Receiver + Amp Options

[jmuma2k]

I currently have a Denon 987 7.1 110w/ch; RTi10 fronts, CSi5 center, and four FXi3 surrounds. I would like to purchase three outlaw 200w mono blocks for the RTi10's and CSi5. I really can't afford to get another four mono blocks or get a $1800 7 channel amp. Do you think the FXi3's will run good on the Denon seeing as how the system will not be taxed as much with the front stage gone from the receiver? Do you think the Denon can deliver 110w of clean power to each of the FXi's if needed?

Do you think there would be a big improvement for the surrounds if I did use a seperate amp and only used the Denon for processing? I mostly use my system for HT and my room is 14x18x7.

Thanks,
Josh

[MADGSF]

I have not done this but you can use the Denon to run the surrounds, mono's on the front three and would most likely be happy with the sound. I think you would see an improvement using the Denon as a Pre only with the speakers you have though.

I am assuming you are looking at new amps. Since you are going to spend around 1000.00 on three monos I suggest you look at multichannel amps on Audiogon or even Ebay. There is a Outlaw 7125 on Audiogon right now for 550.00. If you want more power maybe pick up a good 5 channel amp used and use the Denon for two of the surrounds. Then later pick up a 2 channel for the RTi-10s. If I ever get a bigger place that I can use two more surrounds that is my plan.

I would add I really like the B&K sound with my RTi-10s and an amp like I have went for about 900.00 last week on Ebay, I paid 1100.00 for mine. The deals are out there you just have to watch for them.

[cfrizz]

Welcome to CP Josh!

I also had my front 3 on separate amplification, but I saw a very significant improvement to my fxi3's over my Denon when I hooked them up to the amplifier in my signature. All speakers benefit from from more power.

Consider purchasing used from Audiogon. Look for Parasound, Outlaw, Rotel, Sunfire, Nad, Adcom.

Be patient keep saving money & just continually look for what you want. You will see the biggest improvement if you get 200wpc or more. Try to get a 5 channel amp (it will save you from purchasing one later on down the line.)

You will be able to use this amp throughout all other upgrades to your system.

[AndyGwis]

Yes, adding separate amps to the front soundstage is a great idea, and only running surrounds will leave your Denon with plenty of dynamic headroom.

If I were you, I would keep a lookout for a 3 or 5 channel used amp instead of 3 new Outlaw monos.

Monos are good value, but that's still a lot of money. The B&K 3-channel 1430 II amp I got goes for $400 or so used and I would put that up against the Outlaw monos for music and movies anytime.

Check Audiogon for multichannel amps. I can post some suggestions if you like, just give me a budget and any size requirements.

[jmuma2k]

Thanks for the help!

I have being doing some more searching a review reading. Does anyone here have the Emotiva LPA-1 amp? http://www.emotiva.com/lpa1.html

The price seems to good at $450, but all the reviews I have read have been very positive. It is a 7 channel amp (5)@125w, (2)@50w or (1)@125w. I figure it would be great to use as a 7 channel amp for now, and then I could get a nice two channel amp down the road for my mains.

Just looking to see if anyone has had any experience with this amp or others from Emotiva. Would it be a increase in performance over the Denon 987/2807?

-Josh

[MADGSF]

I have never heard any Emotiva product so I will let others who have comment on the sound. I think they have a 30 day return policy so you could give it a listen and send it back if you don't like it and I think it would be an improvement over the Denon alone.

[soapbox]I guess I am a high current kind of guy and I like to see this in an amplifier's spec sheet. You also don't have to have 200 watts to get good current. Unfortunately there are a lot of manufacturers that don't provide this information, like Outlaw and Emotiva. I am not saying they are bad amps or sound bad but I think the RTi series sound best with high current and a low slew rate. My personal preference is for a used B&K over a new Emotiva.[sopabox/]