Integrated Amp Reviews

Manufacturer's Comment

Editor: Our sincere thanks to Art Dudley for the recent review of the Exposure XM5 Integrated Amplifier. The XM5 was designed for "real-world" buyers who want a unit that can do most things, without taking up the room needed by conventional hi-fi separates. These days, many urban dwellers don't have the space for a living room full of boxes. The XM5's half-width size allows it to be more flexible for positioning, while not compromising performance. The circuitry is based on the legendary Exposure 2010S2—which is the staple of our separates range—but it necessarily has a lower power output due to the space constraints of the case. We have again chosen a class-AB design and use discrete power-output transistors instead of MOSFETs. We believe this sounds better-indeed, all our amplifiers except for the original 2010 have been bipolar, and it works very well for us. The overheating described in the bench measurements has not been a problem in the real world. We have not had a single complaint about overheating.

The digital section is based on the 2010S2's DSD DAC; it uses the respected Wolfson WM8742 chip, which has a fine reputation for sound quality across a wide range of source material in both PCM and DSD. We note that much of the DAC commentary resulted from comparison of the XM5 with the fine Hegel Mohican CD, a dedicated CD DAC separate costing $5000. We wonder how this can be a useful comparison, as the XM5, of course, is a preamp, power amp, DAC, and phono preamp, all for $1795. Is it realistic to expect a comparable DAC? The design goal for the XM5 was to provide a fully featured, excellent-sounding, compact unit representing very high value, which required careful choices about where to spend. Finally, we would like to invite readers to visit www.exposurehifiusa.com where there are other reviews on the XM5, one from Stereophile's sister publication Hi-Fi Choice where David Price states, "The XM5 is all about power, punch, rhythm and richness," and concludes, "This is very much an audiophile integrated amplifier that just happens to be small." We couldn't say it any better.—Bill Duvall, CEO, Exposure Electronics USA Inc.