Greetings, everyone.
Here's my situation. I have a receiver, and recently bought an RPA-1 200W/channel two-channel amp. I really like the improvement in sound with the amp powering my front two speakers, and I would like to get an outboard amp for (at the minimum) my center channel, as well. My dilemma is in deciding which way to go with a new amp - single channel or multi-channel, 200W or lower, Emotiva or Outlaw - or to just not get another amp. I would appreciate any and all opinions on the way to go.
Some of my thinking so far has been, and I'm open to all criticism:
1. I'd like 200W/channel because that's what I got with the RPA-1 and I know that it makes a difference
2. A monoblock amp is all that I need for the center, but would cause me to buy an additional amp if I want to power more speakers in the future
3. A 5-channel amp gives me 7 total channels (including the RPA-1) and lets me amp all five speakers now (leaving two unused) and even bi-amp the mains in the future if I ever get any that allow it
4. A 7-channel amp gives me 9 total channels (leaving four unused), allowing me to bi-amp the mains and center channel in the future (but leaving one extra channel)
The amps that I've focused on so far are:
1. Outlaw M2200 200W monoblock for ~$360 after shipping ($275 if I go with B-stock). The power that I want, would easily fit in my entertainment center, the least expensive option, but with the least expansion ability.
2. Outlaw 7500 5-channel 200W amp for $1599+shipping. Easily into the price range that makes me think long and hard. Big.
3. Outlaw 7700 7-channel 200W amp for $2149+shipping. Same notes as the 7500.
4. IPS-1 7-channel 150W amp for $1051 shipped. Would fit easily in my center, has a good price, but has less power. Here's the one that gives me the most indecision. If 150W is truly enough, then this would seem to be the outright winner.
5. MPS-2 7-channel 200W amp for $1749 shipped. Power that I want with individual monoblock modules...mmmm, tasty. Big (perhaps too big for my center). Comes with the baggage that I know that I could have purchased the MPS-1 for $1530 back in July, so my regret factor is high if I buy this one.
So, am I just way off base with my thinking? Should I just get one amp for the center and call it a day? Or should I "go big or go home" and get a 7-channel 200W amp and suck up the cost? All input is welcome, and I thank you all for your help!
Adam