Emotiva XPS-1 Phono Preamplifier

The Emotiva XPS-1 is a compact, high-performance phono preamplifier from Emotiva's X Series, designed to bring a turntable into any stereo system equipped with a line-level input. It supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, providing the appropriate gain and loading for each type without compromise, and employs accurate RIAA equalisation throughout. Its slim all-metal enclosure is compact enough to sit alongside a turntable without occupying rack space.

MM & MC Cartridge Support

The XPS-1 is engineered to deliver optimum gain and noise performance for both MM and MC cartridge types. The MM input operates at a fixed 47kΩ impedance with 40dB of gain — the industry-standard loading for Moving Magnet cartridges. The MC input provides 60dB of gain with user-selectable loading impedance of 47, 100, 470, or 1kΩ, accommodating a wide range of low-output Moving Coil cartridge designs. The ability to match loading to the specific requirements of an MC cartridge — rather than accepting a fixed value — means the XPS-1 remains compatible as cartridge choices change over time.

RIAA Equalisation & Low-Noise Performance

RIAA equalisation accuracy on the MM input is within ±0.12dB across 20Hz–20kHz; the MC input achieves within ±0.25dB across the same range. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 96dB (A-weighted) on the MM input and 79dB (A-weighted) on the MC input. Total harmonic distortion on the MM input is less than 0.0075% at 1kHz and less than 0.02% across 20Hz–20kHz; the MC input measures less than 0.006% at 1kHz and less than 0.05% across the full audio band. This low distortion and high signal-to-noise performance is supported by Emotiva's sophisticated multi-stage power supply, which isolates the audio circuitry from mains-borne interference.

Construction

The XPS-1's case is an all-metal design, providing ruggedness and effective shielding against external electrical noise and interference — an important attribute in a device handling the low-level signals produced by phono cartridges. Input and output connections are gold-plated solid brass RCA sockets, and a dedicated ground terminal is provided for connection to the turntable's earth wire. Power is supplied via an external regulated AC adapter, keeping the unit's own noise floor low.