Maybe trying out the new pre from Emotiva might make a difference although I doubt it.

Glad to hear you are having no problems with the XPA 2. I think I may try one when I get some spare cash, a few years away at the moment. \:\(

Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70