Amp question

[xMEATx]

I have been considering adding an amp to my system. Currently I have a Pioneer 82(AVR), with 130 watts per channel. Rti 10 for mains, Rti4 for surround, and Csi 3, for my center(I had space constraints in my entertainment center.) Yall know, the 10's are rated to 300 watts, the other speakers, 125 watts. If add an amp, will I be sending too much the the Rti 4 and Csi? Do you add the watts rating of an amp to the existing avr's watts or what? Since my AVR is 130 watts, will the speakers be getting 230 watts if I add an 100 watt amp? Also, good suggestions on an apm for the job. I use the system for HT and 2 channel music. Thanks in advance for you help.

[pearsall001]

Assuming the Pioneer has pre-outs, a separate amp overrides the amp in the AVR for that particular channel. In this case it seems like it would be the main speakers. You now get pure power feeding the mains which really can make all the difference in the world. Don't worry about too much power (pretty much an impossibility) bottom line, separate amps are the way to go, especially for a combo HT/2 channel system. You'll be glad you did. Oh, & welcome to the forum. Stick around, you'll learn a lot!!

[xMEATx]

Thanks for your reply. Would you recommend a two channel or talk the wife into a five channel amp? Any brand suggestions?

[doug lang]

Hey welcome to the forum. A seperate amp would made a difference. Currently i have a five channel sunfire and a 2 channel rotel 991. Very hard finding that amp. Rotel does have some fine amps by the way. I also have a nad 2200 collecting dust. This forum has some fine knowledgeable people, don't hesitate to ask questions. Again welcome.

[dudeinaroom]

A couple good ones to get you feet wet on is Adcom or Audiosource. You can find used adcoms on the net pretty cheap. You can also find new Audiosource stuff pretty cheap with a little searching. Good luck

[MSALLA]

I amped my mains and it made a big improvement. If you can swing a 5 channel....even better. Welcome to the fourm.

[cfrizz]

Welcome to CP!

Get a 5 channel 200wpc amp and be done with it all at once. The difference it will make to your system will be well worth it.

The amp will stay with you throughout all other upgrades you make to your system.

Look for, Outlaw, Rotel, Parasound, Sunfire, Adcom, NAD etc. If you are interested in used, check out Audiogon & keep an eye out here on our flea market.

[TroyD]

My first question is, are you unhappy with the way your system sounds?

Yes, adding external amps is a good start and a good idea and there are lots of good suggestions above.

As far as the power goes, I'm in the camp of more doesn't always equal better. Adding an external amp (provided you have preamp outputs on your receiver) SHOULD make a positive difference. The limiting factor then will be the quality of the proccessor in the receiver.

It's a never ending thing.

BDT

[98thumpin]

i agree with the 5 channel 200wpc amp sounds like a winner, i like rotel and adcom, as well as others

[engtaz]

I use separate amps for the main,center, and side surrounds @ 200 watts per. I pre amp out of my Denon 4802 and use its output to power the 2 rear surround speakers @ 125 watts.

Good Luck,
engtaz

[MSALLA]

If money is an issue go used.I just picked up a GFA 555 on ebay for $325.00
For the most part used mid to high end equipment is in good shape. The people that are spending the money to buy this stuff new tend to take good care of it.

[MADGSF]

If you are going to get an amp I recommend a B&K product for your RTi-10s. Their warm sound works great with the forward sounding RTi's. I am very happy with mine.