Emotiva XPA-DR2 Stereo Power Amplifier

The Emotiva XPA-DR2 is a two-channel power amplifier from Emotiva’s Differential Reference series — the manufacturer’s most capable amplifier range. Within the series it sits between the XPA-DR1 monoblock and the three-channel XPA-DR3. Where Emotiva’s XPA Gen3 amplifiers employ a single amplifier module per channel, the Differential Reference series pairs two modules per channel in a fully balanced differential configuration, delivering lower distortion and greater output power. The XPA-DR2 produces 550 watts RMS per channel into 8Ω and 800 watts RMS per channel into 4Ω, both channels driven simultaneously, with less than 0.1% THD.

Differential Reference Module Architecture

Each channel of the XPA-DR2 is powered by a Differential Reference amplifier module comprising a perfectly symmetrical balanced pair of high-performance amplifier circuits. A unique differential input stage, with a cross-linked current source, drives a balanced voltage amplification stage; this advanced input circuitry delivers the signal to a complementary, fully discrete output stage. Each individual amplifier circuit already has vanishingly low distortion; by connecting two as a balanced differential pair, a significant portion of the remaining nonlinearity is cancelled out. The result is THD+Noise of less than 0.015% at 100W RMS (1kHz, 8Ω) and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 120dB referenced to rated power (balanced input, A-weighted), with a further measurement of greater than 96dB referenced to 1W under the same conditions.

Soft-Switch™ Class H Power Supply

The XPA-DR2 employs Emotiva’s Soft-Switch™ Class H power supply topology paired with a fully analogue Class A/B output stage. At lower power levels each output stage operates on a reduced supply voltage to minimise quiescent power consumption and standby losses. When the signal demands it, the supply switches instantly to a higher voltage rail to ensure the signal passes cleanly and without clipping. This switching occurs continuously in real time, delivering greater overall efficiency, cooler operation, longer component life, and increased reliability compared to a conventional Class A/B design running from fixed rails. The power supply is a custom-configured switch-mode design (SMPS) capable of delivering over 3kW of continuous power, feeding both channels from a single regulated supply. Mains input is 100–250VAC, 50/60Hz with automatic voltage detection; maximum power consumption is rated at 1,700 watts.

Connectivity & Control

Each channel offers both a balanced XLR input and an unbalanced RCA input, user-selectable independently per channel via rear-panel toggle switches. Speaker connections are via audiophile-grade gold-plated five-way binding posts. Input impedance is 33kΩ balanced and 23.5kΩ unbalanced. The minimum recommended load is 4Ω per channel. A trigger input accepting 5–12V AC or DC (requiring less than 10mA) and a 12VDC trigger output capable of driving loads up to 120mA allow integration with preamplifiers and other components for automated power sequencing.

Chassis & Performance

The XPA-DR2 is housed in a heavy steel 4RU chassis with a milled aluminium faceplate. The fully modular architecture means the chassis can accommodate one additional Differential Reference module beyond the two fitted as standard, allowing the amplifier to be reconfigured at a later date by Emotiva or an authorised service centre. The amplifier ships with a gain of 29dB, an input sensitivity of 2.1V for rated power at 8Ω, and a damping factor exceeding 500 into an 8Ω load.