Denon Avr-2807 + Parasound 5125 power amp

[sjt]

I have a Denon Avr-2807 receiver (rated 110 watts/channel) and am considering adding a Parasound 5125 power amp (rated 125 watts/ channel). I have Polk rti12's for fronts, csi5 for center, and 2 pairs of fxi3's for surround and surround back. i am just wondering if adding an external power amp like the 5125 would make a significant improvement in the overall performance of my system.

[dane_peterson]

I strongly recommend that approach. Or even a 5 x 200 amp if you can afford it. Separate amps take a huge load off AVRs, especially with power-hungry speakers like the RTi towers/LSi line. The amp will put out significantly more/better power than the Denon, despite them being rated similarly.

[sjt]

The 2807 generates enough volume at the 110 watts/channel so would there be any reason to go with the 200 watt/channel amp other than it being louder?

[cfrizz]

Welcome SJT!

Yes there are several reasons to go with separate amplification besides loudness. I have an older model Denon, and adding separate amplification has been by far the biggest improvement I have made to my system.

Greater clarity, better separation of instruments, better bass, better vocals.

I was amazed at what I was missing from my music once I hooked up my 205wpc Parasound amp to my front speakers. I liked it so much I got an Outlaw M200wpc monoblock for my center. I now just have one 5 channel 405 wpc Sunfire amplifier for all of my speakers.

Believe me when I tell you that the volume is the least important improvement when you add separate amplification.

[engtaz]

Why would you add a amp with the same watts? Go upto 200 watts .

[dudeinaroom]

If it's already loud enough and you are just looking for better sound why not. I'm pretty sure that parasound has more headroom to boot.

[Sherardp]

Why would you add a amp with the same watts? Go upto 200 watts .

Definitely go up to 200watts or more. If you feel the Denon does a good job you can save yourself some cash and go with a 3 channel for the front soundstage or you can buy monoblocks. I use outlaw mono amps, I like them for a few reasons, they dont weigh much, the pancake design makes them easy to fit in most racks, and they sound damn good. I would go to a multichannel amp, but shipping to Japan is unreal so I stick with the outlaws, cant wait to add 2 more and then I will have 5 channels of pure power.

[ben62670]

Why would you add a amp with the same watts? Go upto 200 watts .

Because watts don't equal watts!;)

[tonyb]

Because watts don't equal watts!;)

Damn right bro.....100 watts in a AVR against 100 watts in a dedicated
amp......no comparison.Quality of watts friend,quality.

[cfrizz]

Just re-read post. By all means you will see a bigger improvement going to 200wpc all the way around & never have to worry about amplification again!