Amp for my DIYSG 1099's? Please help!

[cameron paterson]

So before I talk about an amp, does my Denon AVR-X4400H have the right preouts to add a 2 channel amp to my front speakers? Here is a pic of the back of the AVR: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-syAhUo5fxeW/p_033AVX4400/Denon-AVR-X4400H-IN-Command.html

What would be my best bet for a 2 channel amp around $2,000 bucks? The speakers are right here:

The Impressives

DIY Sound Group, DIY Speaker Kits

www.diysoundgroup.com

These sound amazing but I want them to sound even better! Can you guys help me out?

 

[cameron paterson]

Would this amp give better sound quality or just more SPL?

XPA-2 Gen3 2 Channel Audiophile Power Amplifier

The XPA-2 is a two-channel audiophile quality power amplifier, and is perfect for powering superb quality stereos and sound systems. Shop online today!

emotiva.com

 

[lovinthehd]

With the sensitivity of those speakers I'd think the avr wouldn't need any help, but it has pre-outs if you want to use external amps on any of its channels....and you do have a reputation for extremely loud so maybe you if anyone could use the extra overhead/spl the external amp could provide. I'm not a fan of Emotiva myself but if going external 300wpc is decent.

 

[Replicant 7]

Would this amp give better sound quality or just more SPL?

XPA-2 Gen3 2 Channel Audiophile Power Amplifier

The XPA-2 is a two-channel audiophile quality power amplifier, and is perfect for powering superb quality stereos and sound systems. Shop online today!

emotiva.com

No that amp will Not give you a better sound quality.That AVR is more than capable of making your ears bleed. You wouldn't gain much in dB's over that 4400. Plus only at very high volumes would you even notice the dB gain. So in my opinion would be a waste of money put the money towards better speakers if you want better sound quality.

 

[cameron paterson]

Ok cool thanks guys. I will not buy this amp.

 

[cameron paterson]

Question... why do most people say an external amp makes their speakers sound better?

 

[ryanosaur]

Because they just spent several hundred to several thousand on an Amp and feel a need to justify it.

But seriously, sometimes Speakers need some additional current behind them. Some woofers and the XO network can create huge demand for power at low impedance. It really depends on too many variables, and you need to look hard at the electrical behavior of the Speaker in question to even know if it might benefit from an external amp: Think larger woofers at low sensitivity... Bad phase angles and low impedance...

My gear is supposed to present a relatively benign load to drive. I do use external Amps, but never expected any sort of SQ enhancement. For me it was just about headroom; having the power on hand to handle dynamic peaks in music and movies.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Because they just spent several hundred to several thousand on an Amp and feel a need to justify it.

But seriously, sometimes Speakers need some additional current behind them. Some woofers and the XO network can create huge demand for power at low impedance. It really depends on too many variables, and you need to look hard at the electrical behavior of the Speaker in question to even know if it might benefit from an external amp: Think larger woofers at low sensitivity... Bad phase angles and low impedance...

My gear is supposed to present a relatively benign load to drive. I do use external Amps, but never expected any sort of SQ enhancement. For me it was just about headroom; having the power on hand to handle dynamic peaks in music and movies.

Yes. I spend, therefore I M. Lol

I also use an external amp for my mains. It started as an experiment into separates. What I found was surprising and quite possibly placebo.
The AVR I first connected my amp to was no slouch, and benched better than most of todays AVR’s. What I “think” I heard, was just a touch of detail at lower volumes. Confirmation bias? Maybe. The second AVR I connected it to, I never even listened to without the external amp so I can’t say. Ironically, it’s the same AVR as yours, and I totally love it. Still!
I’m listening to booka shade in 7.3.4 atm. Fukk it sounds sooo good. It’s almost binaural in a way. The way sounds are just floating around the room and just above and on my head. It’s a trip.
Oh yeah, the thread……….lol
Amps definitely can have their place. But chocovanilla mids with caramel bass and fruity sprinkled treble? No. Probably not. A lot of that”waking up speakers” with amps is old skool bologna. With a touch of chocolate.

I’ll keep mine. But Cameron, I think you’re good with the 4400.

 

[-Jim-]

I too have the Denon AVR-X4400H (without amps) running a 5.2.4 setup and am still loving it. It doesn't lack for power for the HSU CCB-8s across the front. (They are quite efficient at 94 dB / 1m / 2.83V in Half Space.)

I keep procrastinating about going to a 7.2.4 ( the extra rear surround speakers are wired and installed) but I'd need to hook up an external amp. I have a Class D hanging about that could handle it, but the existing 5.2.4 setup is so good I lack the motivation to make the change.

 

[cameron paterson]

Thanks for all the info guys. I love my Denon receiver as well! My 1099's get super loud and I have never once distorted them.