat... Behringer or Crown have some good amps giving 500-2000 watts per channel well under the price of the Emotiva

[@OjStudios]

Class D is usually used today in sub amps even though it's not the best for that use because of it's quirks.

[@tysoncurrie7745]

Do you have a power conditioner? If not it helps out a lot with dirty power to your electrics.

[@LifeofBliss]

I don't, would like to get one someday though

[@christophersmith2468]

I just purchased the XPA-3 and I’m not seeing that much of a difference. Could it be something I’m missing, or something I didn’t do?

[@OPTIMUS6LTR]

unplug it and plug back into AVR and guarantee you will notice a big difference in dynamics and control (more so with music), what speakers are you running?

[@velocci6666]

Hope you are doing well and 100% over your covid. Are you still using this amp?

[@LifeofBliss]

Doing great, thanks! Besides my back being sore 😅 moving at the moment... but yes I am still using this amp. Love my emotiva amps (xpa-7 and dr3)

[@Tanfo77]

So were your subs powered by the amp too?

[@LifeofBliss]

No, they are powered by a sinbosen fp20000q. I have a video on that amp as well. 2000w x 4, crazy powerful amp

[@paul33ify]

Great video brother!! Metallica..🤘 All of us guys get the occasional eyebrow rise with our wives...😂

[@LifeofBliss]

Haha thanks bud! Lol she knew what she was getting into... 😂🤘🏼

[@Armanyadi.Jaafar]

This amp can drive all channels at 4 ohm x 7?

[@LifeofBliss]

Yes

[@shaolin95]

Yes but get a Monolith instead. Better and a much better customer support

[@AudioClownHT]

Would u say its harsh or warm sounding?

[@LifeofBliss]

My speakers did not sound harsh after adding the amp. Warm?... eh I guess it sounded a bit more warm after going from the receiver to the amp. Everything just jumped up a notch in clarity and authority. More full sound overall in my setup

[@theonecommenter]

Do you think it’s worth buying a 13.2 receiver

[@LifeofBliss]

Well depends on what your space is like and how many channels you actually plan on using. If you have the space for a 7.1.6 setup or a 9.1.4 (with front wides) then yea you'll need that extra processing to achieve that. Are you more talking about whether you should buy a 13.2 receiver that's amplified vs a 13.2 pre-processor that's not amplified and using external amplifiers?

[@sickjohnson]

Man it has been long...so what is the next upgrade? Hope the next video is coming soon man!

[@LifeofBliss]

I've got a few none theater related videos coming this month as well as a bookshelf speaker build. I've got one more upgrade that will be about as big as adding the 24 inch subs coming after that... 😉 hopefully it warms up soon so I can also shoot a video on painting those

[@sickjohnson]

@@LifeofBliss Awesome!

[@chriswelljack4910]

I own xpa2 gen 2 and xpa5 gen 2 and I have zero buzz in my speakers not even if you put your head up to the tweeters

[@LifeofBliss]

Yea I really think it is somewhere else in my system, either a ground issue or the receiver. Fortunately it's so faint it's not been a problem

[@chriswelljack4910]

@@LifeofBliss ok cool

[@chriswelljack4910]

Could be the sensitivity of your speakers also

[@Jacoby559]

You have a nice house

[@LifeofBliss]

Thanks man. I was able to finish the basement how I wanted over the past few years

[@ClausenLT]

I have to have all my stuff sent to a neighbors house when I buy stuff...and when I install something new and my wife asks "when did you get that" I say, "you mean when did I get that box? That's been there the whole time, it's not new." I'm doing $800 jobs for friends of mine, and telling my wife, "nah, he's not paying me, remember I owe him." And the money goes in my hand gun safe which she thinks has spiders in it! ;)

[@motorcopT2]

Absolutely never again! I purchased the XPA -11 Gen 3 11 Channel Amp and the RMC-1L 6 Channel Processor for $6000. I have seen all the videos on KZbin and was very excited to try this unit out in my garage (yes in my garage) When the unit arrived it was packaged beautifully! I was very impressed with the look and build of the units and especially the remote which is so well built it could used as a blunt force object. I made the mistake of removing all of my Marantz units (which are very new top of the line from Marantz)that were in the wall rack and installed the new equipment without testing it first. 😪 after spending a great deal of time getting the cables sorted in place I fired it up and could not get the test tones to work. After a couple hours I couldn’t figure out what I could have possibly missed. I resorted to calling a tech who is very good. I had him check to see if it was something simple that I wasn’t doing correctly. After a few hours of trying several things like replacing the XLR cables…. He was convinced the amp was bad. Some of the channels would not come on the test tones would not work… So I called the company to speak to a technician Brianna answered the phone and was extremely nice. After spending about 45 minutes on the phone with a technician he was unable to figure out the exact problem but recommended we call back the following day to speak with Keith their top Tech. We had Keith help us. Keith is extremely knowledgeable and was very nice he concluded that the processor was fine but the Amp was bad. No worries this could happen with and company. I was told I would need to return it. When I called back I informed Brennan that the amp needed to go back per Keith. I could tell in the change of her tone that it might not be just that easy. I also said hey to keep me as a returning customer, why not show some love and hook me up with some product credit. She had to catch her breath and said “I’ll ask” my manager. After she came back on the line her tone was completely different. She said all I can do is give you a RMA for free return. So I said let me talk to the manager and see if I can convince him to do something to keep me interested in the product. When he came on I couldn’t believe how obvious it was that he was going to say NO to anything I would ask for. When he started questioning me as to how Keith would be able to determine the amp was bad over the phone, I knew I had a better chance of getting sugar from a booger. I even told him I’m looking to build a duplicate system plus some for the inside theater using his top of the line equipment. His reply “that’s not gunna happen” I just said okay cool. I’ll try this unit for 30 days and if I don’t dig it I’ll send it back. But I don’t think I’ll use them ever again. It seemed so promising.

[@shaolin95]

Emotiva customer service of years back is long gone. Now is best to avoid this company

[@DeadlyVenomKing]

No Equalizer needed?

[@LifeofBliss]

All EQ is done through the Yamaha receiver for the mains and a mini dsp for the subs. Any newer receiver will have an auto EQ capability

[@eddietours3728]

is that nintendo 64 games on the rack !

[@LifeofBliss]

You bet your sweet 90s gaming ass it is! 🤘🏼

[@markkaupas8921]

Lucky for you she didn't catch you when you were finishing.

[@MrJsii69]

Funny as hell! Gotta go here comes my wife...

[@LifeofBliss]

😅

[@velocci6666]

Did you ask emotiva about the faint buzz?

[@LifeofBliss]

I didnt because it was present in just the receiver itself.

[@velocci6666]

@@LifeofBliss but you said it was coming from the emotive amp.

[@LifeofBliss]

@@velocci6666 I said it was still present with the receiver as well in the video. I think the buzz is happening prior to the amp

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Why did the sound when playing Metallica not sound very good?

[@LifeofBliss]

Probably a few reasons. Mic was way off center and sitting directly next to one of the 24 inch subs. It's only a $50 rode Mic too. Plus it was pretty damn loud, probably clipped the Mic a bit

[@roocrew86]

so much want, but big money

[@jamesf1505]

All XLR 's should fix your buzzing.

[@LifeofBliss]

Yep it did

[@jamesf1505]

My setup consist of polk csi a6 center, 4 polk tsi500 tower's all in cherry. 2 definitive technology promonitor 1000 for front heights and 2 polk lsim 702fx for rear heights. Pioneer elite vsx-lx503. Haven't decided on Amplifier yet but most likely 7 channel or 9 for sure........

[@jamesf1505]

Klipsch reference r112sw and klipsch r120sw subwoofer.

[@jamesf1505]

Your setup is Real 😎

[@scottlowell493]

The other litmus test...2 channel. There are people that don't listen to 2 channel material. I did, and that's how I discovered outlaw audio uses junk parts and emotiva does not. The outlaw obviously lacked fidelity (including the 975 pre). Inside an outlaw audio product, you will see a forest of generic junk.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Never show the wife the location of the kill switch.

[@LifeofBliss]

😂 mistakes were made...

[@mikeb4839]

4:37 mannnnn....sorry for your lost

[@TheoneDragon51]

Lol I know that Look! I am getting ready to pick up their 5 channel and the XMC-2. Finally got my back pay from the VA. I am going to wait for my tax return.

[@LifeofBliss]

Nice! I'd love to try one of their receivers at some point. If you click on my link when you order, it helps me in the channel and let's Emotiva know the videos are helping as well. Doesn't cost you anything but a click. Enjoy bud! You'll love that amp...

[@TheoneDragon51]

@@LifeofBliss thanks you for the reply. I will do that. I will make a note. Running Paradigm monitor 11s , mini monitors rear and the matching center. With my new PSA S1512. Just added your affiliate link to my Home page so I will order it from their. About tax return time.

[@LifeofBliss]

I appreciate the support sir! That's a nice setup, they deserve that good amp coming to them!

[@56dinosaur]

Other reviewers encountered buzz or hum, too. It's a limitation in Emotiva's design.

[@LifeofBliss]

Yea I've seen a few others mention it, but I did still have it when I took the Emotiva out of the picture. Either way, didn't effect me

[@hgome865]

I own the first gen xpa5 and it also has the slightest buzz from the tweeters. I tried everything from higher gauge per and speaker cables, better shielded speaker cables, power cables (10 gauge), connecting it directly to power conditioner which itself was on a separate power socket. Nothing worked. Then one day it was gone. But it came back!!! Ultimately you can't hear it unless you're are right next to the door, literally a few inches. Annoying once you know it's there, but first world problems.

[@michaelknight5607]

Input impedance is not matching output imp of the receiver. It may it. I also had a hum that was coming from a piece of equipment that had a cheap power supply. I changed it and hum goes almost 90% away

[@martydmb]

Zero hum from my xpa-7 gen3 on my klipsch speakers.. not even with my ear up against them. Maybe use quality insulated rcas and keep power cords away from speaker and rca wires..

[@kevinpwoodward]

I know that look. How do they all know that look?

[@OldTerrible]

Be prepared to wait weeks for your order to be sent.

[@shaolin95]

Lol and more to get support if anything goes wrong.

[@rmzidann]

Holy shit… are you sure you have enough bass in that sound system? How is your hearing?… btw, one of the best audiophile trick to good sound is removing your ear wax!… 😂😉

[@LifeofBliss]

Decent bass... luckily it's shaken all the wax out of my ears! 😅

[@cplcombat]

Shouldn't be a buzz at all on this amp. Check all channels and if there is noise on all channels than it is possible you have a power issue check the mains power and ensure all connections at the wall outlet and breaker are tight and secure. If only on one channel it is more than likely a bad amp. I had same issue, as soon as I got the amp hooked up I had noise on one channel at higher volumes, Emotiva sent a new amp and all is well. Suppose it could be the preouts or quality of cables but I'd say odds are not likely.

[@LifeofBliss]

It's all channels. I'm thinking it's either my power in general or my Yamaha receiver.

[@jkairi4]

Totally throwing away money with this amp. If you have a receiver, you just need an external amp to power the front 3 channels at best. You don't need this for surrounds and height channels. The amps in the receiver should be sufficient.

[@johnlira3316]

Amad Zee which model do u recommend for the 3 channels with no buzz or hum? For 3 klipsch speakers

[@dctaken]

holy hell, i cost of all that!!!

[@hdtvkeith1604]

If there was a buzz without the amp why mention it? It is irrelevant to the product review.

[@SolidMGSnake]

The electric bill goes up too, right? lol

[@sthr2110]

Staged wife entrance FTW...

[@porsche911luv9]

Interstellar would be unwatchable in your environment unless, you turn all the subs off. Nolan should be kicked in the rear for the sound mixing on that movie.

[@rudestrudedog]

did you have to watch a rom-com after you got busted?

[@LifeofBliss]

Nah, but I'm sure some episodes of the bachelor were in order after that lol

[@petecap4382]

It drives me nuts u take care of everyone and u cant have fun in your own basmt. That's a problem if I cant get back up up from the wife time to get a new one.

[@LifeofBliss]

You really think she doesn't support me when I've got an entire wall filled with enough speakers to cause small earthquakes? Lol she has been pretty great, even has a little fun in my KZbin videos 😉 check out the last 15 seconds

[@JasonLeaman]

Thumbs down. Emotiva = Garbage, Buy the Yamaha 7.1 multichannel Power-Amplifier.

[@musicman8270]

After an offer from Emotiva I purchased an 125wpc amp, it lasted nine years, sounded great, and would still work if not for an accident. Decent medium fi gear