Adding Amp to Yamaha RX-V2600

[UFObuster]

Can you add a two channel amp to a 5.1 HT set up using the 2600?
I'm thinking about improving my 2 channel stereo playback and still having my 5.1 system functional all on the same set up...ie, 2600 as pre/pro for two channels up front...while center and surrounds remain run off the 2600 internal amps....This may be a newbie question....but I'm tired of looking for a thread that discusses this...and it may be obvious to all but me.
thanks..
Roger.

 

[avliner]

Yes, you can!

All you need is a power amp. to feed up your L/R mains.
I did that quite recently and no regrets at all!

Cheers.

 

[UFObuster]

Yes, you can!

All you need is a power amp. to feed up your L/R mains.
I did that quite recently and no regrets at all!

Cheers.

OK, I like your Denon 3806 by the way...
So, in more detail: you have your L/R mains connected direct to Samson Servo amp and the Denon as a pre/pro for these two channels only? I see that this would give good direct play-back in two channel.
Now, when you play back in 5.1 (say a DVD in DTS or DD, or a DVD-A), I guess the front channels play only left and right through the external amp and the center and surrounds are amped by the Denon? Correct? Do you calibrate this 5.1 set up like you would ordinarily thru the Denon's auto set up or with an SPL meter manually? I'm supposing that the dedicated amp improves front end over the Denon? Is it worth it? Or is it another warm box?
Are there other threads on this forum talking about this subject?

Thanks for the response....and guess I'm on the right track.

For Yamaha users: anyone using an extra amp in your setups? Did it help and why?

Roger

 

[gcmarshall]

i own the rxv2500 and did run a 2-ch amp within my 5.1 setup. worked fine. obviously, you have a different amp driving your center speaker than is driving your L/R mains. however, unless you are nit-picking every last detail of your sound with a microscope, it will not bother you.

 

[UFObuster]

i own the rxv2500 and did run a 2-ch amp within my 5.1 setup. worked fine. obviously, you have a different amp driving your center speaker than is driving your L/R mains. however, unless you are nit-picking every last detail of your sound with a microscope, it will not bother you.

Could you throw me a little detail here..? Why did you decide to add the extra amp? Was it worth it?
Was calibrating the system for 5.1 playback the same with both amps used using internal test tones, etc?

I guess what I'm trying to ask is:
a. was dedicated 2 channel significantly improved (depending on hardware of course)?
b. was 5.1 playback done with both amps running: mains on the external
amp and center/surround on the Yammi's internal amp? and were there any problems switching DSP modes, etc using the Yamaha's processor. Was it better than the Yammi alone?

Thanks...Roger

 

[Seth=L]

To answer your first question, yes it can and will make a difference (unless you are using Bose then it doesn't matter). The use of the extra amplifier will reduce demands that your front speakers put on the receiver. With the receiver powering just the Center and Surrounds, not very demanding, and the fronts being powered by a very capable amplifier you should have increased dynamics and in the case that your fronts swing to low impedances the external amplifier won't choke and it will cleanly drive your speakers in any situation.

To answer your second question, yes the receiver will power the Center and Surrounds while the external amplifier powers your fronts. In order to connect an external amplifier you need to use the preamplifier outputs for the front L/R on the receiver.

 

[avliner]

UFO,

basically you've got all the answers to your questions.

I'd only add that I've made the setup using the Rat Shack SPL + Avia disc and the overall performance is indeed better now, with the outboard amp.

That was my very fisrt dive into separates and it really makes a difference, though. BTW, not only the main fronts are performing better now, but the center & surrounds as well (more dynamics) and that is due to the fact that an outboard amp. gets some burden off of the AVR, so there's more power available to spare into the other channels.

IMO, you could think about getting a Behringer A500, or the Samson Servo 300 ($ 200 price range) and you'll be more than satisfied, for sure.

Hope this helps!

 

[jsantos615]

UFO,

basically you've got all the answers to your questions.

I'd only add that I've made the setup using the Rat Shack SPL + Avia disc and the overall performance is indeed better now, with the outboard amp.

That was my very fisrt dive into separates and it really makes a difference, though. BTW, not only the main fronts are performing better now, but the center & surrounds as well (more dynamics) and that is due to the fact that an outboard amp. gets some burden off of the AVR, so there's more power available to spare into the other channels.

IMO, you could think about getting a Behringer A500, or the Samson Servo 300 ($ 200 price range) and you'll be more than satisfied, for sure.

Hope this helps!

congrats on a successful tweak!

I'd like to add that if you're looking into spending $200 on a two channel amp, you should also consider an Alesis, QSC or even the two channel Onkyo that they have on clearance at CC.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Can you add a two channel amp to a 5.1 HT set up using the 2600?
I'm thinking about improving my 2 channel stereo playback and still having my 5.1 system functional all on the same set up...ie, 2600 as pre/pro for two channels up front...while center and surrounds remain run off the 2600 internal amps....This may be a newbie question....but I'm tired of looking for a thread that discusses this...and it may be obvious to all but me.
thanks..
Roger.

Before you rush out and spend some hard earned $$$, what speakers are you driving? How large is the room? What is your listening habits as to volume levels? Maybe you are just chasing a dream, not reality, which is fine if you know that up front.

 

[UFObuster]

Before you rush out and spend some hard earned $$$, what speakers are you driving? How large is the room? What is your listening habits as to volume levels? Maybe you are just chasing a dream, not reality, which is fine if you know that up front.

Exactly my concern...
My mains are Klipsch RF-7 which really are efficient but do exhibit a tendency to swing to low impedence from what I have read. A lot of Klipsch owners prefer dedicated s/s (Rotel RB1080 has been recommended) or tube amps for this speaker.
The rest of the system: RF-5 for surround, RC-7 center, RSW-10 sub, Yamaha RX-V2600 with "rated" power that should be enough. I use the system for mostly music or concert DVDs. I have DVD-A and SACD playback (Yamaha DVD-C750) and enjoy good DTS and DD discs. I have a large collection of conventional CD so I'm going for real accuracy here and some quality two-channel potential which, again, the Yammi seems to handle fine.
My room is long: about 36', 16 to 18' wide and 9' high. A rather large volume which "soaks up" a lot of sound. My HT area is in one end...I'm about 11 feet away from the mains and center. It really sounds OK. The balance is good. I've already got some serious $$ invested and don't want to fail to develop the most potential from what I have....a little more in an outboard amp is OK....only IF it improves my sound QUALITY....I am certainly loud enough. I may try to borrow or buy used to try it out.


Roger

 

[Gov]

Exactly my concern...
My mains are Klipsch RF-7 which really are efficient but do exhibit a tendency to swing to low impedence from what I have read. A lot of Klipsch owners prefer dedicated s/s (Rotel RB1080 has been recommended) or tube amps for this speaker.
The rest of the system: RF-5 for surround, RC-7 center, RSW-10 sub, Yamaha RX-V2600 with "rated" power that should be enough. I use the system for mostly music or concert DVDs. I have DVD-A and SACD playback (Yamaha DVD-C750) and enjoy good DTS and DD discs. I have a large collection of conventional CD so I'm going for real accuracy here and some quality two-channel potential which, again, the Yammi seems to handle fine.
My room is long: about 36', 16 to 18' wide and 9' high. A rather large volume which "soaks up" a lot of sound. My HT area is in one end...I'm about 11 feet away from the mains and center. It really sounds OK. The balance is good. I've already got some serious $$ invested and don't want to fail to develop the most potential from what I have....a little more in an outboard amp is OK....only IF it improves my sound QUALITY....I am certainly loud enough. I may try to borrow or buy used to try it out.


Roger

An amp will not change sound quality. If you are loud enough now, skip the amp all together

 

[highfihoney]

I may try to borrow or buy used to try it out.
Roger

Hi roger,the easiest & safest way to prove to your self weather you need an amp is to go to a guitar shop or dj supply,i use guitar center,most offer a no questions asked 100% money back deal but check to be sure.

Pick your self out a middle of the road amp,not a $200 amp or a $2,000 amp but something thats not bottom of the barrell or top of the line,take the amp home & try it in your system.

There is no substitute for 1st hand experience especially when its risk free.

 

[moverton]

guitar center?
Samson Servo 300?
Behringer A500?

This is nuts. You have a Yamaha 2600 with a better amp than any of that junk already. Why you would run a nice clean signal through that I don't know. If you want an outboard amp, stick with something designed for home audio, not PA systems.

I would agree with the Gov's post though, you probably will not see any real difference with an outboard amp unless you drive low ohm speakers or run it to insane listening levels.

You would do much better to stick with the Yamaha 2600 and use the money to upgrade your speakers. You have a $1200 receiver running $400 speakers. This is completely backwards if you want the best sound for the money.
If you want excelent 2 channel invest in speakers in the 1500-2000 range at least before looking to upgrade that amp.

At least try out the amp first. Any decent high end audio shop will lend you an amp for a day or two to try. If your trying hard to tell if it is worth keeping, take it back. Upgrading speakers will be like night and day.

 

[highfihoney]

guitar center?
Samson Servo 300?
Behringer A500?

This is nuts. You have a Yamaha 2600 with a better amp than any of that junk already. Why you would run a nice clean signal through that I don't know. If you want an outboard amp, stick with something designed for home audio, not PA systems.

Being that you pointed out that pro amps are junk for home audio i ask you this.

Have you ran any pro amps in your home set up,if so please name the models & the models of high end amps you've compared the pro amps against.

Btw,i have a Crown pro amp right now that sounds & performs as good as a pair of $22,000 Mcintosh monoblocks.

 

[mike c]

Being that you pointed out that pro amps are junk for home audio i ask you this.

Have you ran any pro amps in your home set up,if so please name the models & the models of high end amps you've compared the pro amps against.

Btw,i have a Crown pro amp right now that sounds & performs as good as a pair of $22,000 Mcintosh monoblocks.

I would like to add that it would be best that he shared his gear info as well.

 

[majorloser]

Btw,i have a Crown pro amp right now that sounds & performs as good as a pair of $22,000 Mcintosh monoblocks.

And has pics of the Macky monos to prove it.

I have a B&K 7270 that I replaced with seven "cheap pro amps" and my system never sounded better. And before that I had a Denon receiver powering the same speakers. Each time the change was a vast improvement.

Don't knock it if you ain't tried it.

 

[UFObuster]

Being that you pointed out that pro amps are junk for home audio i ask you this.

Have you ran any pro amps in your home set up,if so please name the models & the models of high end amps you've compared the pro amps against.

Btw,i have a Crown pro amp right now that sounds & performs as good as a pair of $22,000 Mcintosh monoblocks.

Thanks, HiFiHoney, I've thought about checking out a "loaner" or a 30 day "trial purchase" to check this at home...probably the only way (BTW I've enjoyed many of your previous posts on other threads and the pics are awesome! You obviously have something to say about amplification).
And thanks, Moverton, for the response, but let's be sure you're talking about my system and not something from another thread ...I'm running the largest reference series speakers that Klipsh made until last year. I've got around $5K in 5 speakers so I'm not trying to crank out loud sounds thru a K-mart system.
I'm quite aware of the quality that the Yammi RX-V2600 puts out having enjoyed it for more than a year....however, the Klipsh RF-7 main pair is a challenging speaker set and I'm making sure that I'm getting the most out of them.
To Gov, yep, loudness is not the problem...I'm not sure there even is a problem...but I'm looking for experience to tell me if my RF-7 pair will show better dynamics, staging, and fullness with dedicated amplification or not...maybe not...it may be as good as it gets now; however, some speaker threads I read suggest that dedicated amps for the main two channels are a "must have". Asking and checking is part of the fun.
And did I properly audition this set-up? Of course...but when you get home and time passes, then the itch starts....I'm glad I don't do drugs.

 

[moverton]

Being that you pointed out that pro amps are junk for home audio i ask you this.

Have you ran any pro amps in your home set up,if so please name the models & the models of high end amps you've compared the pro amps against.

Btw,i have a Crown pro amp right now that sounds & performs as good as a pair of $22,000 Mcintosh monoblocks.

I don't think I mean what you think I mean. Sorry if I was unclear.
I am not stating that pro audio are junk. It was more a figure of speach about the whole idea of bypassing the 2600's amp (130watts) with an outboard 100 watt amp with identical ratings and expect anything other than to waste money and probably degrade the signal running it around for no reason. By junk I was more refering to all this focus on outboard amps in general when you might see a .1% difference in actual output while at the same time running completely distorting speakers.

I probably agree with you more than disagree. I am not at all surprised that a $22000 mcintosh amp sounds identical to a $300 amp in any normal usage. This is why focusing on the amp stage is so ridiculous if you are not going outside it's rated range.

I actually run an outboard amp myself. It is an old NAD 150watt amp. I bought it because my receiver was underpowered (70 watts) and I have ineffecient 4 ohm speakers (Totems).

My system:
Receiver: Denon 2803 Borrowed until I find a good deal on something. My old Marantz died.
Outboard Amp for fronts: NAD 2600
Speakers: Totem Tabu
Sub: Paradigm 2200?- my biggest mistake
SACD/DVD_Audio player: Pioneer 573A - cheapie but sounds great.

Whole System cost: about $2500 and sounds awesome. As good as most anything I hear in the high end audio shops up to 20k.

 

[moverton]

And thanks, Moverton, for the response, but let's be sure you're talking about my system and not something from another thread ...I'm running the largest reference series speakers that Klipsh made until last year. I've got around $5K in 5 speakers so I'm not trying to crank out loud sounds thru a K-mart system.

I again apologize for my rash and inaccurate post. I read your earlier post and thought of the normal klipsh F series I see in local stores. They sound pretty bad to me. I have no experience with the RF series. They may be much more accurate than the F's.

 

[highfihoney]

You obviously have something to say about amplification).

You got that right

Seriously though i love all amplifiers & as of late trying out every amp i can get hold of has been very fun for me,Emotiva is going to be my next amps to play with, im sure everybody knows i believe most amps sound different & that is part of the fun for me,hearing how different amps perform is exciting to me.

Im also a huge klipsch fan if not the biggest fan boy on this site,one of these days i'll dig out the pair of "short horns" i have in storage & post pics for the klipsch fans.

If you do try out a freebie amp please post a review as member (mike c) did with the behringer a500 that he's running.