Amplifier question...

[shawn474]

I am slowly trying to build onto my existing home theater. I have heard many mention that amplification has dramatically improved their sound and puts less strain on their gear.

My question will sound stupid to most, but if I added an amplifier (I am looking at B&K, Adcom, NAD, etc.), do I have to make sure that it is 5.1 compatible? Would it make a dramatic difference? I find myself really cranking the receiver (approx. -25 dB's to get a good listening experience) and am wondering if an amp woiuld place less of a strain on my receiver and speakers. I may be way off base in that assumption and am sure I will get feedback telling me how lame I am to even fathom that thought of using an amp. Although my speakers are weak at the moment, I look to upgrade in the next couple of years. Some might say to upgrade the speakers now and wait on the amp. I am open to opinions and appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance for all feedback.

[Skynut]

My amp made the sound better but I still listen around -25db sometimes.

I start movies at -35 and go up to no more than -25 to find what sounds good.

As for 5.1 compatable just look for a 5 channel amp, the ".1" is only for your sub and should come from the receiver.

[dipiazza]

Shawn,

Wait on the amp man, The most dramatic differnce you can get right now is through upgrading your speakers. Your Receiver is designed to handle those loads, and while it might get hot you shouldnt have any problems. I dont think adding a seperate amp to your system will make an audible difference. Youve got a solid reciever, let it do its thing for now. Just my .02. Good luck man.

-Jake

[Shizelbs]

Well, what would the other alternative be at this point in time, as far as upgrading is concerned?

If you are looking for a dramatic change, swap out the sub for one from SVS. You will not be dissapointed.

[Emlyn]

The DA5ES had a solid amp section in it (up to Sony's ES standards at the time). Did a fine job with my RTi150's, although a separate amp was a big improvement. Upgrade the speakers first.

[McLoki]

My question will sound stupid to most, but if I added an amplifier (I am looking at B&K, Adcom, NAD, etc.), do I have to make sure that it is 5.1 compatible?

Nope, amps are just channels. You can add a monoblock (one channel) or a 7channel amp (or anywhere inbetween).


Would it make a dramatic difference? I find myself really cranking the receiver (approx. -25 dB's to get a good listening experience) and am wondering if an amp woiuld place less of a strain on my receiver and speakers.

It may. If you are not getting the sound you are expecting, you are getting distortion at high volumes, or if the sound stage is starting to collapse. An amp may help you out. What speakers and AVR are you running? Do you have a sub and if so, what is the crossover set to?

If you do choose to upgrade your speakers, (now or later) what are you planning to upgrade to? answer those questions and we can help you a little more. There are always things to spend money on in this hobby. Give us more info and we can help you spend it faster - I mean more wisely... :)

Michael

[McLoki]

Deleted - Double Post??

[danger boy]

add a 5 channel amp. and see how your JBL's sound after that. if they don't knock your socks off. then think about getting different speakers.. but you'll already have the amp.. and whatever new speakers you get.. they will kick ass. ;)

in terms of amps.. you have tons of choices on brands. but also.. you may only need a 2 channel amp for the fronts..

Personally, i have trouble throwing 200wpc at surrounds.. i know i'll get kick in the nuts for saying it.. but i'd give my fronts all the power i could afford. then less power to the surrounds. UNLESS, i had a 5 channel amp.. then every speaker would get the same power. but in my way of thinking.. i can't see why surrounds would need 200watts.

So you may want to have your Sony power the center and surrounds and just use an amp for the fronts..

[cfrizz]

You would be surprised at the additional presence 200 wpc gives to surround speakers Al!

I love my FXi 3's now, where as before they were always muddled & unclear with just my receiver handling them! And that was all the receiver was driving, all my other speakers had separate amps!

So I too would suggest that you get a 5 channel amp, and I always recommend 200wpc since it has enough power to make any speaker sound it's best!

Then you can slowly get to work upgrading your speakers!!!

[reeltrouble1]

It is quite common to buy an amp to drive a particular set of speakers based on their effeciency, resistance and particular sound. If you are going change speakers I would do that first.

RT1

[rodneeb]

IMO I do believe the above posters are correct. Since we're always upgrading in this hobby and you all ready have a complete system I also would say to upgrade to an amp before upgrading your speakers.

rti6 (front)
csi5
onkyo tx-sr603
sony bravia xbr lcd

[shawn474]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their posts. I know in the future, but not the near future, I will upgrade the speakers. I like the looks and the feedback on the polk floor speakers. That will definitely have to wait (I have a 2 year old at home who loves to climb!). I may try the amp as some have suggested and then even if it does not make a huge difference, I still have for my future upgraditis. I apprecaite all of the points of view and look forward to reading and learning more around here.

Take Care,
Shawn

[shawn474]

I guess one last question would be about the watts per channel. What would be optimal vs. what would be satisfactory? I would like to upgrade the speakers in the future to something like the Polk RTi8 series. Nothing too big (or expensive) and nothing too small (or cheap). Would 60, 75 or 100 wpc be enough? Some have stated that 200wpc is what they would suggest. Any other opinions?

Thanks again,
Shawn

[McLoki]

I guess one last question would be about the watts per channel. What would be optimal vs. what would be satisfactory? I would like to upgrade the speakers in the future to something like the Polk RTi8 series. Nothing too big (or expensive) and nothing too small (or cheap). Would 60, 75 or 100 wpc be enough? Some have stated that 200wpc is what they would suggest. Any other opinions?

Thanks again,
Shawn

I often consider optimal to be 100% to 150% of the speakers maximum wattage rating.

Satisfactory would be anything that produces high current and is over about 100wpc or so.

(there are very few 200+ wpc amps that do not also have a decent amount of current behind them, hence the common 200wpc recommendation.)

Michael