Looking for Amplifier upgrade/add-on advice

S

SportguyPro

Audiophyte
Hello everyone,

I'm in the process of upgrading my home theater system from a 5.2.2 setup to a 9.2.6 configuration

I need some advice on amplifier upgrade/add-on options to my current setup. I currently have 7 channels of amplification covered (5ch + 2ch Parasound class AB amps). I need 9 channels of amplification for 2 front wides and 6 atmos speakers (8 channels if I decide to use only 1 center height channel for Auro 3D).

How do you feel mixing Class AB amps with Class D amps?
I am not interested in a super expensive amplifier since I will only need to drive the front wides and Atmos speakers, plus my Theater room is only L:17ft x W:13ft x H:8ft

I was considering the following options:
- $ Stark Fiera 8 (Fiera8 - 8 Channel Amplifier 8x130 Watts)
- $$ Monolith by Monoprice 9-Channel (3x200 Watts + 6x100 Watts)
- $$ Emotiva XPA-9 Gen3 9 Channel
- $$$ Marantz amp 10 (but that means I have to sell the Parasound amps which would be a pain as I don't have the original boxes anymore and I don't think I need 200W across all channels)

Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Current Setup:

Pre-amp/Processor:
  • Marantz AV10 with 15.4-channel support
Amplifiers:
  • Parasound Halo A51 (5 channels, 250W each @ 8 OHMS)
  • Parasound Halo A21 (2 channels, 250W each @ 8 OHMS)
Speakers:
- Center and Front LR: PMC DB1i Bookshelf Speakers
  • Sensitivity: 87dB (1 watt, 1 meter)
  • Recommended Amp Power: Up to 150W
- Front Wides: PMC Wafer 1 On-Wall Speakers
  • Frequency Response: 50Hz-25kHz
  • Impedance: 8 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 87dB (1w, 1m)
- Side and Rear Surrounds: PMC Wafer 2 On-Wall Speakers
  • Impedance: 8 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 90dB (1w, 1m)
- Rear Height in Ceiling: Monitor Audio C380-FX 8"
  • Sensitivity: 90dB
  • Power Handling (RMS): 120W
- Side and Front Heights: Still under decision. I have two pairs of Sonos/Sonance 6.5" in-ceiling speakers that I can use for the remaining Atmos speakers.
  • Sensitivity (2.83V/1M): 85dB SPL
  • Power Handling: 130 watts maximum
  • Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
Theater Room Dimensions:
  • Length: 17 feet
  • Width: 13 feet
  • Height: 8 feet
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
What’s your AVP?

If I owned the Marantz AV-10, I would want the matching AMP-10.

Otherwise, there’s usually nothing wrong with mix/matching amps AB + D.

But it just depends on what makes you feel great also - pride of ownership.
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
What is your concern about mixing amp classes? I mix D and AB now, don't think about it particularly. I'd just add an amp rather than have one giant amp, tho.
 
Verdinut

Verdinut

Audioholic Spartan
I agree with lovinthehd with regard to a preference with several separate amplifiers rather than an amplifier block with 9 channels.

You can keep your Parasound amps. With your planned budget I suggest that you get several affordable Monoliths, one 5 channel and one 3 channel unit as an example if you have space for them, and should Monoprice have them available at the time. The problem with a 9 channel amp is if one channel becomes defective, you miss a lot if you have to send it for repair.
 
Last edited:
S

SportguyPro

Audiophyte
Thanks everyone,

I decided to have everything matching and I got the Marantz AMP 10 WITH 16 Channels. I want to compare the Parasound to the Marantz.
 
S

SportguyPro

Audiophyte
What’s your AVP?

If I owned the Marantz AV-10, I would want the matching AMP-10.

Otherwise, there’s usually nothing wrong with mix/matching amps AB + D.

But it just depends on what makes you feel great also - pride of ownership.

Thanks for the feedback AcuDefTechGuy,

I decided to get the Marantz AMP 10 to match everything.

I am not a big fan of black and silver amps together. Also, I would like to compare the Parasound Class AB to the Marantz AMP 10 Class D.
 
TLS Guy

TLS Guy

Seriously, I have no life.
Thanks for the feedback AcuDefTechGuy,

I decided to get the Marantz AMP 10 to match everything.

I am not a big fan of black and silver amps together. Also, I would like to compare the Parasound Class AB to the Marantz AMP 10 Class D.
This game ain't like like clothes shopping or a fashion show!
 
S

SportguyPro

Audiophyte
This game ain't like like clothes shopping or a fashion show!
There is nothing wrong with having a simplified and aesthetic layout :). I also prefer to free up rack space for other components.
 
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