pure racemic MDMA has very little stimulant effect. street MDMA can feel stimulating because it is either intentionally mixed with caffeine/speed/meth or contains residual precursor from clandestine synthesis.

my major state was one of deep relaxation ... MDMA does not work like Dexedrine ... I feel totally peaceful.

- Alexander Shulgin, PIHKAL

https://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal109...

Shulgin used dozens (hundreds?) of these compounds. I do wonder if some of his better subjective observations might be due to simply relieving withdrawal symptoms.