Debating on amps

[Side99]

I'm currently debating on adding an amp to my setup and (although I know it's subjective) wondering whether a couple of the options were actually an upgrade.

Setup:
Onkyo 807 (rated 135x7), Focal 800v cc (center), Focal 814v towers (fronts), HSU vtf2 mk3 (sub). Effective room size 40x25 (living room open to kitchen, vaulted ceiling, not ideal I know).

Options I've looked at: (all@8ohms)
Parasound zAmp (rated 45x2), Parasound 2125 (125x2), Emotiva upa-2 (125x2), Emotiva xpa-3 (200x3), Onkyo m-282 (100x2)

Open to other suggestions, just the ones I've looked at and debated their merits. I wasn't considering the zAmp as it didn't seem like it'd be enough but someone I talked to said I would notice a difference over the receiver at the least.

 

[Side99]

Thank you in advance for reading/considering. I hope you're having a great new year!

 

[AVRat]

I would really only consider the XPA-3 an upgrade.

 

[j_garcia]

I would really only consider the XPA-3 an upgrade.

Gotta agree there. Sort of like it doesn't fit with the rest of the group power wise. No doubt the Parasound is a good amp and it may be a slight improvement over your receiver, but it isn't going to gain you anything in real world SPL though.

 

[Side99]

Was unsure if the 125/ch range ones would open things up at all compared to the receiver. And also if any older amps (doesn't have to be new, I've heard good things about solid older amps as well) would work that I haven't considered. Just trying to get a good value without wasting money.

 

[zumbo]

Ati 1803

ATI 1803(180x3) which can be upgraded up to seven channels as your system grows.

US made. 7-year warranty. Authorized dealer.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1298162273

http://classicaudioparts.com/store/ATI-AT1803-Three-Channel-x-180-Watt-Amplifier-B-Stock-%28120V%29.html

http://www.ati-amp.com/at1800.html

http://www.ati-amp.com/manuals/powerampspecs.pdf

 

[walter duque]

I purchased the Cinepro 3k6 in 98. They still fetch a good penny used, around ($1200.--to $1500.--). 350 watts X 6 into 8 ohms. You'll hear and feel the difference for sure. There are a lot of good amps on the market today. This has been such a trouble free workhorse for me.

 

[sholling]

I agree with AVRat but I think I'd put that money into a second sub instead of an amp.

 

[Warpdrv]

I purchased the Cinepro 3k6 in 98. They still fetch a good penny used, around ($1200.--to $1500.--). 350 watts X 6 into 8 ohms. You'll hear and feel the difference for sure. There are a lot of good amps on the market today. This has been such a trouble free workhorse for me.

Walter, thats a nice amp - there are gains for each individual channel on that thing huh.... ?

 

[GranteedEV]

Open to other suggestions, just the ones I've looked at and debated their merits. I wasn't considering the zAmp as it didn't seem like it'd be enough but someone I talked to said I would notice a difference over the receiver at the least.

You`d definitely notice the reduced dynamics

I think your focals should be a very easy load to drive. I wouldn`t bother getting a separates amp unless i were hearing strain at higher volumes.

If you really want to improve the sound quality you have to spend on the room!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

ATI 1803(180x3) which can be upgraded up to seven channels as your system grows.

US made. 7-year warranty. Authorized dealer.

I love ATI amps because they

1) perform better than the specs says (underrated)
2) measure superbly clean in terms of FR, THD, SNR, & Crosstalk
3) are superbly built in USA (they also build amps for Lexicon, JBL, Outlaw, and others)
4) have a 7-yr warranty which can only be bested by Bryston's 20yr

 

[3db]

The only amp on your list I would remotely consider is the Parasound 2125. The Emo amps, while a decent amp in HT applications, tends to lack the warmth, detail and soundstage of the Parasound. Other options depend greatly on your budget. Assuming 400 or less, Rotel, Adcom, Carver, and the PA5 from Nakamichi are other alternatives.

These characterirstics you describe would mean emphasys and de-emphasys of volume at certain frequencies. However, since these amps have a flat linear response well past the audable range, I can only conclude that your statement is purely subjective and biased on sighted listening tests. I have a feeling that you would be very surprised at the outcome of a level matched DBT.

 

[Side99]

Umm.. thanks for the help with the amp selection? haha

and as far as the color, well I'm partially color blind (red & green) so my brown is definitely different!

Since someone mentioned room setup, beyond moving the theater to a different room in the house is there anything that can be used to effectively cut the open kitchen out? A shade that can be pulled between the rooms, etc.

 

[KEW]

Umm.. thanks for the help with the amp selection? haha

and as far as the color, well I'm partially color blind (red & green) so my brown is definitely different!

Since someone mentioned room setup, beyond moving the theater to a different room in the house is there anything that can be used to effectively cut the open kitchen out? A shade that can be pulled between the rooms, etc.

If this is to reduce the volume of space your subwoofer has to pressurize, I can't think of how you could reasonably pull it off unless you installed proper doors. Basically the partition has to be solid enough to reflect low frequencies rather than letting them pass through. Unfortunately, low frequencies will pass through anything flexible like a typical shade.
How big is your opening? French doors?

 

[jinjuku]

Moved the discussion to thread: Amp evaluation via DBT.

Thanks for all the help for the OP