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.
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.