Amp Power & Sanity!

[mox]

I think we all agree that we need amps with our systems.
My question is...how much amp do you need? Lets say I have a Denon AVR 3400(which I do) and I am currently enjoying 120 watts per channel just from the receiver.

What benefit do I get by adding a 120 watt, 5-channel amp?
Do I now have 240 watts per channel? How does this work? How will it benefit my LSi9s?

[Gaara]

No, a external amp replaces the amp in your receiver. You would use the pre-outs which bypass the receivers amp, and you only use the external amp.

The benefit of going with a separate amp would be better sound. You would want to go with a better amp but that doesn't necessarily mean more power...it kinda depends on your needs.

This has been covered many times before, many times in the past month even. Do a search you will find plenty.

[engtaz]

Just don't go a little bit up from 120 watts go up to 200watts. You only need and want that power for your front speakers and maybe your center. The rest of your speakers will work great with you Denons power. Have fun.

[danger boy]

120 watts from a receiver is different than 120 watts from a power amp.

the power amp is going to sound cleaner, clearer, and give your speakers all the power they need... because all the power amp is doing just one thing.. ampliflying the signal from the receivers pre amp outputs. much more clean.

[mox]

thanks guys for the great advice. you guys really know your stuff. i was wondering if i could use my denon for my rears. can i run the the fronts and a center channel of a two channel amp or would i need a 3 channel?
my subwoofer has it's own 500 watt amp built right in.

[engtaz]

2 channel for front and a mono for center is another choice other then 3 channel amp.

[mox]

that sounds like a good idea. i have noticed that the 2-channel are a little easier to find that the 5 or 7-channel.

[mhardy6647]

How much power you need depends entirely on the sensitivity (efficiency) of your speakers, and the type of program (e.g., kind of music) you like to listen to.

Then again, for HT, with the explosions and napalm and all, I guess you need as much power as you can afford...

[AndyGwis]

There are several good 3-channel amp options in the $300 - $400 range. I put a three channel amp on my front soundstage and really like what it's done.

Most people agree that LSis greatly benefit from high current, separate amplification. . . even over solid wattage from a reputable AVR like your Denon.

[Silverti]

Heres a silly question. If I preamp say my front speakers (not using the AVR's) then what does the AVR do with that amp and power that its usually using from the front. Is it smart enough to shut down the front speaker amp? Can it be said that the power still going from the avr to the rears and suround will be better, more pure sounding?