Emotiva XPA GEN3 User Manual

Important Safety Precautions and Explanation of Symbols

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important installation, operation, and service instructions in this manual.

!

The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltages within the enclosure that may be of sucient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electrical shock to the user.

Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting to install, congure, or operate the XPA Gen3
modular power amplier. After successful installation and conguration of the XPA Gen3 amplier, be sure
to retain this manual in a safe place for future reference.

Safety is a key component to a long lasting and trouble free installation. Please read and follow all
instructions and heed all warnings on the XPA Gen3 amplier and in this manual. The vast majority of the
subsequent safety precautions are common sense. If you are not comfortable with the installation of audio/
video entertainment equipment, you should seek the services of a qualied installation professional or call
us for help.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THE XPA GEN3 AMPLIFIER
NEAR WATER OR IN WET LOCATIONS, DO NOT EXPOSE IT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE, DO NOT EXPOSE IT

!

TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING FROM OTHER SOURCES, AND ENSURE THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH
LIQUIDS SUCH AS VASES ARE PLACED ON IT. DOING SO MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE UNIT AND
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, WHICH MAY RESULT IN BODILY INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER FROM THE
XPA GEN3 AMPLIFIER. THERE ARE NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE UNIT. REFER ALL SERVICE
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Do not install the XPA Gen3 amplier near or above any heat sources such as radiators, heating vents, or
other apparatus’ that produce heat. Do not block any ventilation openings or heat sinks. Avoid installing
the unit directly above other heat-producing equipment unless sucient ventilation or forced-air cooling is
provided.

Do not install the XPA Gen3 amplier in locations without proper ventilation. The XPA Gen3 should not
be operated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block vents. The unit should not be installed
in an enclosed location such as a bookcase, cabinet, or closed equipment rack unless sucient forced-air
ventilation is provided.

Always install your XPA Gen3 amplier according to the manufacturer’s instructions and only use
attachments or accessories specied by the manufacturer.

Do not install the XPA Gen3 amplier on any stand, shelf, or other piece of furniture that is unable to
support its weight. If a cart is used to move the unit, use caution to avoid injury from tip-over.

Connect the XPA Gen3 amplier only to power sources of the correct voltage (as shown in this manual and
on the XPA Gen3 unit).

Protect power supply cables from being pinched, walked on, or otherwise damaged. Be especially careful
where the power cable enters the power outlet and the unit.

Only connect the XPA Gen3 amplier to an electrical outlet or extension cord of appropriate type and
rating.

DO NOT defeat the safety purpose of a grounding or polarized plug by removing ground pins or using
unsafe adapters. A polarized plug has two blades - one wider than the other. A grounding plug has a
third ground prong in addition to the two main conductors. The wide blade or third groundling prong is
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t your outlet, consult an electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. If you replace the power cord, only use one of similar type and equal or greater current
rating.

The power cable for the XPA Gen3 amplier should be unplugged from the outlet during severe electrical storms,
or when unused for a long period of time.

Only replace the fuse(s) in the XPA Gen3 amplier with fuse(s) of proper value and voltage rating.

The XPA Gen3 should only be cleaned as directed in the manual. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the unit and
NEVER spray liquids into the vents. Care should be taken so that small objects do not fall into the inside of the

!

unit.

You should seek service for your XPA Gen3 amplier by qualied service personnel if any of the following occur:

1. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged.

2. Objects or liquid have fallen or spilled into the vents.

3. The unit has been exposed to rain.

4. The unit exhibits a marked change in performance.

5. The unit has been dropped, or its enclosure or chassis is damaged.

NOTE: TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THE XPA Gen3 AMPLIFIER FROM THE AC POWER MAINS, DISCONNECT
THE AC POWER CORD FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE.

NOTE: THE POWER CORD ON THE XPA Gen3 AMPLIFIER MUST REMAIN READILY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.

WARNING: EVEN THOUGH THE XPA Gen3 AMPLIFIER UNIT IS MODULAR, MODULES SHOULD ONLY BE ADDED,

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REPLACED, OR RECONFIGURED BY AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL. USERS SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO ADD,
REMOVE, OR RECONFIGURE MODULES INSIDE THE XPA Gen3 AMPLIFIER UNLESS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED
AND INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY EMOTIVA OR ONE OF OUR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES. IMPROPER
INSTALLATION OR CONFIGURATION OF MODULES INSIDE THE UNIT MAY RESULT IN EQUIPMENT DAMAGE OR
PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK

OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO

NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER

SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED

SERVICE PERSONNEL.

XPA Gen3

XPA Gen3 Modular Power Amplier

Contents

Important Safety Precautions and Explanation of Symbols

XPA Gen3 Modular Power Amplier .......................................................................... 1

Introduction .......................................................................................................................3

About This Manual ........................................................................................................... 4

Features ...............................................................................................................................5

Unpacking ...........................................................................................................................6

XPA Gen3 Front Panel .....................................................................................................7

XPA Gen3 Chassis Rear Panel .......................................................................................8

XPA Gen3 Amplier Module (300M module) ...................................................... 10

Quick Start ....................................................................................................................... 11

Connections .................................................................................................................... 12

Conguration and Operation ................................................................................... 13

Care and Maintenance ................................................................................................ 14

Specications .................................................................................................................. 15

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................ 19

Emotiva Audio Corporation Five-Year Limited Warranty ................................ 20

Accessories ...................................................................................................................... 22

Notes .................................................................................................................................. 23

Page 1

XPA Gen3

Page 2

XPA Gen3

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the new Emotiva XPA Gen3 modular power amplier.

The XPA Gen3 modular power amplier is the proud result of many years of experience designing
and rening audiophile power amps, culminating in an amplier with the solid power and superb
sound quality necessary to be equally at home in any two channel audiophile sound system or top
quality home theater system.

The XPA Gen3 represents a fusion of the best aspects of both traditional and modern audio
amplier technologies - each chosen to provide the optimum combination of sound quality,
eciency, and functionality. The circuitry in each output module is based on the exceptional
sounding short signal path Class A/B output circuit we designed for our XPA Gen1 and Gen2
ampliers, combined with the enhanced eciency of the Optimized Class H™ power topology we
developed for our XPR series ampliers.

The enormous amount of power required to operate the output modules in the XPA Gen3 is
supplied by a massive Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS). The SMPS we chose combines high
eciency, massive long term power capacity, and impressive short term dynamic power reserves.
Although we tend to think of switching supplies as modern technology, the controller chip and
basic circuit design used in our new SMPS have a long track record of reliably powering commercial
and even automotive devices, so we feel comfortable trusting it with the critical mission of
providing clean, reliable power for our new XPA Gen3 amps. Compared to the linear transformer­based power supplies used in our previous generation of ampliers, the new SMPS oers improved
electrical performance and reliability, while reducing the overall weight of the amplier by about
35%, which makes the new XPA Gen3 ampliers easier to ship and easier to install. It also seamlessly
detects and congures itself for any line voltage between 100 VAC and 250 VAC, and features a
convenient push-button circuit breaker for easy recovery from any power faults.

Another important aspect of the new XPA Gen3 amplier series is its modular construction. The
new XPA Gen3 amps all share a common chassis, microprocessor-controlled front panel, and power
supply. The XPA Gen3 can be ordered with anywhere between two and seven amplier modules
installed - to fulll your current needs; then additional modules (up to seven total) can be added
later as you expand your system and require more channels of high quality amplication.

And, nally, we’ve added the extra features that our customers expect from a high-end amplier....

like a heavy-duty chassis with elegant styling, and a trigger input and output, and switchable front
panel status indicators, and independent input selection for each channel, and high quality chassis­mounted RCA input connectors, and heavy duty speaker terminals.

Whether you think of our new XPA Gen3 modular power amplier as an impressive new product,
or simply as the obvious successor to an already impressive line of audiophile ampliers, we’re sure
you’ll be as impressed with its performance, exibility, and sound quality as we are...

Happy listening!

The Emotiva Team

Page 3

XPA Gen3

About This Manual

This manual will provide you with the information you need to get started enjoying your
XPA Gen3 modular power amplier.

We suggest that you read through the entire manual; we kept things as short and direct as
possible. Even if you’re an expert user, you will probably nd some interesting information and
useful suggestions.

If you’re really in a hurry to get started, please read the Quick Start section (on page 11); you may
then read the remainder of the manual at your leisure.

You may wish to keep a copy of this manual with your records, and record serial numbers or other
purchase information on the Notes page at the back.

Page 4

XPA Gen3

Features

The XPA Gen3 modular power amplier is an audiophile-grade power amplier that provides up
to seven channels of superb quality audio amplication. The XPA Gen3 features our fully discrete,
high-current, short signal path class A/B output section, combined with the Optimized Class H™
power supply topology we developed for our iconic XPR ampliers, and our new, powerful yet
light weight and ecient, audiophile grade Switch Mode Power Supply.

Welcome to the XPA Gen3 modular power amplier... the next generation of power amplication
for the audiophile who wants it all: superb sound quality, modular construction, and lasting value.

Features of the new XPA Gen3 modular power amplier:

• True audiophile-quality sound - as with all of our ampliers, the XPA Gen3 modular power
amplier was designed rst and foremost to sound superb in all types of audio systems.

• Great sounding Class A/B output stage - ensures smooth detailed sound and incredibly
natural imaging - without a trace of harshness or strain.

• Optimized Class H™ power supply topology - delivers improved eciency without
compromising audio performance.

• Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) - oers all of the performance of a traditional linear
power supply, while improving eciency and reliability, and reducing overall weight.

• Fully modular construction - allows you to purchase as many channels as you need today,
then add more channels later when and if you need them.

• Top quality parts and construction throughout - promise years of reliable service.

• Totally stable - designed for use in the real world, with real speakers.

• Heavy steel 4RU chassis with milled aluminum face plate - provide strength and rugged

good looks.

• Gold plated ve-way speaker binding posts with clear shields - allow you to use a wide
range of speaker cables with bare wires, lugs, or banana plugs.

• Solid machined gold-plated RCA input connectors - provide a reliable connection with a
wide variety of audio interconnects.

• Choice of balanced or unbalanced inputs - independently controlled by high-reliability
metal toggle switches to ensure long service life.

• Remote trigger input and output - allow the XPA Gen3 to be turned on by trigger-enabled
equipment, and to activate other trigger-enabled equipment.

• Audiophile-grade fault protection - entirely transparent under normal conditions, yet
protects the amp and your other equipment from all common fault conditions.

• Universal AC line voltage operation - the XPA Gen3 operates on any line voltage between
100 VAC and 250 VAC; and is protected from faults by a rugged resettable circuit breaker.

• Standard IEC power inlet - ts all standard and audiophile IEC power cables.

• Fully ve year warranty - ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy your XPA Gen3 amplier for

years to come.

You can nd more information about the XPA Gen3 on our website at www.emotiva.com.

Page 5