2.1 System help

[toobryant]

I recently found a pair of M & K S-5000THX's in my parents basement and I want to build a 2.1 ch system with them (Music only). I am wanting to do this in steps.

For the first step I would like to get a stereo reciever and a 2 ch amp or 2 mono amps. Any suggestions? I was thinking the Emotiva XPA-2

The next step would be a nice SACD/DVD-Audio Player

Then finally I would like to get a well matched sub or 2, to finish everything off.

If anybody has any suggestions please let me know. If there are any nice stereo recievers that would power the speakers for the time being i could split the first step into two steps.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks a lot guys!

 

[sholling]

I haven't got a clue what to recommend but this is from the manual:

IMPEDANCE: 4 ohms
MINIMUM POWER: 10 watts RMS
RECOMMENDED POWER: amplifiers with between 50 and 400 watts RMS or more
MAXIMUM POWER: 400 watts RMS unclipped peaks
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 72 Hz - 20 KHz ± 2 dB
DIMENSIONS (H x W x D): 24" x 11 5/8" x 12"
WEIGHT 55 lbs.

Manual (PDF)

 

[toobryant]

Thanks,

Since I am doing this in steps I would like to have a budget of around $350 for the reciever. Any suggestions for a stereo reciever that would safely power these speakers? Also need to be able to hook up external amps to the reciever.

Thanks

 

[XEagleDriver]

. . .
I am wanting to do this in steps.

Good Plan!

For the first step I would like to get a stereo reciever and a 2 ch amp or 2 mono amps. Any suggestions? I was thinking the Emotiva XPA-2

For close to your budget, the HK-3390http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554380-REG/Harman_Kardon_HK_3390_HK_3390_Stereo_Receiver.html is a good stereo receiver option.

The next step would be a nice SACD/DVD-Audio Player

I would advise looking at the Oppo BDP-80 Blu-Ray player http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-80/because for $280 it plays all the formats you mention (plus BR) and will upconvert your legacy SD DVDs to a "near" HD picture as well.

Then finally I would like to get a well matched sub or 2, to finish everything off.

Research online for: Dayton, SVS, HSU, to start with.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[zumbo]

HK 3490. 339.00 120W x 2

http://www.jr.com/harman-kardon/pe/HK_3490/

 

[3db]

I would recommend Outlaw RR2150

http://outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html

on sale for $549 until the end of the month. It also contains a built in phono pre-amp for both MC MM cartridges and has analog bass management capability to help integrate a sub into your system.

Audio Section

• Continuous Average Power:
100 watts per channel, 20 Hz - 20kHz,<0.03% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms
160 watts per channel, 20 Hz - 20kHz,<0.03% THD, both channels driven into 4 ohms

• Input Sensitivity/Impedance:
High Level: 200mV/47kohms
MM Phono: 3.3mV/47kohms
MC Phono: 0.6mV/47kohms

•S/N Ratio: 96dB

•Bass Management:
Adjustable 60/80/100/Bypass
High-Pass Slope 12 dB/octave (2nd order)
Low-Pass Slope 12 dB/octave (2nd order)

•Tone Control:
Bass Center Frequency/Range 50Hz ± 6.5dB
Treble Center Frequency/Range 1KHz ± 6.5db

FM Tuner Section

•Frequency Range: 87.5-108MHz

•Usable Sensitivity IHF: 12dBf

•Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
Mono/Stereo 75/70dB

•Stereo Distortion: 0.24%

•Stereo Separation: 37dB @ 19kHz

•Selectivity: +/-10kHz, 70dB

AM Tuner Section

•Frequency Range: 530-1710kHz

•Usable Sensitivity: 500uV/M

•Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >54dB

•Selectivity: +/-10kHz >25dB

General

•Supply Voltage 120V, 60Hz only

•Power Consumption:
5W Idle
400W maximum, both channels driven

•Dimensions:
(HxWxD) 5.75 x 17.1 x 15 in.
Weight 27 lbs

 

[sholling]

Thanks,

Since I am doing this in steps I would like to have a budget of around $350 for the reciever. Any suggestions for a stereo reciever that would safely power these speakers? Also need to be able to hook up external amps to the reciever.

Thanks

The challenge is the power, price and 4ohm stability. There are probably others but in your price range the one that comes to mind is Onkyo's TX-8555. Accessories For Less carries factory refurbs for $200 or you can find them factory new for $300-350. I haven't used one so you'll need to look elsewhere for a review.

 

[zumbo]

HK 3490 is 150 x 2 @4ohm.
http://www.harmankardon.com/EN-US/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?PID=HK%203490&accT=1&tsT=0&ovT=1

Onkyo: 18lbs
HK: 23lbs

Outlaw: $200 over budget.

 

[3db]

HK 3490 is 150 x 2 @4ohm.
http://www.harmankardon.com/EN-US/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?PID=HK%203490&accT=1&tsT=0&ovT=1

Onkyo: 18lbs
HK: 23lbs

Outlaw: $200 over budget.

Maybe so but there appears to be no phono pre-amp section on this unit (unless buried in the specs) and if the OP is looking towards a turntable and vinyl, he'll have to shell out around $200 for a quality phono stage.

 

[zumbo]

Maybe so but there appears to be no phono pre-amp section on this unit (unless buried in the specs) and if the OP is looking towards a turntable and vinyl, he'll have to shell out around $200 for a quality phono stage.

Didn't read anything about the use of turtables in this thread?

 

[toobryant]

Thanks for all of the responses... I have been looking over all of the options and I have to say that I LOVE the outlaw. I know it is more expensive but I want to do this right the first time. Is there anything comparable to the outlaw in it's price range? I'm thinking of moving my price range up to about $650 for the reciever... any new suggestions?

Thanks

 

[toobryant]

If I got the Outlaw would there be any reason at all to get a stereo preamp?

Also, instead of the XPA-2 I think it would be a better option to get 2 UPA-1 Mono-blocks... it will be $100 cheaper but they will have slightly less power. Again, any suggestions are very welcome!

Thanks guys!

 

[3db]

If I got the Outlaw would there be any reason at all to get a stereo preamp?

Also, instead of the XPA-2 I think it would be a better option to get 2 UPA-1 Mono-blocks... it will be $100 cheaper but they will have slightly less power. Again, any suggestions are very welcome!

Thanks guys!

No stereo pre-am is needed with the Outlaw. Its good to go as is and if you ever want to get into vinyl and buy a turntable and records, this unit will support both types of cartirdges. Customer support from Outlaw is stellar from what I've read.

 

[toobryant]

Looks like I am going to get the outlaw. Does getting the 2 UPA-1's seem like a better Idea then getting the XPA-2? From the reviews I have read comparing the two it seems like a better option.

 

[ski2xblack]

Looks like I am going to get the outlaw. Does getting the 2 UPA-1's seem like a better Idea then getting the XPA-2? From the reviews I have read comparing the two it seems like a better option.

Wait, let me get this straight. Are you planning on using the Outlaw strictly as a pre-amp?

If you're getting the Outlaw integrated amp, why not use it for your M&K's? It's no slouch, very conservatively rated power, probably more than juicy enough for the job.

But, if you're getting an Emotiva amp (or two) and planning on using the Outlaw just as a pre-amp, why not instead get the Emo two-channel pre amp for $150 less than the Outlaw? It too has built in bass management and would do everything you would need it to, and do it quite well, not to mention the foofy consideration of cosmetically matching components.

 

[toobryant]

Wait, let me get this straight. Are you planning on using the Outlaw strictly as a pre-amp?

If you're getting the Outlaw integrated amp, why not use it for your M&K's? It's no slouch, very conservatively rated power, probably more than juicy enough for the job.

But, if you're getting an Emotiva amp (or two) and planning on using the Outlaw just as a pre-amp, why not instead get the Emo two-channel pre amp for $150 less than the Outlaw? It too has built in bass management and would do everything you would need it to, and do it quite well, not to mention the foofy consideration of cosmetically matching components.

That does make a lot more sense... and it would save me some money. I know for sure that I am going to want to power the M & K's with seperate amps... so now I am pretty sure I am going to want to get a pre-amp instead of a stereo reciever.

Are there any advantages to an amp/pre-amp combo over a stereo reciever. other than more power?

Also, other than the emotiva, what would be a good option for a pre-amp for $600 and under?

Thank you guys so much for your help, I am still new to this and I want to do it right the first time.

 

[toobryant]

One more question, If I wanted to do a stereo setup with 2 subwoofers, one for each stereo channel, how would I go about doing that?

Thanks

 

[ski2xblack]

Toobryant, to answer your questions...

Advantages of amp/pre-amp vs integrated amp (or receiver)
-separates offer more flexibility for upgrades; possibly (though not necessarily) better performance
-an integrated amp or receiver is more convenient, one chassis solution

Other pre-amp options...there are other options for you, but the Emo is a great value. While there are quite a few manufacturers making two channel gear, I can't think of any that are a better bang for your buck. If I were you I wouldn't sweat the decision too much, just make sure what you get has the features you want (i.e. the bass management in the Emo is rare for two channel gear, but a feature you will benefit from).

Two subs...With two it's so much easier to get even in-room response, so this is definitely the way to go. If the pre-amp has two sub outs, just feed each sub individually; if it only has one sub out, use a y-splitter.

Regarding the Emo amps, I suspect the XPA would have better current reserves/low impedance drive capability than the UPA, but I'll leave it to you to research that one. For your room size, using two subs, and high-passing your mains, then either would probably suffice, but it's never wrong to have more power than you need...helps protect those out-of-production tweets. Those M&K's are power hungry, low impedance little bastards, but they sound very nice.

Good luck!

 

[toobryant]

Toobryant, to answer your questions...

Advantages of amp/pre-amp vs integrated amp (or receiver)
-separates offer more flexibility for upgrades; possibly (though not necessarily) better performance
-an integrated amp or receiver is more convenient, one chassis solution

Other pre-amp options...there are other options for you, but the Emo is a great value. While there are quite a few manufacturers making two channel gear, I can't think of any that are a better bang for your buck. If I were you I wouldn't sweat the decision too much, just make sure what you get has the features you want (i.e. the bass management in the Emo is rare for two channel gear, but a feature you will benefit from).

Two subs...With two it's so much easier to get even in-room response, so this is definitely the way to go. If the pre-amp has two sub outs, just feed each sub individually; if it only has one sub out, use a y-splitter.

Regarding the Emo amps, I suspect the XPA would have better current reserves/low impedance drive capability than the UPA, but I'll leave it to you to research that one. For your room size, using two subs, and high-passing your mains, then either would probably suffice, but it's never wrong to have more power than you need...helps protect those out-of-production tweets. Those M&K's are power hungry, low impedance little bastards, but they sound very nice.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for all of your advice! You have really helped me. I think I am going to be sticking with the Emotiva USP-1 with 2 UPA-1 Mono-Blocks. Now all I need to do is figure out which subs to get.

 

[ski2xblack]

Thank you so much for all of your advice! You have really helped me. I think I am going to be sticking with the Emotiva USP-1 with 2 UPA-1 Mono-Blocks. Now all I need to do is figure out which subs to get.

Hello again-

If two UPA's is your plan, be sure to check with Emotiva and see if the UPA's can handle a 4 ohm load when bridged before you get them. Many amps have an 8 ohm minimum rating when bridged (because they effectively see only half the impedance). If they are not designed to handle low impednaces when bridged they will run very hot when driving your M&K's, possibly to the point of serious issues/thermal protection circuitry kicking in. That's why I suggested the more powerful stereo amp. You may want to see if the XPA's can handle 4 ohms bridged too; if they indeed can, you could get one now and use it in stereo, and another when funds permit for the switch to monoblocks.

Subs: check Hsu, SVS...other forum folks will probably make further suggestions.