Considering adding an amp to my reciever...

[Cheetah]

But I'm not sure on what to go with. My current system consists of an HK AVR247, and Polk M40's, needless to say while I'm no audiophile, it just doesn't sound that great.

I'm buying some Polk LSi9's for the fronts, and an LSiC for a center, then moving the M40's to the back as surrounds. The HK already runs hot with 2 8 ohm speakers, so I'd be afraid I'd burn the house down with 3 4ohm speakers added onto that.

My budget isn't too big at the moment, I don't want to spend more than $700 on an amp. I've been looking at a few Emotiva amps, the XPA-3 to power the front speakers, a cheaper UPA-2 for just the left and rights if that's all I'd need, or a UPA-7 to power all the speakers. I don't really know how much power I'd need, the 50wpc on the reciever seems to handle the M40's just fine and sounds clean, but I've heard the LSi's aren't very sensitive and like to have a lot of power.

So, any suggestions on what amp to go with in this situation? I'm pretty set on getting something from Emotiva, but I wouldn't be opposed to another brand.

 

[jostenmeat]

Everything that I've read regarding the Lsi (and heard) seems to point towards beefy amplification.

I would rather opt for the XPA3 to maximize power to the front three, if choosing among Emotiva product.

 

[tcarcio]

Have you thought about useing a pro amp? You could get something for less than what you have to spend. If you are only lookin for a two channel amp you should think about it.

 

[jostenmeat]

He's going to want to use an outboard amp for the center speaker, at least with Lsi, I am led to believe. He could get two pro amps, run one in mono, or get three pro amps, and run them all in mono I suppose.

OTOH, I would skip on the UPA2 for now, and drive those with the receiver.

 

[CraigV]

When I hit the Emotiva button at the top of the page, a pop-up window comes up proclaiming “B” stock components - call now. Nothing online I can find, but might be worth a call.

 

[Cheetah]

Everything that I've read regarding the Lsi (and heard) seems to point towards beefy amplification.

I would rather opt for the XPA3 to maximize power to the front three, if choosing among Emotiva product.

That's starting to seem like the best idea, as I'm sure the HK can handle the surrounds just fine.

Have you thought about useing a pro amp? You could get something for less than what you have to spend. If you are only lookin for a two channel amp you should think about it.

I have, but the Emotiva amps have really caught my eye, especially the XPA-3.

When I hit the Emotiva button at the top of the page, a pop-up window comes up proclaiming “B” stock components - call now. Nothing online I can find, but might be worth a call.

I'll have to give them a call about that tomorrow, never noticed that before because of my popup blocker

 

[captiankirk28]

I went through the same thing as you and got the Emotiva XPA-3 and am very glad i did, i have never looked back sounds better than ever and the AVR that i have has a decient amp as far as AVR go but the more headroom the better, i replaced enough tweeters before i got my XPA-3 now everything sounds great at wat ever level i want to listen.