Rotel RB1582 mk2 vs Emotiva XPA2 gen3

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. 

I ended up upgrading everything including all components, speaker cable, interconnects, power cables, power conditioner, and dedicated 20 amp outlets along with hours of positioning the 804s. All was worth it. Take it one step at a time and those 804s will shine.