Complete newbie question

[kmcorolla15]

Ok, I'll admit that I'm not sure where to even search with this, and I'm a complete newbie at home audio....

I'm using a Denon AVR-X3400H receiver with mostly Polk bookshelf and surround speakers. I eventually want to get better speakers. I was given several amplifiers, including two Rotels (one 2 channel and one 6 channel), a couple of Carver two channels and an AudioSource. Would using these make a difference over the power output of the Denon? Or should I wait to get better speakers and then hook up the amps?

Thanks in advance! I have a lot to learn!

 

[isolar8001]

Ok, I'll admit that I'm not sure where to even search with this, and I'm a complete newbie at home audio....

I'm using a Denon AVR-X3400H receiver with mostly Polk bookshelf and surround speakers. I eventually want to get better speakers. I was given several amplifiers, including two Rotels (one 2 channel and one 6 channel), a couple of Carver two channels and an AudioSource. Would using these make a difference over the power output of the Denon? Or should I wait to get better speakers and then hook up the amps?

Thanks in advance! I have a lot to learn!

You need to provide more info on the amps...model numbers.
Unless they are big super amps, its doubtful you would gain anything by using them...other than a higher electric bill.

 

[lovinthehd]

Should be easy to look up amps' power ratings by a little searching by model number....some may have more power but those companies made less powerful amps, too. What particular Polk speakers are they? Are you using a subwoofer? As to hooking them up, just use the pre-outs on the Denon with a pair of rca cables to the amp(s)....

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I want to meet your friends!

 

[TLS Guy]

Ok, I'll admit that I'm not sure where to even search with this, and I'm a complete newbie at home audio....

I'm using a Denon AVR-X3400H receiver with mostly Polk bookshelf and surround speakers. I eventually want to get better speakers. I was given several amplifiers, including two Rotels (one 2 channel and one 6 channel), a couple of Carver two channels and an AudioSource. Would using these make a difference over the power output of the Denon? Or should I wait to get better speakers and then hook up the amps?

Thanks in advance! I have a lot to learn!

With bookshelf speakers I'm not sure you will gain much. Audiosource amps are junk, so I wold offload that. When you get better speakers those amps will be very useful.

 

[lovinthehd]

With bookshelf speakers I'm not sure you will gain much. Audiosource amps are junk, so I wold offload that. When you get better speakers those amps will be very useful.

How so without even knowing what particular model? I've seen decent specs for a few Audiosource amps....more nonsense like your rants against avrs generally?

 

[kmcorolla15]

So here's what I've got...
The 2-channel Rotel is the RB-980BX rated at 120 watts per channel.
The 6-channel Rotel is the RB-956AX rated at 40 watts per channel.
RSP980 Brochure.pdf (rotel.com)
The Audiosource is an AMP200 rated at 80 watts per channel
Finally, I have an Audio Design Associates MPA-6. I couldn't find much other than it's 100 watts per channel.

 

[kmcorolla15]

I want to meet your friends!

LOL I was picking up a free audio cabinet from FB Marketplace from a guy that works at a high-end audio shop locally. These pieces had been sitting in his garage for a long time from customers that had upgraded, so he just wanted the space back. He even gave me the Denon I'm using now too. Just had to get a remote for it.

 

[kmcorolla15]

Should be easy to look up amps' power ratings by a little searching by model number....some may have more power but those companies made less powerful amps, too. What particular Polk speakers are they? Are you using a subwoofer? As to hooking them up, just use the pre-outs on the Denon with a pair of rca cables to the amp(s)....

The Polks are just a set of R15s that I got from Marketplace. I want to upgrade those soon. I'm running a subwoofer as well.

 

[everettT]

The Polks are just a set of R15s that I got from Marketplace. I want to upgrade those soon. I'm running a subwoofer as well.

Speakers/subs are 95% of your listening experience, so they're what is gonna give you an "upgrade". Looks like you're well on your way with electronics, so start the speaker hunt.

 

[isolar8001]

So here's what I've got...
The 2-channel Rotel is the RB-980BX rated at 120 watts per channel.
The 6-channel Rotel is the RB-956AX rated at 40 watts per channel.
RSP980 Brochure.pdf (rotel.com)
The Audiosource is an AMP200 rated at 80 watts per channel
Finally, I have an Audio Design Associates MPA-6. I couldn't find much other than it's 100 watts per channel.

Use those amps for a secondary system.
Hooking them into your Denon isn't going to do anything.
They are nice amps, just not any better than what is inside the Denon.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I once had the pleasure of testing RB 5000. That was one hell of a beast. Alas, your Rotel amps aren't nearly in the same ballpark. I agree with Isolar - keep them for the second/third system or sell them—especially the audiosource amp.

 

[kmcorolla15]

I once had the pleasure of testing RB 5000. That was one hell of a beast. Alas, your Rotel amps aren't nearly in the same ballpark. I agree with Isolar - keep them for the second/third system or sell them—especially the audiosource amp.

I think I'll keep the two Rotels and maybe the MPA-6, and sell the rest of what I have. I do want to setup a 2 channel system and maybe one other system in the future.

 

[Swerd]

I think I'll keep the two Rotels and maybe the MPA-6, and sell the rest of what I have. I do want to setup a 2 channel system and maybe one other system in the future.

The Denon AVR-X3400H receiver is rated at 105 W + 105 W (when two channels are driven, at 8Ω/ohms speaker impedance, 20 Hz – 20 kHz with 0.08 % T.H.D.)

The Rotel RB-980BX rated at 120 watts per channel. As others have said, with your speakers you are not likely to hear a difference.

No one checked to see if that Denon could accept external amps. But, fortunately it does. The output jacks to go from the receiver to an external amp are in the yellow box

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

No one checked to see if that Denon could accept external amps.

I am disappointed at that gross and unjust accusation.
No one said it, but I know I did check it prior.

 

[kmcorolla15]

I noticed that the Denon can take external amps, but if it's rated at 105 watts per channel, I would need a much stronger amp to make a difference. I'll probably just use those amps for a second or third system. Definitely upgrading the speakers on this system though.

 

[Swerd]

I noticed that the Denon can take external amps, but if it's rated at 105 watts per channel, I would need a much stronger amp to make a difference. I'll probably just use those amps for a second or third system. Definitely upgrading the speakers on this system though.

A very general rule-of-thumb says if you double the power, from 100 to 200 Watts, you'll hear a just noticeable difference. And if you go up by 10-fold in power, you'll hear a major difference. I wonder if your speakers could handle 1,000 Watts without thermal failure.

 

[kmcorolla15]

A very general rule-of-thumb says if you double the power, from 100 to 200 Watts, you'll hear a just noticeable difference. And if you go up by 10-fold in power, you'll hear a major difference. I wonder if your speakers could handle 1,000 Watts without thermal failure.

I think if I tried 1,000 watts on these speakers, I'd have to explain to our landlord as to how the speaker launched through the wall....LOL....I'll be looking at new speakers in the near future.

 

[Teetertotter?]

@kmcorolla15 What better speakers are you thinking about? 4 bookshelf, Center channel, and new subwoofer? Your current Denon will handle a 5 speaker system just fine. Do you have a small, medium or large room? Normal 8 ohm speakers in quantity of 2, 5, or 7, will be just fine. Are you interested in both movies and Dolby Digital movies?
Bookshelf Speaker Reviews | Audioholics
Home Theater Connection Help | Audioholics

 

[kmcorolla15]

@kmcorolla15 What better speakers are you thinking about? 4 bookshelf, Center channel, and new subwoofer? Your current Denon will handle a 5 speaker system just fine. Do you have a small, medium or large room? Normal 8 ohm speakers in quantity of 2, 5, or 7, will be just fine. Are you interested in both movies and Dolby Digital movies?
Bookshelf Speaker Reviews | Audioholics
Home Theater Connection Help | Audioholics

Probably at least new front speakers and a subwoofer. I like both movies and Dolby Digital movies but am primarily interested in music. Small room (our whole house is only 1100 square feet haha).