3 channel amp or 3 monoblocks?

[BrianC]

I recently upgraded my speakers to Ascend Sierra-1's, and am glad I did. Although, now I've got the upgrade-itis, and want to know what things will sound like with my Yamaha RX-V667 as a pre/pro.

Should I go 3 channel amp? 3 monoblocks?

My center is PSB GC-1, and am 50/50 music/ht, although I care about music sound a helluva lot more. Budget is $1000, and am very open to buying used.

Thanks

 

[crossedover]

Not knowing your room size and listening habits, I'd say the Yamaha is sufficient, but if you have the itch you would need to go the 200wpc + route to make an audible difference

 

[BrianC]

Not knowing your room size and listening habits, I'd say the Yamaha is sufficient, but if you have the itch you would need to go the 200wpc + route to make an audible difference

It's a larger room about 20x20x8, with partial ceiling opening to upstairs. The listening area is setup roughly on one side of the 20x20, and main seating is about 14 ft away from speakers. I do have a decent 12" sub (which will likely be next upgrade)

 

[BrianC]

It's a larger room about 20x20x8, with partial ceiling opening to upstairs. The listening area is setup roughly on one side of the 20x20, and main seating is about 14 ft away from speakers. I do have a decent 12" sub (which will likely be next upgrade)

I like action movies for sound, but mostly like rock and classical for sound critical listening.

 

[BrianC]

Not knowing your room size and listening habits, I'd say the Yamaha is sufficient, but if you have the itch you would need to go the 200wpc + route to make an audible difference

Any recommendations?

 

[Alex2507]

you would need to go the 200wpc + route to make an audible difference

I already like where this is going.

Any recommendations?

I happen to be selling something that covers that ... and then some.

Instead of using the amp in the link, I'm using monoblocks for my mains and letting the rec'r handle the center and surrounds.

I didn't think my small perceived benefit with the Aragon 2007 warranted the extra hardware and wiring.

 

[BrianC]

I already like where this is going.



I happen to be selling something that covers that ... and then some.

Instead of using the amp in the link, I'm using monoblocks for my mains and letting the rec'r handle the center and surrounds.

I didn't think my small perceived benefit with the Aragon 2007 warranted the extra hardware and wiring.

Man, that thing is beastly! Not sure I need all that for 3 channels. How would it stack up against Emotiva xpa 3, for example?

 

[fuzz092888]

They should be similar. The Emo is spec'd at 200@8 for 3 channels driven and the Aragon is spec'd at 200 @ 8 for 3 channels driven as well. The Aragon is rated as having a bit less distortion at the rated power level, for THD, and is has a higher SNR. I doubt any of that would make an audible difference, but perhaps may speak to a better overall design.

I'd take the Aragon over the Emo. YMMV

 

[BrianC]

I already like where this is going.



I happen to be selling something that covers that ... and then some.

Instead of using the amp in the link, I'm using monoblocks for my mains and letting the rec'r handle the center and surrounds.

I didn't think my small perceived benefit with the Aragon 2007 warranted the extra hardware and wiring.

Which main speakers and monoblocks do you use?

 

[fuzz092888]

In his living room he has Salk Songtowers. I can't remember if he's using the Marantz Monoblocks with them or not through. He also has a crapload of stuff in his mancave.

 

[Alex2507]

Fuzz has it right. I'm using the Marantz MA500 Monoblocks with Salk SongTower RT's. My rec'r out there is the Yammy RX-V663.

The XPA3 is deeper but shorter. I saw it at Rick's and it sits outside the entertainment center ... it's so big it looks like an entertainment center. At least I think his is an XPA3. In looks and pedigree, the Aragon totally out classes the Emo. I suspect you would be hard pressed to hear much of a difference unless you over drove both of them and compared their sonic signatures as they launched your tweeters into orbit.

 

[PENG]

I would take that Aragon or try to find a used Parasound Halo A31. For $1,000 you may also be able to get 3 Outlaw monoblocks. 20X20 is square, that's going to be a bigger challenge regardless.

 

[crossedover]

Any recommendations?

The amp that Alex is selling would be a great route. Plays clean at low volumes and would provide good headroom for classical music.

 

[Alex2507]

I paid those guys to say that.

 

[ImcLoud]

I would go with 3 outlaw mono blocks, look for b stock or demo's from music direct...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Monoblock amps won't sound any better than a 3Ch amp, if that is what you are wondering.