Rotel RB1582 mk2 vs Emotiva XPA2 gen3

Correction: The Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3 is NOT A CLASS D AMP. However, it does use a switching power supply. I am intimately familiar with this amp as I have rebuilt and upgraded two of the DR models (I have one of them up for sale here on audiogon). It is a Class AB amp, but uses a Class H power supply with two different voltage rails.

If you are looking at a stock Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3 and a stock Rotel RB-1582, I would probably choose the Rotel because of the completely linear power supply and likely much better internal parts. The stock Emotiva is good for the money, but it does have some problems. The sound is a bit bright in the high frequencies and the bass is somewhat hollow sounding. The Rotel would be a lot smoother, but it would also be warmer sounding.

Oops.....sorry my bad....first I thought the Emotiva XPA2 Gen3 was class D amp.
Auxinput, thanks for catching that. So, the output stage is class AB but uses switching power supplies. Indeed both Emotiva and Rotel are good for the money or for their asking prices (MSRP). 

I had the xpa 2 gen 1 with B & W 684s that worked pretty well, but when I upgraded to the 804 d3s it became apparent that the xpa 2 was not up to the task. It was very bright and did get distorted at higher volumes. It just did not sound good at any volume and I was disappointed. The 804s have such high resolution that it exposed the xpa 2s weakness. Then I asked myself " why am I pairing a $750 amp with $9000 speakers?" So I upgraded. 

Agreed. For those 804 D3 you gotta upgrade from a stock Emotiva XPA2 amp to at least something like the Rotel RB-1582 Mk2 or the RB-1590 or the RA-1592 stereo integrated amp at the very least. Rotel & B&W have good synergy together.

But not only the power amp that will be a determining factor in sound quality or audio performance. Your upstream electronics play major roles especially your front end source components whether digital or analog front end source components. Cables, listening room and speaker placements also have major impact. 

Having heard the RB-1582 mk2 for many months in two different rooms in my space, I don’t feel like they can really make the 804D3 shine. There are plenty of amazing used amps in this price range. It’s be helpful to understand how much you’re willing to spend and other constraints. Size, heat, willingness to try tubes, music you listen to. Etc.