23 Questions &
23 Answers
Ernie
from Tampa Fl asked:
July 12, 2019
Reading your specs and answers to others question should I understand that this is a differential amplifier sort of the likes of the Emotiva Diefferential Amps?
Maybe I understood wrong.
1 Answer
Hi Ernie:
We can not feature Balanced Line inputs without having an internal Differential Amplifier. I remember Emotiva having Balanced line inputs on their five-channel amplifiers. Technically we should sell this amplifier at a higher cost but we have been offering a very competitive price based upon overstock situation, not our quality being in issue.
TL/5605
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on July 14, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
Anthony Greco
from Pittsburgh, Pa asked:
April 5, 2019
Thanks for answering my previous question. So, with the HTA5A, what problems would trip the protection mode. Clipping? Would this mode protect speakers as well as the unit?
Thanks,
Anthony
1 Answer
Hi Anthony:
I do not think you will have any problems. Impedance Matching is a key factor and you are covered there. You will only be using less than 30% of your output power anyway.
TL/5491
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on April 5, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
Anthony Greco
from Pittsburgh, Pa asked:
March 30, 2019
Hello,
I have the Carver HTA5A. What power rating with 3 channels driven on the front. Also, I'm using 4 ohm speakers(SP-EFS73) rated at 140watts maximum. Are my speakers capable of handling this amp safely?
Thx,
Anthony
1 Answer
Hi Anthony:
The CARVER 5 channel is typically 180 Watts at 4 ohms all channels driven. The Pioneer Elite Floor standing speakers would be an ideal match. You will have more power from just three channels driven. I would recommend using channels 1, 3 and 5. The two things you want to look at are one, will the Amplifier handle a 4-ohm load (yes, it will) and second another feature is the Speakers Sensitivity (86dB). The higher the number 90 plus tells us the speaker is very efficient and takes less power to drive to full out. The Pioneer Speakers are more power hungry and at 4 ohms there are getting more output from the 5 channel amplifier.
Good choice
TL/ 5479
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on March 31, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
Larry Bohling
from Aberdeen south dakota asked:
March 28, 2019
I have your xa 5180 amp and was wondering if I can run the center channel that is 8 ohms and the two front channels also 8 ohms then using the remaining two channels to drive 4 ohm subs? Is that possible or will that hurt the amp?
1 Answer
HI Larry:
Each channel will do a 4-ohm load. The only thing I would recommend is that you use channel 1 and channel 5 for the 4-ohm loads. A 4-ohm load would tend to generate more heat and would benefit the two 4-ohm channels having one side facing away from another Amplifier. In reality, you can have all five channels run in 4-ohm.
TL/5475
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on March 28, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
brandon
from Port Richey, Florida asked:
February 26, 2019
Would you actually classify this as audiophile? Would you put it against Emotiva and Outlaw? I purchased one yesterday and it will be replacing emotiva but if it's not like what has been stated it's going back. It's just a little suspicious with the pricing and different wattage info in different places.
1 Answer
Hi Brandon:
The special pricing is based solely on overstock issue. Check this out: https://www.amazon.com/Carver-Channel-Amplifier-Product-HTA5A/dp/B01N12UDAL. The XA5180 is the real deal, you do not find five channel amps with Balanced Differential inputs under $600.00, but you know that already.
Enjoy
TL/5435
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on February 27, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
-K-
from USA asked:
February 19, 2019
Hello, Couple questions with explanation, short: Does this amplifier hiss with no source? Long version: I own a CROWN XLS 1002, I Had planned to use it in a HTR setup in the future, Currently though I'm using it as my front left+right in a 5.1 setup from my receivers ins/pre-outs. The problem is I hear a HISS at minimum volume and increased volume. The Hiss is apparent at any level with no source just speakers and power cable plugged in. It's been driving me crazy in a desk setup. I've read on forums that people just ignore it or don't hear it in a HTR setup because they're sitting further back. I'm not sure if it's from some SNR / Signal to noise ratio thing, I'm still trying to understand this SNR spec(maybe you can explain this too?).. Also I read that higher sensitivity speakers will output the Noise Floor sound / HISS more. My speakers I Think are on the lower end of sensitivity 88dB.. I thought it would work out, Apparently not. - Please let me know about all this. and the XA5180, if this one has hiss. I know one is a pro amp one is not, I Still need help.
1 Answer
Hi K:
You may want to check out this YouTube video regarding noise: Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4famaQmWnA. In both cases the CROWN XLS 1002 and the OSD XA-5180 feature Balance and Unbalanced inputs. Not only does the video explain the causes of noise but discusses the advantage of Balanced vs Unbalanced. They also feature solutions for these problems. I am assuming you are using an AVR that does not have Balanced Line Outputs. I do not think your speakers are contributing to your issue.
Good luck
TL/5419
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on February 21, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
jason
from northern virginia asked:
February 13, 2019
does this have differential outputs (to speakers?)
1 Answer
Hi Jason:
There are no thruputs on this amplifier. The XLR Balanced connections are inputs only with built-in differential amps. You would bypass the amp and run the XLR cable directly from your Preamp.
TL/5409
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on February 13, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
Davone Irby
from South Carolina asked:
January 29, 2019
I have this amp bought it over Christmas holidays and I have a couple of questions what is the power rating at 3 channel driven and what is the power rating with 4 channels driven
1 Answer
Hi Davone:
The rating when all 5 channels are driven is 125Watts at 8 ohms and 180 watts driven at 4 ohms. The factory has told us if you connect channels 1, 3, and 5 it is 200 watts at 8 ohms 250 Watts at 4 ohms. Four Channels 1, 2, 4, and 5 would be 160 Watts at 8 ohms and 220 Watts at 4 ohms. Note: If your Receiver has a Balance Differential connection so you can connect the Receiver and Amplifier using Balanced XLR cables you will also gain an additional 6 to 10dB increase.
Good choice
TL/5392
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on February 2, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
Erick Martinez
from Puerto Rico asked:
November 7, 2018
I have a Denon avr x4300 receiver and an Audiosource 2 channel amp in a 7.2.4 set up.
The Denon outputs 125 watts per channel 2 channel driven. If I do the math, if I run 9 channels of the receiver ( which I am doing ), its probably sending 60 watts per channel, maybe a little more. My speakers being Klipsch which are very sensitive, act very well wit this amount of power. But I don't know if I am getting the best sound that can come from them.
How much of a difference will this amp make as far as more volume and cleaner more clear sound ( if at all possible)?
1 Answer
Hi Eric:
I would recommend this amp for your front stage utilizing three channels. I would connect channels 1, 3 and 5. With only three channels connected the output (all three channels) would be 200 watts per channel at 8 ohms. That would leave six channels driven from your DENON and 2 channels driven from your AudioSource (I am assuming either the AMP110 or AMP210). You should have received a response to your initial question. I think this AMP would be an excellent value along with the performance you are looking to achieve.
Good luck
TL/5273
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on November 9, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Mike
from Tucson asked:
November 2, 2018
Is a trigger cable included with the XA5180 amplifier? If so, how long is it? Thanks.
1 Answer
Hi Mike:
We do not include a Trigger cable for any of our amplifiers that feature a 12V trigger option. It typically uses a mono Aux cable, but I believe any aux cable will do.
TL/5271
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on November 3, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Davone
from South Carolina asked:
October 24, 2018
how much does the amp weigh on amazon it says 25 pounds on this website it says 54 pounds which one is correct.
1 Answer
HI Davonne:
54 pounds is the gross shipping weight including packaging. Actual weight is listed as 50 pounds.
Custom-designed high current power supply driven by
a .9 KVA Toroidal transformer. Class AB
Four discrete output devices for each channel. 27,200 uF per channel filter capacitance protected by advanced protection circuitry. Custom-designed heatsinks on each amplifier module, enabling the amplifier to function at full power without the need for noisy fans.
TL/5259
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on October 25, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
-K-
from USA asked:
October 17, 2018
Question about part of your answer(from before).. if I use RCA to XLR, do I still benefit from the Balanced XLR "signal is increased 6 to 10 dB"(and virtually no noise)" example, denon receiver pre-outs(RCA) RCA to XLR then to the amp. -Thanks in advance for answering this.
1 Answer
Hi K:
There is no advantage when converting the Unbalanced output to the XLR balanced input. The signal will still be unbalanced. You need to connect to a Receiver that has a Balanced Line differential output to gain the higher output signal and also noise canceling (no matter what the distance) advantage. Your better off running a Good single RCA Unbalanced cable like our AURUM Single RCA Directional Subwoofer Cable.
TL/5250
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on October 18, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Von
from SC asked:
October 12, 2018
Leaning towards this amp over the outlaw 5000 mostly because of price does this amp have the same clean sound and power as its more expensive competitors and the inside of this amp looks amazingly similar to the outlaw 5000 was it made to rival that amp at a cheaper price point
1 Answer
Hi Von:
I would say they are on par with each other except our five channel features Balanced as well as Unbalanced Inputs. The Balanced line gives you an extra 6 to 10dB increase with virtually no noise. In reality, we should be selling this amp for more than the Outlaw, but this is a sale price to help to move inventory. With the money, you save you can upgrade your AVR to a model with Balanced Line outputs.
Good luck whichever way you go
TL/5244
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on October 13, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Davone
from South Carolina asked:
October 8, 2018
what is the power rating at 6ohms all channels driven
1 Answer
HI Davone:
I believe it would be somewhere between 150 and 175 watts with all channels driven.
TL/5235
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on October 9, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
-K-
from USA asked:
September 20, 2018
4 Questions: about power cable and the power/watts.
1. What is the power cable type?(I assume it's a PC power cable type) ~
2. What is the length of the given power cable?(in the box) ~
3. What is the AWG of the power cable so I know what AWG I need if I want to purchase a replacement LONGER cable(if needed) It's probly 16 AWG,-my guess. ~
4. and finally, is it 200w @4ohm or 180w @4ohm? ~
Good Luck :)
1 Answer
Hi K:
A5500 power cord is 3x2.08mm2(squared) 14awg (gauge) 105 celsius (jacket)
300volt power cord
Three prong plug
the box says 180 watts at 4 ohms, that is conservative.
But note, if you connect via Balanced Input the signal is increased 6 to 10 dB and virtually no noise.
TL/5208
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on October 12, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Ronald Reid
from Barbados asked:
September 6, 2018
How does the XA5180 switches between unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs? I do not see any .
1 Answer
HI Ronald:
The amp automatically senses whichever input you connect to. You can only connect to one or the other at a time. You could mix and match say you have three channels connected with Balanced XLR and the remaining two channels unbalanced utilizing the single RCA inputs.
TL/5196
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on September 9, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Erick Martinez
from Puerto Rico asked:
August 30, 2018
What is the wattage at 8 ohms all channels running at the same time?
How would this compare to the Outlaw 5000 and the Emotiva
X Bas5?
1 Answer
Hi Erick:
All channels driven at 8 ohms are 125 watts RMS. All three amplifiers are excellent Multi-channel amplifiers. We also stock a matching two channel Integrated amp under the CARVER Electronics name. It also has both Balanced and Unbalanced inputs. Ideal for adding two more channels (7 total). You can 't go wrong with any of these amps but with the XA5180 you will save some money, and it features free shipping as well.
TL/5188
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on August 31, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
James
from CA asked:
August 30, 2018
Is this Class A/B or Class D amp? Is 150W rating (8ohm) while all channels driven or one channel? Do you mind posting a picture of interior?
1 Answer
HI James:
Good Question. The XA5180 is a Class H amplifier a variation of a Class AB. Note, the definition I found online:
There is a variety of amplifier designs that enhance class-AB output stages with more efficient techniques to achieve greater efficiency with low distortion. These designs are common in large audio amplifiers since the heatsinks and power transformers would be prohibitively large (and costly) without the efficiency increases. The terms "class G" and "class H" are used interchangeably to refer to different designs, varying in definition from one manufacturer or paper to another.
Class-G amplifiers (which use "rail switching" to decrease power consumption and increase efficiency) are more efficient than class-AB amplifiers. These amplifiers provide several power rails at different voltages and switch between them as the signal output approaches each level. Thus, the amplifier increases efficiency by reducing the wasted power at the output transistors. Class-G amplifiers are more efficient than class AB but less efficient when compared to class D. However, they do not have the electromagnetic interference effects of class D.
Class-H amplifiers take the idea of class G one step further creating an infinitely variable supply rail. This is done by modulating the supply rails so that the rails are only a few volts larger than the output signal at any given time. The output stage operates at its maximum efficiency all the time. Switched-mode power supplies can be used to create the tracking rails. Significant efficiency gains can be achieved but with the drawback of more complicated supply design and reduced THD performance. In a similar layout, a voltage drop of about 10V is maintained over the output transistors in Class H circuits. The picture above shows a positive supply voltage of the output stage and the voltage at the speaker output. The boost of the supply voltage shows for a real music signal.
There is an image on our web page of the internal layout including the High Output Toroidal Power Supply.
I believe the true power is listed as 125Watts RMS and 180 Watts at 4-ohm RMS all channels are driven.
TL/5186
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on August 31, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Ronald Reid
from Barbados asked:
August 27, 2018
is the power output 150 w all channels driven?
1 Answer
HI Ronald:
Officially this amp is rated 120 Watts 8 ohm and 180 watts at 4 ohms RMS with all channels driven. I also have a matching two-channel integrated amp if you need to add 2 or 4 More channels. It is under the Carver Electronics Brand, model M300. Identical output, ideal if you are looking to go 7 or 9 channels. You asked before if we ship to Barbados, we have a master distributor who services the Caribbean. tim@osdaudio.com
TL/5184
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on August 27, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Tom Connor
from Gainesville, FL asked:
August 23, 2018
What is the Distortion rating on this amp at 8 ohms and at 4 Ohms driven?
1 Answer
Hi Tom:
Here are the official Specs:
Total Harmonic Distortion Less than 0.02% at rated output
(THD) (120W), all frequencies, less than
0.01% at 1kHz
To be more specific to your question:
Power Output 120 watts RMS x 5 (all channels are driven simultaneously into 8 ohms from 20Hz–20kHz with less than 0.02% total harmonic distortion, A-weighted filter)
180 watts RMS x 5 (all channels are driven simultaneously into 4 ohms from
20Hz–20kHz with less than 0.03% total harmonic distortion, A-weighted filter)
TL/5180
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on August 25, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Ronald Reid
from Barbados asked:
August 22, 2018
Where is the amp. manufactured? Do you ship to Barbados, West Indies?
1 Answer
Hi Ronald:
The Amplifier manufactured in China to our specs. We do have a Master Distributor in Miami who covers the Caribbean, Central, and South America. They could ship from there either directly to you or through a freight forwarder of your choice. Let me know so I can supply contact information; tim@osdaudio.com.
TL/5178
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on August 23, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Ed
from Virginia asked:
May 11, 2018
Can you connect this to a 5.1 receiver or 2 channel receiver? If you could, how do you do it? Thanks, Ed.
1 Answer
Hi Ed:
This a straight 5 channel power amplifier with both Balanced (XLR) and Un Balanced (RCA) inputs. Its main purpose is to provide five channels typically more and cleaner power than you get from a typical 5.1 Receiver. Here is the rub, most 5.1 Receiver are more affordable than the more popular 7.2 Receivers. And in most case they only feature speaker high level output so you can not use this or any other external 5 channel amp. When you get into the $600.00 plus range you may find pre amp out typically RCA unbalanced. These are also 7.2 models that have 7 channels, 2 sub woofer pre amp out and usually a zone 2 and possibly a zone 3 connection also RCA pre amp outputs. Most AVR feature 95 or 115 watts per channel. You can connect the 5 channel to channel 1-5, Front left, center and right channels plus two surround channels. You have the option of running channels 6 and 7 - Side surrounds L & R or Height left and right for DOLBY ATMOS or DTSX directly from the speaker outputs of the AVR or you can add an external 2 channel amp like our new XMP 200 to the pre amp out puts. As far as connecting the five channel to a 2 channel amp it would depend on your application and again it would have to have pre amp outputs. You could connect to our Pre One pre amplifier with 2 channel pre amp output.You could use Y adapters to split the 2 channels to four channels then use four of the 5 channels. We have a six channel amp that you have more control on inputs and you have the ability of combining channels for more output. See our MX1260 amplifier.
I hope that helps...
TL/4975
Submitted by:
Customer Service - Q&A
on May 11, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Fabian
from Florida asked:
November 14, 2018
Hello, I sent an email to support@osdaudio.com on September 21, 2018 inquiring about the following, but to date I have received no response.
I would like to purchase the XA5180 or the Black A5500. Can you please clearly explain (i) what are the differences between these models and (ii) where I can purchase the Black A5500, since it is not listed on the outdoorspeakerdepot.com website. However, it is listed on the osdaudio.com website. If you click on the image of the Black A5500 on the osdaudio.com website, an image of the XA5180 comes up. Can you please clarify. Also is there a manual of the Black A5500 online that can be downloaded
Your urgent attention is appreciated. Thank you
1 Answer
Hi Fabian:
Both five channel Amplifiers are the same. We have the unit on sale on the Outdoor speaker depot.com website due to overstock. There is an owner's manual you can download off the OSD Audio Premium website; Black Series/Amplifiers/A5500. Also, check out the Black Friday special going on as well. There is free shipping as well on this Amplifier.
TL/5284
Submitted by:
Tim Leahy
on November 19, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
/ Product Category / AMPLIFIER / Multi Channel Amplifier / XA5180 5-Channel High Power Home Theater Amplifier Balance XLR Input 5x 200W Class H Power
