Emotiva XPR-2 User manual

XPR-2
Stereo Reference Power Amplifier
User Manual
XPR-2

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 sufcient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to the user.
Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting to install, congure, or operate the XPR-2.
After successful installation and conguration of the XPR-2, 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 XPR-2 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
XPR-2 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 XPR-2. THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE UNIT. REFER
ALL SERVICE TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: DANGEROUS VOLTAGES MAY BE PRESENT AT THE SPEAKER OUTPUT
TERMINALS OF THE XPR-2 (AND ALL HIGH-POWERED AMPLIFIERS). TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT TOUCH UNINSULATED AREAS OF TERMINALS OR SPEAKER
WIRES UNLESS THE AMPLIFIER IS TURNED OFF. DO NOT SHORT THE SPEAKER OUTPUTS
OF THE XPR-2 TO EACH OTHER, OR TO OTHER EQUIPMENT, WHILE THE AMPLIFIER IS
POWERED ON; SERIOUS EQUIPMENT DAMAGE OR INJURY MAY RESULT IF YOU DO.
To reduce the risk of electrical damage, verify that no short circuits are present between terminals
and / or speaker wires before applying power.
Do not install the XPR-2 near or above any heat sources such as radiators, heating vents, or other
apparatus that produces heat. Do not block any ventilation openings or heat sinks. Avoid installing
the unit directly above other heat-producing equipment unless sufcient ventilation or forced-air
cooling is provided.
Do not install the XPR-2 in locations without proper ventilation. The XPR-2 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 sufcient forced-air
ventilation is provided.
Always install your XPR-2 according to the manufacturer’s instructions and only use attachments or
accessories specied by the manufacturer.
Do not install the XPR-2 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 XPR-2 only to power sources of the correct voltage (as shown in this manual and on
the XPR-2).

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 XPR-2 to an electrical outlet or extension cord of appropriate type and rating. MOST
power strips and extension cords are NOT sufcient to safely supply the power required by the XPR-2.
Using a power source of insufcient capacity will constitute a safety risk and also seriously compromise the
performance of the XPR-2
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 XPR-2 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 XPR-2 with fuse(s) of proper value and voltage rating.
WARNING: UNDER SOME OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE XPR-2 MAY CAUSE A FUSE OR
CIRCUIT BREAKER IN YOUR BREAKER PANEL TO OPEN, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE XPR-2
IS ATTEMPTING TO DRAW MORE CURRENT THAN YOUR CIRCUIT CAN SAFELY SUPPLY. IF THIS
OCCURS, DO NOT REPLACE THE BREAKER OR FUSE WITH ONE OF HIGHER RATING. DOING
SO MAY RESULT IN THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, WHICH MAY RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The XPR-2 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 XPR-2 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.
WARNING: THE XPR-2 IS VERY HEAVY. THE XPR-2 SHOULD BE LIFTED BY TWO PERSONS, OR
BY ONE PERSON WITH MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE. THE XPR-2 SHOULD ONLY BE PLACED ON
TABLES, STANDS, OR SHELVES, OR MOUNTED IN RACKS, WITH A CAPACITY OF AT LEAST 200
POUNDS.
NOTE: TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THE XPR-2 FROM THE AC POWER MAINS, DISCONNECT
THE AC POWER CORD FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE.
NOTE: THE POWER CORD ON THE XPR-2 MUST REMAIN READILY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.
!
CAUTION
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
!
!

Page 1
XPR-2
Contents
Important Safety Precautions and Explanation of Symbols
Introduction.........................................................................................3
About This Manual..............................................................................4
Features .............................................................................................5
Unpacking...........................................................................................6
XPR-2 Front Panel .............................................................................7
XPR-2 Rear Panel..............................................................................9
Quick Start........................................................................................11
Connections......................................................................................12
Conguration and Operation ............................................................14
Care and Maintenance .....................................................................15
Specications ...................................................................................16
Troubleshooting................................................................................18
Emotiva Audio Corporation Five-Year Limited Warranty ..................20
Accessories ......................................................................................22
Notes ................................................................................................23
XPR-2 Stereo Reference Power Amplifier

Page 2
XPR-2

Page 3
XPR-2
Introduction
The XPR-2 Stereo Reference Power Amplier quite simply delivers all the raw power, superb
sound quality, cutting edge technology, and good looks that you would expect in a agship
stereo amplier from Emotiva.
The XPR-2 can effortlessly deliver 600 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 1000 watts per
channel into 4 ohms with both channels driven, at less than 0.1% THD (that’s 2 kilowatts total
into 4 ohms). At 1 watt, the distortion is a miniscule 0.0025%; and the S/N ratio is an impressive
118 dB below full power. The XPR-2’s two high efciency Optimized Class H™ power amplier
modules are powered by a massive 2.5 kVA toroidal power supply with 240,000 microfarads of
energy storage.
An advanced ARM-7 microprocessor with a custom operating system continuously monitors
operation, runs the high performance LED metering system, and controls the acoustically
transparent high-speed protection circuitry. Gold-plated, machined, heavy duty input and output
connectors ensure that signals are transferred with the utmost delity.
The XPR-2 faceplate, made of 25 millimeters of solid machined aluminum, sports a high-gloss
black nish, and is tooled and polished like ne jewelry. A smoked polycarbonate display window
conceals the LED display when it’s not engaged, and the Emotiva logo laser engraved on the
faceplate proudly proclaims the XPR-2’s place in Emotiva’s superlative new Reference amplier
line. Concealed blue accent lighting completes the picture of cool elegance and effortless
performance.
This philosophy of raw power, quality construction, and precise control is at the heart of every
component in the new Emotiva Reference Series. More important, however, is how the
XPR-2 sounds: simply superb.
The Emotiva XPR-2: classic good looks; limitless power; precise control.
Experience it for yourself.
What are you waiting for?
Happy Listening
The Emotiva Team

Page 4
XPR-2
About This Manual
This User Manual will provide you with all the information you need to get started enjoying
your XPR-2 Stereo Reference 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.
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 5
XPR-2
Features
The XPR-2 Stereo Reference Power Amplier is a truly exceptional performer. It combines
the power, reliability, and superb sound quality of a great audiophile amplier with the
features and aesthetics of a true audio showpiece.
Some of the features offered by the XPR-2 include:
• Superbsoundquality-as with all Emotiva ampliers, the XPR-2 was designed rst
and foremost to deliver outstanding sound quality.
• Massiveoutputpower-600 watts per channel (x2) into 8 ohms; 1000 watts per
channel into 4 ohms, of real continuous power; both channels driven.
• OptimizedClassH™operation-with independently tracking power supply rails,
provides better efciency and cooler operation than Class A/B (and even other types of
Class H designs), with no sacrice in sound quality.
• Hugepowersupply - with an enormous 2.5 kVA toroidal power transformer and
240,000 microfarads of energy storage, ensures stunning dynamic capabilities, and no
loss of power under virtually any signal or load conditions.
• Totallystable - with virtually all real-world speaker loads.
• Attractivestyling-which harmonizes well with virtually any audio system or room
decor. The cool blue accent illumination and blue meter LEDs complement the high-
gloss black of the front panel and trim; the accent lighting and meters can each be
independently switched off (or dimmed in multiple steps) for times when you’d rather
avoid distractions from your music or movie.
• Superheavydutyaudiophilespeakerbindingposts- with clear acrylic insulators
and heavy duty gold plated contacts; designed to accept heavy-gauge bare cables,
lugs, or banana plugs.
• High-qualitygold-platedRCAinputconnectors - ensure a perfect connection,
and provide a rock-solid connection for even heavy audiophile interconnects.
• Trueaudiophile-gradefaultprotection - is entirely transparent under normal
conditions, yet protects the amp and your other equipment from virtually all common
fault conditions.
• TriggerInputandTriggerOutput - for linking to other trigger-enabled equipment.
• UniversalAClinevoltageoperation -115 VAC or 230 VAC (auto-switching).
• Fullytransferableve-yearwarranty - ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy your
XPR-2 for years to come.
You can nd more information about the XPR-2 on our website at www.emotiva.com.

Page 6
XPR-2
Unpacking
Your XPR-2 was carefully packed and should reach you in perfect condition. If you
notice any shipping damage or other issues when you unpack it, please contact Emotiva
immediately.
Gently remove your XPR-2 from the packing carton and remove all wrappings and shipping
material.
It is important to save the boxes and all packing materials in case your power amp ever
needs to be moved or shipped back to the factory for service.
We truly value customer feedback and would like to hear from you.

Page 7
XPR-2
XPR-2 Front Panel
CH1 CH2
STANDBY PEAK DIM METER
1 2
3 4 65
1. Accent Lighting
Blue accent lighting is provided by cool, long lived LEDs.
2. Channel Status and Meter LEDs
Each channel has a single Channel Status LED (the bottom one), and a blue LED Bargraph
Meter above it. Either or both are active depending on the conguration chosen. If a fault
occurs on one or both channels of the XPR-2, the LED above the Standby button, the
Channel Status LEDs, and the LED Bargraph Meter LEDs associated with the channel that
is reporting the fault will ash red.
3. Standby Button (and Power LED)
Press to switch the amplier On; press again to return to Standby. The LED above the
button will illuminate red for Standby, blue for On, and blinking red for a Fault condition.
4. Peak Button
Press once to switch the LED Bargraph Meters into Peak Meter mode; press again to select
Peak Hold Mode.

Page 8
XPR-2
5. Dim Button
Controls the brightness of the Accent Lighting and all LEDs (in four steps).
6. Meter Button
Press to switch between LED and Accent Lighting modes:
1) LED Bargraph Meters + Status LEDs + Accent Lighting.
2) Status LEDs only.
3) All lights and LEDs off.
4) Status LEDs only.
5) Status LEDs + Accent Lighting only.
Pressing the Meter button while at conguration 5) will return you to conguration 1).

Page 9
XPR-2
XPR-2 Rear Panel
2 3 5
INPUT OUTPUT
5-12 VDC 12VDC
TRIGGER
115V 230V
UN-BAL
BAL
+
--
+
--
41
CHANNEL
(2)
INPUTS
AND
OUTPUTS
CHANNEL
(1)
INPUTS
AND
OUTPUTS
6 87
1. Speaker Terminals
Super heavy duty, audiophile-grade, gold plated, ve-way binding posts, with clear acrylic
insulation, accept the heaviest speaker cables and lugs as well as standard banana plugs
and bare wire.
2. Trigger Input and Trigger Output
The XPR-2 is switched On (from Standby) when a trigger signal is presented at the Trigger
Input; the XPR-2 returns to Standby when the trigger signal is removed. When the XPR-2 is
on, a 12 VDC signal is sent from the Trigger Output to control other devices.
3. Balanced (XLR) Input
Standard XLR connector accepts a line level balanced input.
4. Unbalanced (RCA) Input
Gold plated, solid machined brass RCA jack accepts line level unbalanced input.

Page 10
XPR-2
5. Input Selector Switch
Switches between Unbalanced (RCA) and Balanced (XLR) inputs (for both channels).
Up selects the Unbalanced inputs and Down selects the Balanced inputs. Only one type
of input is active at once. (It is acceptable to plug in both a balanced and an unbalanced
source and use the switch to select between them, but only one will be active at once.)
6. AC Power Switch
Switches the main AC power to the XPR-2 On and Off. When this switch is off, no controls
operate (the XPR-2 cannot be turned On from the front panel or trigger).
7. IEC Power Cord Receptacle
Accepts a standard IEC C19/C20 AC power cable
and requires a dedicated 20 Amp high-current AC
outlet. If you do not have an appropriate outlet,
please contact your electrician to install one. Do
not use plug adapters, and only use power cables
of sufcient current capacity.
8. Power (Input Voltage) Indicator
The XPR-2 automatically switches between 115 VAC and 230 VAC operation. These LEDs
indicate which voltage the XPR-2 has detected and congured itself to operate with.

Page 11
XPR-2
Quick Start
To get the most from your XPR-2, we urge you to read the entire manual. If you just can’t
wait to listen to it, this section will cover the basics you need to get started.
• Find a secure location for your XPR-2. Make sure you choose a stand or shelf that can
support the full weight of the XPR-2 safely.
• Connect the XPR-2 to your signal source.
• Connect the XPR-2 to a pair of 8 ohm or 4 ohm speakers using heavy gauge speaker
wires (at least 12 gauge).
• Find some music you really like to listen to.
• Turn on the AC Power switch and turn up the volume a bit!
• Enjoy!
While you’re enjoying your XPR-2, it would be a great time to read the rest of the manual to
learn more about it.

Page 12
XPR-2
Connections
A word about safety
The XPR-2 (and any very high powered audio amplier) is capable of delivering large
voltages and currents at its speaker terminals. If, while music is playing, the speaker
terminals or speaker cables are inadvertently shorted to each other, to interconnect cables,
or to ground, the XPR-2 can cause damage to associated equipment, and may even pose a
risk of electric shock.
• Ensure that the XPR-2 is powered Off before changing any connections.
• Ensure that speaker wires are tightly secured before turning the XPR-2 On.
• Ensure that metal objects and stray wires do NOT come in contact with the speaker
terminals (on the XPR-2 and on the speakers) while the XPR-2 is turned On.
• Ensure that speaker wires aren’t frayed or damaged, and are well insulated
(avoid using boutique speaker cables with thin or fragile insulation).
Choosing speaker cables
While the XPR-2 doesn’t require special speaker cables, we strongly suggest that you
use heavy-gauge cables with low resistance that are capable of carrying large amounts
of current. Any standard cable of 10 gauge or heavier (lower gauge numbers are heavier)
will work well. Avoid cables that fail to provide the electrical equivalent of a 12 gauge or
heavier conductor. Using a cable that is too thin probably won’t cause damage, but it will
signicantly degrade the sound produced by your speakers (it will make the bass on some
speakers sound muddy and poorly controlled).
Connecting speakers to your XPR-2
The XPR-2 provides heavy duty gold plated audiophile grade ve way binding posts for
connecting one speaker to each channel.
• Always turn off the amplier before connecting or disconnecting speaker cables or
signal source interconnects.
• Always verify that your speaker cables are rmly attached and not shorted to each other
or to any other cables before powering up your XPR-2.
• Always use high-quality speaker wire of reasonable gauge (10 gauge or heavier).
• Be careful to wire all speakers “in phase” (the plus/red terminal on each speaker to the
plus/red terminal on your amp).
• Try to use wires of equal length and gauge for both speakers in each pair. Use the same
gauge and length for both fronts, or for both surrounds; don’t use a long 12 gauge wire
for one speaker and a short 10 gauge wire for the other.
• If you use stranded cables, use care to avoid short circuits from stray strands touching.
• Emotiva offers very high quality pre-made speaker cables at reasonable prices.
You will nd them in the Interconnects section of our website at www.emotiva.com.
!

Page 13
XPR-2
Connecting an input source to your XPR-2
Your XPR-2 amplier has separate balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs for each
channel; a switch selects which input is active for each channel. Be sure to set this switch
correctly. We suggest using reasonably high quality cables, keeping cables no longer than
necessary, and avoiding running signal cables near power cables and speaker cables
whenever possible.
DO NOT connect a digital signal to the inputs of your XPR-2 (or you may damage it or your
speakers).
Connecting the Trigger Input and Trigger Output
The Trigger Input accepts a 12 VDC (nominal) trigger signal from another device via a
standard 1/8” mono plug. When the trigger is asserted, the XPR-2 will switch On; when the
trigger is removed, the XPR-2 will return to Standby mode. The Trigger Output sends out
12 VDC whenever the main power to the XPR-2 is On (and NOT when it is in Standby
mode) which can be used to switch on other units with trigger capabilities.

Page 14
XPR-2
Configuration and Operation
Line Voltage
The XPR-2 can operate from line voltages of 115 VAC +/- 10% or 230 VAC +/- 10%,
and will automatically detect and switch between them. The Input Voltage LEDs on the rear
panel indicate which voltage range has been detected.
AC Power Switch (rear panel)
The rear-panel AC Power switch controls the main AC power for your XPR-2. When this
switch is in the Off position, the amplier will not operate. Turning it On will put the XPR-2
into Standby mode.
Standby Switch (front panel push button)
When the XPR-2 is in Standby mode, the front panel Standby LED (directly above the
switch) will be lit red. Pressing this button once will switch the XPR-2 On (and the LED will
turn blue); pressing it again will return the XPR-2 to Standby mode.
Dim Button (front panel push button)
The Dim button controls the brightness of the blue accent lighting strips (vertical lights near
the sides of the front panel) and the Status LEDs and LED Bargraph Meters. The button
cycles between full brightness and dim in four steps each time it is pressed.
Meter Button (front panel push button)
The Meter button controls whether the LED Bargraph Meters, Status LEDs, and Accent
Lights are lit. The button cycles through “all on”, Status LEDs only, “all off”, Status LEDs
only, and Status LEDs plus Accent Lighting (but not Meters) each time it is pressed.
Peak Button (front panel push button)
The Peak button switches the LED Bargraph Meters between Peak and Peak Hold Modes.
Trigger
When a trigger cable is connected to the Trigger Input (on the rear panel), and a trigger
signal is received (between 5-20 V - AC or DC), the XPR-2 will switch from Standby to On;
when the trigger signal ceases, the XPR-2 will return to Off.
The trigger is typically connected to the preamp or pre/pro that provides a signal source for
the XPR-2, and set to turn the XPR-2 on when the preamp or pre/pro is turned on.
Whenever the XPR-2 is On, the Trigger Output will assert a 12 VDC signal, which may be
used to turn on other equipment.

Page 15
XPR-2
Care and Maintenance
Periodic Maintenance
The XPR-2 power amplier requires no periodic maintenance or calibration.
Cleaning the XPR-2
• If necessary, the XPR-2 should be cleaned gently with a soft rag.
• If something sticky gets on the front panel or case of the XPA-2, it should be cleaned
with a mild cleaning solution applied to a soft rag, followed by wiping with a clean rag
dampened with plain water and drying with a soft dry rag or cloth.
• Use only a soft cloth and AVOID abrasive cleaners or coarse cleaning cloths as they
may scratch the nish.
Note: DO NOT spray water or cleaning solution directly onto the XPR-2 or into
the vents.

Page 16
XPR-2
Specifications
Topology:
Dual differential inputs on each channel, with fully discrete, high current, short signal path
Class A/B Differential Reference power amplier sections for each channel and Optimized
Class-H™ power supply topology.
Number of Channels:
2
Power Output (rated power; THD < 0.1%):
600 watts / channel (x2); both channels driven; into 8 Ohms.
1000 watts / channel (x2); both channels driven; into 4 Ohms.
Rated Power Bandwidth (at rated power; 8 Ohm load):
20 Hz to 20 kHz + /- 0.1 dB.
Minimum Recommended Load Impedance (each channel):
4 Ohms (which equals one 4 Ohm load or two paralleled 8 Ohm loads per channel).
Frequency Response:
5 Hz to 80 kHz +0 / -3 dB.
THD + noise:
< 0.0025%
Signal to Noise Ratio (8 Ohm load):
> 118 dB at rated power (A-weighted).
> 93 dB at 1 watt (A-weighted).
Damping Factor (8 Ohm load):
> 500
Speaker Output Connections:
Super heavy-duty custom Emotiva speaker binding posts - with clear acrylic insulators and
heavy duty gold plated contacts; designed to accept heavy-gauge bare cables, lugs, or
banana plugs.

Page 17
XPR-2
Power Supply:
2.5 kVA toroidal power transformer.
240,000 uF of storage capacitance.
Input Sensitivity (for rated power; 8 Ohm load):
2.6 V
Gain:
29 dB
Input Connections:
RCA; unbalanced (audiophile quality, machined, solid brass, gold plated); one per channel.
XLR; balanced; one per channel.
Input Impedance:
100k ohms (unbalanced).
51k ohms (balanced).
Trigger:
Trigger Input: 5 - 20 V (AC or DC); <10 mA input current required.
Trigger Output: 12 VDC; can drive any load up to 50 mA.
Power Requirements:
115 VAC or 230 VAC +/- 10% @ 50 / 60 Hz (auto-switching).
Protection:
The XPR-2 is protected against excessive operating temperature, shorted speaker
connections, ground faults, and other common fault conditions. If a fault occurs on one or
more channels of the XPR-2, the LED above the Standby button, the Channel Status LEDs,
and the LED Bargraph Meter LEDs associated with the channel that is reporting the fault
will ash red. Returning the XPR-2 to Standby or switching off the AC Power will reset the
protection circuitry.
Dimensions:
17” wide x 9.5” high 19.5” deep (includes feet and binding posts);
requires additional 4” of depth clearance to accommodate the power cord.
Weight:
100 lbs (net); 114 lbs (boxed).