The Emotiva XPA-3 Gen3 is the three-channel variant of Emotiva’s third-generation modular amplifier platform. The XPA Gen3 range spans from two to eleven channels — covering models including the XPA-2, XPA-3, XPA-4, XPA-5, XPA-7, XPA-9, and XPA-11 — all sharing the same chassis, power supply architecture, and amplifier module design. The XPA-3 is positioned as the natural choice for powering the three front channels (left, centre, and right) of a 5.1, 7.1, or Dolby Atmos / DTS:X home cinema system. Above the standard XPA Gen3 line sits the XPA-DR (Differential Reference) series, which employs a fully balanced, floating differential output stage for those requiring the highest performance from the platform.
Modular Architecture
The XPA Gen3 platform is fully modular: each amplifier channel is an independent, self-contained module that slots into a shared chassis. The XPA-3 ships with three modules installed, but the chassis accepts up to seven, allowing additional channels to be added later without replacing the amplifier. Each module is a fully discrete, dual differential, high-current, short-signal-path Class A/B design. The differential input stage, with cross-linked current sources, drives a balanced voltage amplification stage, which in turn feeds a complementary, fully discrete output stage.
Power Supply & Class H Topology
Rather than a conventional linear power supply, the XPA Gen3 uses a high-efficiency switch-mode power supply (SMPS) shared across all installed modules. Each module’s output stage operates using Emotiva’s Optimized Soft-Switch Class H™ topology, which dynamically adjusts the supply rails to track the audio signal. The result is 275 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms with all three channels driven simultaneously, rising to 450 watts into 4 ohms. With a single channel driven, the amplifier delivers 300 watts into 8 ohms or 550 watts into 4 ohms.
Performance
Total harmonic distortion plus noise measures less than 0.005% at 100 watts RMS (1 kHz, 8 ohms), and the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 117 dB referenced to FTC rated power (A-weighted, unbalanced input). The damping factor exceeds 500 into 8 ohms. Power bandwidth spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.1 dB, whilst the broadband frequency response extends from 5 Hz to 80 kHz (+0/−2 dB).
Connectivity
Each channel provides two unbalanced RCA inputs and two balanced XLR inputs, independently selectable via a metal toggle switch on the rear panel. Input impedance is 33 kilohms on the balanced inputs and 23.5 kilohms on the unbalanced inputs, with a gain of 29 dB and an input sensitivity of 1.5 V for rated power. Speaker outputs use gold-plated five-way binding posts that accept banana plugs, spade connectors, or bare wire. A trigger input (5–12 V AC/DC, less than 10 mA) and trigger output (12 VDC, up to 120 mA) allow integration with processors and preamplifiers. AC line protection is provided by a resettable rear-panel push-button circuit breaker.
Build & Installation
The XPA-3 Gen3 operates on 100–250 VAC at 50/60 Hz with automatic voltage detection, making it suitable for use without modification in the UK. The chassis measures 432 × 203 × 483 mm (17 × 8 × 19 inches) including feet, with a weight of 17.7 kg (39 lbs). Microprocessor-controlled fault protection monitors the amplifier continuously and remains transparent under normal listening conditions.
| Channels | 3 (chassis accepts up to 7 modules) |
|---|
| Amplifier Topology | Fully discrete, dual differential, Class A/B with Optimized Soft-Switch Class H™ |
|---|
| Power Output (8Ω, all channels driven) | 275W RMS per channel (THD <0.1%) |
|---|
| Power Output (4Ω, all channels driven) | 450W RMS per channel (THD <0.1%) |
|---|
| Power Output (8Ω, one channel driven) | 300W RMS per channel |
|---|
| Power Output (4Ω, one channel driven) | 550W RMS per channel |
|---|
| THD+N (100W, 1 kHz, 8Ω) | <0.005% |
|---|
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >117 dB (A-weighted, ref. FTC rated power, unbalanced) |
|---|
| Damping Factor | >500 (8Ω) |
|---|
| Power Bandwidth | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.1 dB) |
|---|
| Frequency Response | 5 Hz – 80 kHz (+0/−2 dB) |
|---|
| Input Impedance | 33 kΩ (balanced) / 23.5 kΩ (unbalanced) |
|---|
| Gain | 29 dB |
|---|
| Input Sensitivity | 1.5 V (rated power) |
|---|
| Inputs | 2× balanced XLR & 2× unbalanced RCA per channel (selectable) |
|---|
| Speaker Outputs | Gold-plated five-way binding posts (per channel) |
|---|
| Trigger In | 5–12 V AC/DC (<10 mA) |
|---|
| Trigger Out | 12 VDC (up to 120 mA) |
|---|
| Power Supply | High-efficiency SMPS with Optimized Soft-Switch Class H™ topology |
|---|
| Mains Voltage | 100–250 VAC, 50/60 Hz (auto-detecting) |
|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 432 × 203 × 483 mm (17 × 8 × 19″), incl. feet |
|---|
| Weight | 17.7 kg (39 lbs) |
|---|
