Which poweramp?

[highfigh]

For 2 channel music most receivers can get plenty of volume and power. My receivers gets like 20 db more head room in stereo mode.

So I'm not sure an external amp is warranted. Before you go separates I want you to answer these questions.

1. Do I plan to do any eqing of my sound?
2. Do I have a pre-processor already?
3. Does my receiver or pre-processor have a 12 volt trigger.
4. Do I want everything to come on with a remote or am I ok with pushing the on buttons on an Amp?
5. What's the retail value of my speakers?
6. What volume do I listen at on my receiver?
7. Can I afford to spend this?

What does the retail price of the speakers have to do with this decision? I think we have all heard speakers that were surprising in their high sound quality relative to their low price and others that left us scratching our heads and asking "Why?" or "You're kidding, right?" when we learned of their high price.

Also, you posted "If you plan to use a DCX 2496 to eq then you'll definitely want one."

An equalizer shouldn't be used to provide gain, the input and output levels should be equal, i.e., unity gain. It may sound louder because of certain frequencies being boosted in the range of highest sensitivity but electrically, it should be the same level. If the levels are being set manually with a starting point of 75dB (or any other SPL) and the final level is 80dB, it would be better to reduce the level of the bands that were basically unchanged and not boosting the others as much. Boosting everything and increasing gain reduces the A/N ratio and the headroom of the equalizer and amplifier. If the equalizer has a level control and it's used to remain at the starting reference level, the above is moot but if the SPL is drastically different when the equalizer is switched In and Out, it's not moot and should be changed.

 

[lsiberian]

What does the retail price of the speakers have to do with this decision? I think we have all heard speakers that were surprising in their high sound quality relative to their low price and others that left us scratching our heads and asking "Why?" or "You're kidding, right?" when we learned of their high price.

Also, you posted "If you plan to use a DCX 2496 to eq then you'll definitely want one."

An equalizer shouldn't be used to provide gain, the input and output levels should be equal, i.e., unity gain. It may sound louder because of certain frequencies being boosted in the range of highest sensitivity but electrically, it should be the same level. If the levels are being set manually with a starting point of 75dB (or any other SPL) and the final level is 80dB, it would be better to reduce the level of the bands that were basically unchanged and not boosting the others as much. Boosting everything and increasing gain reduces the A/N ratio and the headroom of the equalizer and amplifier. If the equalizer has a level control and it's used to remain at the starting reference level, the above is moot but if the SPL is drastically different when the equalizer is switched In and Out, it's not moot and should be changed.

This post doesn't make any sense to me?

If a guy has 50 dollar speakers shouldn't he be upgrading those first?

And if you want to integrate a DCX 2496 to apply EQ to your entire sound range then you'd have to have an external amp.

This is the entire reason I'm going the route I'm going.

 

[cfrizz]

Congratulations, you are going to love what it does for your speakers!

 

[zumbo]

I have just ordered the XPA-5. I don`t need the rear channels but I thought, heck, it`s nice to have 5 should I want to get a surround-processor in the future.

Thank you for your help!

Keep us posted on the reliability.

 

[Amherst]

Hello Audiophile83. Congratulations on your purchase. I would like to hear your opinion on sound quality of your system after adding the XPA-5. I am considering the same Emo on a future upgrade.

I don't want to hijack this thread but have a question for everyone about a similar 5 channel amp. Does anyone have any experience or opinion on a B&K AV5000?
I have the opportunity to purchase one of these locally (used) at a decent bargain.
Two weeks ago a friend of mine lent me a two channel amp to see how my Yamaha 659 would sound after relieving it of the front mains duty. The difference in my opinion is absolutely remarkable. All of my speakers seemed to open up and the extra power provided me with the sound quality I was looking for at almost all volume levels. My center channel sounded like it was starting to clip out at higher levels while the front mains had more to go. So I am considering getting some more power (headroom) for my set-up.

I currently use this system mainly for movies only because the speakers were so poor I couldn't stand to listen to music. So, being on a budget and out of work right now, I'm stuck at home with a crappy sounding system. I found some Polk Monitor 40 fronts and Monitor 30 rears along with a CSI6 center really cheap. These speakers seem to have some good range but also drain every ounce of power the 659 could offer. The separate amp on the mains are a breath of fresh air.

Would love to hear some opinions.

 

[croseiv]

Keep us posted on the reliability.

Why? This is a good amp. No issues at all from my perspective. It comes with a 5 yr warranty.

 

[lsiberian]

I have just ordered the XPA-5. I don`t need the rear channels but I thought, heck, it`s nice to have 5 should I want to get a surround-processor in the future.

Thank you for your help!

You are now freed from the world of receivers you can buy a pre-pro next time.

 

[bandphan]

You are now freed from the world of receivers you can buy a pre-pro next time.

And his pledge name is now Otter

 

[skers_54]

And his pledge name is now Otter

Thank you sir! May I have another?

 

[mnnc]

Just use the 1900 as pre/pro with xpa-5. That setup will be fine. If you use an additional 6th and/or 7th spkr...use the rear surround channels of the yammie. In the meantime use the xpa-5 channels first.