3 channel amp in HT

[droht]

I'm thinking about picking up an XPA-3 from Emotiva to power the front end of my HT. I'd continue to use my Yamaha RX-V659 for processing and to power my 4th and 5th channels (in ceilings).

I know some folks are doing something similar. I am not doing multi-channel, so no concerns there. Anything issues with HT is this config? Using the Yammy with an LPA-1 to power all 5 channels caused some heat concerns with the avr. Maybe letting it run the surrounds will help alleviate that. Maybe I'll need a fan.

I'm using Ascend 340SEs for LCR right now. They sound good. But if I snag the Emo I will be very tempted to go back to ref1/100 set up. I've just got to remember who I sold the PB 100 to and get it back...

[Maximum kahuna]

Just got my XPA-3 the other day. I had an LPA-1 and was using my Yamaha 657 to power the backs. I never had any heat problems with either. My first impression for music is that at higher volumes the difference is the same order of magnitude as when I went from the Yammy to the LPA. The soundstage is wider and has more depth. My Rocket 550's love power and the extra headroom makes a difference. At lower volumes the difference is still there, just not as noticable.

Only bummer is that I am using the analog outs from my BD55 and the mulitchannel input will not activate the 12v trigger to take the amp out of standby. Works fine every time except when using the multichannel input. I just leave the amp on all the time. I did that with the LPA and it ran cool as a cucumber so I am not anticipating any problems. If your speakers can use the extra power (can't they all?) IMHO the stupid good price makes the XPA-3 a no-brainer.

[dvenardos]

Anything issues with HT is this config? Using the Yammy with an LPA-1 to power all 5 channels caused some heat concerns with the avr. Maybe letting it run the surrounds will help alleviate that. Maybe I'll need a fan..

This makes no sense. It should run cooler when not using the internal amps unless there is an internal fan triggered to the output levels on the internal amps.
A computer fan is easy to add.

[droht]

This makes no sense. It should run cooler when not using the internal amps unless there is an internal fan triggered to the output levels on the internal amps.
A computer fan is easy to add.

I'm as non-technical as can be, but my assumption is that the amp section does not turn off, and that the energy that normally powered the speakers became heat when the LPA-1 was hooked up.

I have the Yammy enclosed in a cabinet. It runs warm normally when used as avr, but not hot. It was around 130F when I used the LPA-1

[dvenardos]

I'm as non-technical as can be, but my assumption is that the amp section does not turn off, and that the energy that normally powered the speakers became heat when the LPA-1 was hooked up.

I am not a physicist either (we need dweekie here), but producing power is what generates heat. It wouldn't burn off heat when producing higher output. Not saying that it isn't happening to you but that is just :crazy:

[nhpm510]

I'm as non-technical as can be, but my assumption is that the amp section does not turn off, and that the energy that normally powered the speakers became heat when the LPA-1 was hooked up.

I have the Yammy enclosed in a cabinet. It runs warm normally when used as avr, but not hot. It was around 130F when I used the LPA-1

How much ventilation in the cabinet? Can u make more?

I am thinking of grabbing the xpa-3 and running it to my center as a mono :-)

You might also consider the UPA-2 (FREE SHIPPING) and on sale as well. Just a thought.

[droht]

How much ventilation in the cabinet? Can u make more?

I am thinking of grabbing the xpa-3 and running it to my center as a mono :-)

You might also consider the UPA-2 (FREE SHIPPING) and on sale as well. Just a thought.

Cabinet does not have much venilation. I should do something to improve that regardless of adding an amp.

[dvenardos]

Cabinet does not have much venilation. I should do something to improve that regardless of adding an amp.

If you can cut a hole in the cabinet then you can get a low noise pc fan and an ac adapter with voltage control (lower voltage will slow the fan) and cut off the end and wire it to the fan. Then you plug the ac adapter into the switched outlet on your receiver/pre/pro. Bingo, an adjustable flow fan that is triggered with your receiver. :)

edit: I would be happy to do this for you it is really easy and a lot cheaper and quieter than the ac fans that are available.

[nhpm510]

Cabinet does not have much venilation. I should do something to improve that regardless of adding an amp.

Agreed.

I had a nice glass enclosed cabinet, for about a week. Kept getting so hot my DVR would wig out and reboot. My Denon (I like saying that word, Denon) didn't flinch.

[ben9732]

So, name the dog Denon.

[django1]

So, name the dog Denon.

Denon is no dog ... :)

[ggunnell]

I started a thread on equipment cooling and moved my applicable post contents there:

http://tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=496

With respect to 3 channel power amps you might find some useful info in this thread at Audioholics:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49256