XSP-2 Differential Reference® Stereo Preamplifier

XSP-2 Differential Reference® Stereo Preamplifier

Name: XSP-2 Differential Reference® Stereo Preamplifier
Brand: Emotiva
SKU: EMOTIVA-XSP-2-DIFFERENTIAL-REFERENCE-STEREO-PREAMPLIFIER

Model PRE-STER-XSP-2 · Series Differential Reference

Fully differential analog preamp with precision 2.2 bass management, modular ESS 32-bit balanced DAC with HDMI-ARC, USB ,C coax, optical, plus phono, headphone, and home theater bypass.

At a glance

All specifications

Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Weight: 13 pounds (unboxed)

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Overview

Digital up front, analog in the back.

The XSP-2 Differential Reference® Stereo Preamplifier is a true, fully differential, fully balanced, analog stereo control center. It’s the piece that sits between your sources and a power amp, and it’s what makes managing inputs, levels, and settings feel simple and intuitive, while keeping noise and distortion to an absolute minimum. With truly balanced XLR connections, longer cable runs and induced noise are a non-issue. If you’re running RCA sources too, no problem, it loves a mixed system.

Inside the XSP-2, we’ve covered what most modern preamps miss. You get fully balanced bass management for 2.1 or 2.2 systems, with high-pass and low-pass choices at 40, 60, 80, or 100 Hz, plus stereo or summed mono subwoofer outputs. It also includes MM/MC phono for serious vinyl playback, a dedicated headphone output with a current-mode feedback amplifier that drives demanding headphones with ease, an external processor loop, and a Home Theater Bypass for seamless integration with mixed media systems.

If you’re coming from the XSP-1, the headline upgrade is its modular expansion capability. The XSP-2 has two rear panel expansion slots and ships with a fully balanced ESS based DAC module installed, adding inputs for HDMI-ARC, USB, coax, and optical inputs. Careful design and shielding keeping the digital section isolated from the pure analog signal path.

Backed by our 5-year transferrable warranty, the XSP-2 pairs a fully balanced analog preamp with a modular, digital backbone that’s ready for whatever comes next.

Are audio terms making your head spin, or want to know what the XPS-2 can do for your system? Contact us. We love to give advice.

Features

Fully Differential Analog Signal Path
Balanced (XLR) sources stay balanced from input to output for outstanding noise rejection, with full support and stellar performance with standard RCA gear. With THD+N under 0.0005% and SNR over 119 dB (balanced), the noise floor doesn’t let low level detail get masked by background noise.
Built-in bass management
Choose a crossover setting (40, 60, 80, or 100 Hz) to decide where deep bass starts moving from your main speakers to your subwoofer(s). Fine-tune speaker and sub filters separately for a smoother blend. You can overlap, match, or underlap crossover frequencies for optimal integration in your room. You can run stereo subs or mono subs, and you can adjust subwoofer level on the fly from the remote control with +/-10 dB of trim.
Connect Today’s Sources
The XSP-2 ships with a fully balanced ESS based DAC module installed, so you can connect modern sources right away, including HDMI ARC, USB, coax, and optical. 32/768 PCM is supported via USB as well as DSD 512. Two rear expansion bays give you room to add new capabilities later, without touching the fully analog core.
Silent Switching and Precise Volume
The precision ROHM BD34701KS2 digitally controlled resistor ladder volume control adjusts in 0.5 dB steps, so it is easy to land on the level you want and keep left and right channel levels precisely matched at all attenuation levels. Inputs are switched with 4th generation hermetically sealed subminiature relays to preserve dynamic range, lower noise, improve crosstalk, and keep input changes quiet.
Complete System Control
Connect everything: two balanced XLR inputs, four RCA line inputs, MM/MC phono with selectable cartridge loading, an external processor loop, and Home Theater Bypass (balanced or unbalanced) provides maximum flexibility and control. Add the dedicated high-current headphone output with its own stored volume, and switching between speakers and headphones stays simple.
Built for daily listening
A heavy steel 3RU chassis, high quality machined connectors, and milled aluminum remote control and faceplate with a beautiful, large format OLED display gives the XSP-2 a solid, reassuring feel you’ll notice every time you use it. It is backed by a full 5-year, transferrable warranty.

Specifications

Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz; The range of pitches it reproduces, from deep bass to the top of the treble.
Model code: EMOTIVA-XSP-2-DIFFERENTIAL-REFERENCE-STEREO-PREAMPLIFIER; Quote it when you ask a specialist.

FEATURES

FEATURES: A fully balanced, fully differential, purely analog, signal path - First and foremost the main signal path in the XSP-2, from its balanced XLR inputs, to its balanced XLR Main and Subwoofer outputs, is fully balanced and fully differential. That includes a fully balanced Volume control and fully balanced precision Bass Management High Pass and Low Pass Filters. Relay switching - All audio switching is done using fourth generation hermetically sealed subminiature relays to maintain absolute signal purity throughout the entire audio signal path. Premium audiophile quality active components used throughout – including Burr Brown OPA1678 op amps for line level signals, Burr Brown OPA1656 ultra low noise op amps and Burr Brown OPA1678 low distortion op amps in the phono preamp, and Burr Brown OPA1688 high current drivers for the headphone output. Audiophile quality ladder network Volume Control – The Rohm BD34701KS2 premium volume control chip provides precision, perfectly matched, fully balanced, and fully analog control for the analog signal paths inside the XSP-2, while offering the convenience and precision of digital control. Independent precision-tuned Bass Management filters – Each Low Pass and High Pass filter, for each channel, is implemented as a separate precision 12 dB/octave fixed frequency filter circuit. This ensures both precise frequency selection, and perfect matching between channels, and between low pass and high pass filters. (The configuration option simply chooses which filter is switched into the signal path.) Full stereo Bass Management – Fully independent Bass Management is provided for each channel. The two Subwoofer Outputs can be kept separate to offer true stereo Bass Management. Or, if you prefer, or only have one Sub, the Subwoofer Outputs can receive a summed mono Subwoofer signal. A full selection of analog inputs for all of your analog sources – including four pairs of unbalanced line level inputs, two pairs of balanced line level inputs, one pair of phono inputs, and one pair of unbalanced Processor Loop inputs. A Home Theater Bypass Input – which allows you to route the input from a separate balanced or unbalanced source directly to the output of the XSP-2 bypassing the circuitry and controls in the XSP-2. A Processor Loop – which can be used to insert an external processor, like a graphic equalizer, or a dedicated speaker equalizer box, into the signal path. Top quality parts and construction - Double sided FR4 circuit boards with plated through holes, SMD construction, and high quality parts throughout, ensure that your XSP-2 will continue to provide years of reliable service. Highly optimized circuit layout – ensures the best possible sound quality, with low distortion, wide bandwidth, and a virtually silent noise floor. Large blue OLED display and flexible menu system – The large blue high resolution OLED display is easy to read, gives you all the information you need, and can be fully dimmed for intimate listening. The flexible menu system offers easy access to all important features and makes menu navigation a breeze. Mute control – allows you to mute the audio output on your system, and then return precisely to your previous listening level, at the push of a knob or the click of a button. Separate headphone output with intelligent headphone level control – A separate high current buffer amplifier delivers a high quality signal to drive your favorite headphones for personal listening. The intelligent level feature independently remembers the levels you set for your headphones and your main outputs. Full function remote control – lets you operate all of the controls without getting out of your favorite listening seat. Quick access buttons allow you to quickly select between your favorite analog or digital inputs. Heavy steel 3RU chassis with milled aluminum face plate - provides strength and rugged good looks. Universal AC line voltage operation - The XSP-2 has a high performance low noise switch mode power supply that can operate on anything from 100 VAC to 240 VAC. Full five year warranty - ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy your XSP-2 for years to come.

ANALOG INPUTS

ANALOG INPUTS: 4 pairs – stereo unbalanced (RCA) line level Inputs 2 pairs – stereo balanced (XLR) line level Inputs 1 pair – stereo unbalanced (RCA) Processor Loop Inputs 1 pair – stereo Phono Inputs (switchable; moving magnet or moving coil) 1 set (L/R/sub) – unbalanced (RCA) HT Bypass Inputs 1 set (L/R/sub) – balanced (XLR) Bypass Inputs

DIGITAL INPUTS

DIGITAL INPUTS: 1 – HDMI-ARC Input 1 – digital USB (DAC Input); stereo; supports up to 24/768k, DoP up to DoP256, and native DSD up to DSD512 2 – digital coax (S/PDIF) Inputs; stereo; support up to 24/192k 2 – digital optical (Toslink) Inputs; stereo; support up to 24/192k

AUDIO OUTPUTS

AUDIO OUTPUTS: 1 pair – stereo line level balanced (XLR) Left and Right Main Outputs 1 pair – stereo line level unbalanced (RCA) Left and Right Main Outputs 1 pair – stereo line level balanced (XLR) Left and Right Subwoofer Outputs 1 pair – stereo line level unbalanced (RCA)Left and Right Subwoofer Outputs 1 pair – stereo unbalanced (RCA) Processor Loop Outputs

CONTROL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

CONTROL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS: 1 - 12 VDC Trigger Output – delivers 12VDC trigger signal when unit is On 1 - Trigger Input – accepts inputs between 5V and 12V AC or DC 1 - IR input; wired; accepts standard “passive IR eye”
Note: The XSP-2 will work with a variety of passive 3-wire IR sensors
This is one we have confirmed will work: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJG814X5

REMOTE CONTROL

REMOTE CONTROL: Compact full-function all metal infrared remote control (which uses two AAA batteries).
Note: The back of the XSP-2 remote control is held on by magnets. To replace the batteries gently pry the back off by inserting a small screwdriver carefully into the small notch at the lower end of the back plate. Replace the batteries with standard AAA batteries. (The minus terminal on each battery should be against the spring in the holder.)

ANALOG AUDIO PERFORMANCE (LINE LEVEL INPUTS)

ANALOG AUDIO PERFORMANCE (LINE LEVEL INPUTS): Maximum output level; balanced (XLR) is 8VRMS and unbalanced (RCA) is 4 VRMS
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0 / -0.1 dB
Frequency response: 5 Hz to 80 kHz +0 / -2.7 dB
THD+noise; 1 kHz; A-weighted: <0.0005%
S/N ratio; balanced (XLR); A-weighted: > 119 dB
S/N ratio; unbalanced (RCA); A-weighted: > 117 dB

ANALOG AUDIO PERFORMANCE (PHONO INPUT)

THD+noise; 1 kHz; A-weighted; Moving Magnet: <0.01%
THD+noise; 1 kHz; A-weighted; Moving Coil: <0.1%
S/N ratio; A-weighted; Moving Magnet: > 95 dB
S/N ratio; A-weighted; Moving Coil: > 80 dB

AUDIO PERFORMANCE (DIGITAL INPUTS)

Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0 / -0.1 dB
Frequency response: 5 Hz to 80 kHz +0 / -2.7 dB
THD+noise; 1 kHz; A-weighted: <0.0008%
S/N ratio; A-weighted: > 112 dB Frequency response shown was measured with a high resolution digital source. At lower sample rates the frequency response will be limited by the sample rate of the content.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

POWER REQUIREMENTS: 115 VAC or 230 VAC @ 50 / 60 Hz (automatically detected)

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT: 17” wide x 5-1/4” high (without feet) x 14-1/2” deep (without connectors) 17” wide x 5-2/4” high (including feet) x 15” deep (including knobs and connectors)
Weight: 13 pounds (unboxed)

EXPANSION

EXPANSION: The XSP-2 includes two rear panel slots for expansion modules. 17” wide x 5-1/4” high (without feet) x 14-1/2” deep (without connectors) 17” wide x 5-1/2” high (including feet) x 15” deep (including knobs and connectors)
Weight: 13 pounds (unboxed)