Amplifier recommendations

[AcuDefTechGuy]

my Onkyo TXRZ 1100

Your Onkyo can output 153.4 watts x 5 Ch Driven into 8 ohms @ 1% THD, 184W x 2Ch into 8 ohms and 255W x 2Ch into 4 ohms @ 1% THD.

Read more at https://www.soundandvision.com/content/onkyo-tx-rz1100-av-receiver-review-test-bench#SVT1rclMjCjOy5sU.99

Depending on how loud you listen, you might not need more amps.

 

[lovinthehd]

If using eq boosts might help as well over just overall volume level. Also keep in mind a mere 3dB spl increase takes a doubling of power....

 

[Cjamrr]

I stopped by the stereo dealer today, and they suggested demoing the Anthem SRT Integrated Amp. Took it home and set up, Much nicer sound musically. Gonna demo it for a week. They told me to hang onto the MCA325 to connect to center and surround for HT.

 

[PENG]

I stopped by the stereo dealer today, and they suggested demoing the Anthem SRT Integrated Amp. Took it home and set up, Much nicer sound musically. Gonna demo it for a week. They told me to hang onto the MCA325 to connect to center and surround for HT.

The dealer is trying to talk you into spending much more, that means much more profit for them. I wouldn't buy the STR amp for sound quality as I am 100% sure even in a simple single blind test you cannot tell a difference. In a sighted test, of course they will sound better than the MCA amp. The anthem P series will also sound better than the STR in a sighted test. As I mentioned before though, I paid for my lessons, so I fully understand why you will end up paying for yours too.

 

[Cjamrr]

The dealer is trying to talk you into spending much more, that means much more profit for them. I wouldn't buy the STR amp for sound quality as I am 100% sure even in a simple single blind test you cannot tell a difference. In a sighted test, of course they will sound better than the MCA amp. The anthem P series will also sound better than the STR in a sighted test. As I mentioned before though, I paid for my lessons, so I fully understand why you will end up paying for yours too.

 

[Cjamrr]

You have a great point. I was curious to see what it can do. Naturally I want to be cautious about going down that rabbit hole.

 

[Cjamrr]

Possible choices:
Stick with the original plan, the Anthem mca325.
Or Carver for $700, QSC DCA or ATI AT6003.

 

[PENG]

You have a great point. I was curious to see what it can do. Naturally I want to be cautious about going down that rabbit hole.

If you have the opportunity to try out the STR in your room, that's great. If you are going for the better look, build quality and power reserve that you don't really need go for it. If you are going for the expected better sound quality because of the better build quality, larger power supply etc., then in my opinion you should take the time to do a proper controlled AB. That is, level match, quick switching between the two (not easy to do),use high quality recording that you are very familiar with and listen for difference very carefully and repeatedly. If possible, have someone else there to help you do a single blind test. Again, that's just my opinion, it's your money. I like Anthem's much lighter weight, due to their intelligent design, but that's also just my opinion.

 

[Cjamrr]

If you have the opportunity to try out the STR in your room, that's great. If you are going for the better look, build quality and power reserve that you don't really need go for it. If you are going for the expected better sound quality because of the better build quality, larger power supply etc., then in my opinion you should take the time to do a proper controlled AB. That is, level match, quick switching between the two (not easy to do),use high quality recording that you are very familiar with and listen for difference very carefully and repeatedly. If possible, have someone else there to help you do a single blind test. Again, that's just my opinion, it's your money. I like Anthem's much lighter weight, due to their intelligent design, but that's also just my opinion.

I did a quick AB switch with the MCA325, STR, Carver and a 4th one that I can’t remember the name. We used a switch box to switch back and forth between the 2 amps connected to front speakers.
The level matching that we’ve been talking about; is that when both amps are set at the same volume, and if so, how to do you set the volumes to be the same? Thats a little advanced for my dry sponge of a brain. (For example the MCA325 would be louder than the STR when switched,)
Also, how would you know about the amps you can’t demo, such as the QSC or ATI. (It sounds to me you can’t wrong with any them, just pick how much watts and how heavy you want to pick up once.)

 

[Cjamrr]

If you happen to like that particular Carver, go for it. If you are keen on transparency/accuracy, the MCA 325 would be my choice, I would bet you 5 to 1 in a properly set up blind test you cannot tell it apart from the STR or any amps that are design to be transparent. If you it sounds bore in your room with those Focals, try EQ to suit your taste.

For price, you can't beat the QSC DCA and Crown XLS. Verdinut said the fan in the DCA was quiet, but I suspect if you sit close enough, listening at low level in a very quiet room, you may hear it.

Impedance dip or not, it depends mostly on your sitting distance and spl you listen to. As I mentioned, I am quite happy with my 5 watt amp diving the 1028 Be, that has similar power requirement to the Kanta's.

What amp is your 5 watt amp? What are you using for a preamp?

 

[PENG]

What amp is your 5 watt amp? What are you using for a preamp?

It is the Pass ACA.
https://diyaudiostore.com/products/amp-camp-amp-kit?variant=7072933085218

For preamps, I have tried the Azur 840E, AV8801, AVR-X3400H, Oppo HA-1 and Opp Sonica so far and am still playing around so may try a couple more. Again, just for fun, not for sound quality.

 

[PENG]

just pick how much watts and how heavy you want to pick up once.)

Something like that, but also the look and perceived build quality, that's after I learnt my lessons.. Even if you pick from a price range, say $2000 to $10,000, there are so many of them, and every dealer will have a story or more to tell, based on their subjective views. You just can't demo all of them and/or decide on who to believe.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Possible choices:
Stick with the original plan, the Anthem mca325.
Or Carver for $700, QSC DCA or ATI AT6003.

As @TLS Guy might say, are you going to keep the ONKYO AVR and add an expensive amp?

Or are you planning on selling that Onkyo AVR, buying a Pre-pro and expensive amp?

 

[Cjamrr]

As @TLS Guy might say, are you going to keep the ONKYO AVR and add an expensive amp?

Or are you planning on selling that Onkyo AVR, buying a Pre-pro and expensive amp?

I took both Anthem MCA325 and SRT Integrated Amp back to the dealer.
I took all your good advice and bought my neighbors Carver M – 1.0t mk II Amp that he had rebuilt a month ago for $700 and Trying to buy for $295 online a B&K PRO 10MC Pre amp.
Going to leave the Onkyo for HT with 2 channel 400w/8ohms Carver Amp with hopefully the B&K preamp for record player.
Decided to put the money towards 2nd JL Audio e112 and better record player.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I took both Anthem MCA325 and SRT Integrated Amp back to the dealer.
I took all your good advice and bought my neighbors Carver M – 1.0t mk II Amp that he had rebuilt a month ago for $700 and Trying to buy for $295 online a B&K PRO 10MC Pre amp.
Going to leave the Onkyo for HT with 2 channel 400w/8ohms Carver Amp with hopefully the B&K preamp for record player.
Decided to put the money towards 2nd JL Audio e112 and better record player.

So you have 2 different rooms/ 2 speaker systems?

 

[Cjamrr]

So you have 2 different rooms/ 2 speaker systems?

Yes, I have 2 tv rooms. But I’m finishing up the main music/HT lounge for now which is the main subject. The other room is a small family room with no hifi. Bear in mind, this is my first attempt to have better audio system.
So, after 4 hours of blind testing all amps with a rca switch box. It was hard to choose which was better, so I picked the cheapest route, The Carver. Peng’s recommendation was to spend less money.
So here’s my neighbors advice. Since the Onkyo plays music on the bright side and the Anthem Integrated SRT plays warmer. We decided to look for an older pre-amp possibly a B&k Pro10 MC to play like the Anthem Integrated amp for cheaper.
Using an RCA switch box in between Onkyo and B&K Pro 10 to the Carver amp. (Would be like a theater bypass) so watching movies on onkyo or playing records through B&K preamp.
What is your thoughts on this idea?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yes, I have 2 tv rooms. But I’m finishing up the main music/HT lounge for now which is the main subject. The other room is a small family room with no hifi. Bear in mind, this is my first attempt to have better audio system.
So, after 4 hours of blind testing all amps with a rca switch box. It was hard to choose which was better, so I picked the cheapest route, The Carver. Peng’s recommendation was to spend less money.
So here’s my neighbors advice. Since the Onkyo plays music on the bright side and the Anthem Integrated SRT plays warmer. We decided to look for an older pre-amp possibly a B&k Pro10 MC to play like the Anthem Integrated amp for cheaper.
Using an RCA switch box in between Onkyo and B&K Pro 10 to the Carver amp. (Would be like a theater bypass) so watching movies on onkyo or playing records through B&K preamp.
What is your thoughts on this idea?

I don't like the idea. I've done it. I'm sure many audiophiles have done it.

The main reason is because many people think that a 2Ch analog stereo system would sound better for music than a pre-pro or AVR.

My finding, as well as others like @PENG, is that you do NOT get better sound with a 2Ch analog stereo system than with a pre-pro or AVR.

So why waste money having both a 2Ch and Multi-Channel system?

Just have ONE system to rule them all. Haha.

One system that will sound awesome with EVERYTHING - 2Ch music, Multi-Channel music, Movies, and TV.

 

[Cjamrr]

I don't like the idea. I've done it. I'm sure many audiophiles have done it.

The main reason was because many thought that a 2Ch analog stereo system would sound better for music than a pre-pro or AVR.

My finding, as well as others like @PENG, is that you do NOT get better sound with a 2Ch analog stereo system than with a pre-pro or AVR.

So why waste money having both a 2Ch and Multi-Channel system?

Just have ONE system to rule them all. Haha.

One system that will sound awesome with EVERYTHING - 2Ch music, Multi-Channel music, Movies, and TV.

Which AVR is the one your referring to?
And which Pre Pro?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Which AVR is the one your referring to?
And which Pre Pro?

Any AVR or Pre-pro in general.

AVR examples include your Onkyo AVR, Denon, Yamaha, Sony AVR, etc.

Pre-pros would be like the Yamaha CX-A5200 or Marantz AV8805.

 

[PENG]

Yes, I have 2 tv rooms. But I’m finishing up the main music/HT lounge for now which is the main subject. The other room is a small family room with no hifi. Bear in mind, this is my first attempt to have better audio system.
So, after 4 hours of blind testing all amps with a rca switch box. It was hard to choose which was better, so I picked the cheapest route, The Carver. Peng’s recommendation was to spend less money.
So here’s my neighbors advice. Since the Onkyo plays music on the bright side and the Anthem Integrated SRT plays warmer. We decided to look for an older pre-amp possibly a B&k Pro10 MC to play like the Anthem Integrated amp for cheaper.
Using an RCA switch box in between Onkyo and B&K Pro 10 to the Carver amp. (Would be like a theater bypass) so watching movies on onkyo or playing records through B&K preamp.
What is your thoughts on this idea?

I don't know why the STR would sound warmer. and what does "warmer" really mean, could you tell the 3 amps apart if you couldn't see them? Without knowing the reason, you can't fix it by matching the power amp with a preamp. You would have better chance with EQ.