Amp Purchase Assistance

[aberkowitz]

So I've decided that it's almost time for a new toy, and I want to enter the world of amps. My knowledge on the subject is quite slim and I want to educate myself in the process. I currently have an Onkyo 805 and a set of Infinity speakers- TSS SAT4000s for the front channels, TSS CENTER4000, SAT 1100s for the surrounds, and a 12" TSS Sub4000.

I'm trying to determine if A) I need an amp, and B) which amp to purchase. I believe the answer to A is yes because I feel that my front channels are just not being used to their full capacity. I'm a big movie guy (probably 75% movies, 25% music), but I actually feel sound is lacking most when I'm listening to 2 channel music. Maybe there's an illusion of fuller sound when watching movies because of the surrounds, or maybe I'm crazy, but I feel at the very least my front channels would benefit from additional amplification.

As for the second part of my question, I'm being strongly pulled in the direction of an Emotiva. I've read a ton of reviews and recommendations, and their amps just seem to be the best. My problem is I'm not sure which of the models is appropriate. I'm looking at the brand new XPA-2, the LPA-1, or the RPA-1. I'm not sure if I should be driving all 5 channels (with an option for 7) with the LPA, or if it's more worthwhile to go with one of the 2 channel models.

Any assistance/advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[bandphan]

budget? If your hearing the difference in the 2ch domain, maybe adding a two ch is for you, however since your a big movie guy, you might soon find yourself lacking in the surround dept with a 2ch. Now what you really might want to do consider is new speakers for the mains, as yours are not "full range" ,adding an amp will help as they are 89db sens, but in 2ch they will tend to sound lacking imo. Your speakers work well in the surround application as you stated, so try adding sperate power to see if you can tell the difference in 2ch.

 

[aberkowitz]

Your speakers work well in the surround application as you stated, so try adding sperate power to see if you can tell the difference in 2ch.

By separate power are you just speaking of a 2ch amp?

Budget is anywhere from $500-1,000... I'm leaving it a little open b/c I'm not quite sure what's out there.

I'd like to hold off on a speaker upgrade for now b/c the next time I upgrade I'm going to want to spend in the $4,000-6,000 range and start to make a real investment in my home theater.

 

[rolyasm]

I know NHT is closing out their 5 channel x 200 watts amps. You can get one for around $1100. Not sure how they rate. Other "budget" brands that are great would be Outlaw, Sherwood Newcastle and as you have mentioned, Emotive. I have used Sherwood before and really like them.

 

[bandphan]

By separate power are you just speaking of a 2ch amp?

Budget is anywhere from $500-1,000... I'm leaving it a little open b/c I'm not quite sure what's out there.

I'd like to hold off on a speaker upgrade for now b/c the next time I upgrade I'm going to want to spend in the $4,000-6,000 range and start to make a real investment in my home theater.

thats what is was thinking, just to see if you notice a difference. Since your upgrading the speakers later go ahead a go with emotiva 5ch, its in your budget and more than one person around here can vouch for it. Im still thinking its your speakers and since your adressing that youll be fine. You have a good recv, add the amp, then get your speakers. As i stated your speakers work well with surround, but with your mains in 2ch you will notice them lacking a bit because of their range.

good luck and have fun shopping, its almost the best part

 

[jcPanny]

HT Upgrades

Your onkyo receiver has a good THX certified amplifier that should be more than adequate for you current speakers. The infinities are an easy 8 ohm load and the small drivers can't handle much power anyway. For $1k, consider upgrading the main L/R/C channel speakers for better music and HT performance.

I have the Emotiva LPA-1 amp and I would recommend it if you had a less capable receiver or inefficient, 4 ohm speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...Onkyo 805...Infinity speakers- TSS SAT4000s for the front channels, TSS CENTER4000, SAT 1100s for the surrounds, and a 12" TSS Sub4000.. if I need an amp, and which amp to purchase...I actually feel sound is lacking most when I'm listening to 2 channel music...I'm being strongly pulled in the direction of an Emotiva...

Do you need an external amp?

Probably not, but it never hurts.

If you need an amp, I think the Emotiva XPA-5 200WPC x 5Ch is a great buy.

2CH music is the hardest thing to get perfect. This is where most systems (speakers and electronics) fail to deliver 100% satisfaction.

But what exactly do you mean by "lacking"?
Do you mean the sound (midrange & high frequency) is just not CLEAR?
That the bass is not ENOUGH?
They sound compressed?
Are you using the Room EQ Audessy function?
Echos in your room (acoustic)?

 

[fmw]

Your onkyo receiver has a good THX certified amplifier that should be more than adequate for you current speakers. The infinities are an easy 8 ohm load and the small drivers can't handle much power anyway. For $1k, consider upgrading the main L/R/C channel speakers for better music and HT performance.

I have the Emotiva LPA-1 amp and I would recommend it if you had a less capable receiver or inefficient, 4 ohm speakers.

I would certainly agree with this position. It is almost inconceivable that you would need anything more than what you have and it certainly wouldn't change the sound of your system by changning from one amp to another.

Home theaters in normal homes with normal speakers don't need even close to the amount of power your receiver generates. That's true of almost all people who buy separate amps. They buy them nevertheless.

JCPanny is right. Use the money for better speakers or put it toward your retirement.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Home theaters in normal homes with normal speakers don't need even close to the amount of power your receiver generates. That's true of almost all people who buy separate amps. They buy them nevertheless.

Yes, that is true.

I am guilty as charged, your honor.

You know the $8,000/pr Linkwitz Lab Orion speakers come standard with the 60 Watts Per Ch x 12 Ch amp. That Linkwitz Riley guy knows a little bit about speakers and amps, so I guess 60 watts is all you need.

 

[aberkowitz]

I would certainly agree with this position. It is almost inconceivable that you would need anything more than what you have and it certainly wouldn't change the sound of your system by changning from one amp to another.

Home theaters in normal homes with normal speakers don't need even close to the amount of power your receiver generates. That's true of almost all people who buy separate amps. They buy them nevertheless.

JCPanny is right. Use the money for better speakers or put it toward your retirement.

Thanks for the advice... it's greatly appreciated.

I think I'm suffering from "I have money and I want to spend it" syndrome... and there's only so many Blu Ray movies that I can buy to satsify that urge. I've made a new addition to my system each July for the past 2 years, and I'm just looking ahead for the next thing to buy.

I think I'll sit tight for the next couple months and see how things go. I'm not unhappy with what I have, just constantly looking for ways to make it better. I bought my speakers 18 months ago, before I even knew of AH, so I'd like to make my next upgrade an all-out one... I'll certainly have the money for it.

 

[dan001]

why dont u hold off a bit till july and then get a more expensive amp...keep in mind...90% of references to emotiva involve their low cost 1st..i get the feeling if ur not happy now...an emotiva wont be that much of an upgrade for u..and like a poster said..shopping for the stuff is half the fun!!

 

[jostenmeat]

You could try a couple of Outlaw monoblocks. If they fix your "issue", great, and if they do nothing for you as some might suggest, return them for refund. And even if you went past the 30 day window, these things sell like hot cakes on the classifieds anyways. Doesn't hurt with the 5 yr transferrable. They totally fit in your budget too, as new.

 

[cfrizz]

I agree with Josten. Give a couple of Outlaw Monoblocks a try for your front channels & see what you think.

 

[bandphan]

120-20k Hz is the freq responce for the mains with an 89db sens. The speakers are the issue with the 2ch sound. Adding the amp will help at lower levels but will not solve his 2ch music issue.

 

[jcPanny]

HT Upgrade

$1k invested in room treatments could make a big improvement to your existing system or any future speakers. Products range from DIY pannels to companies that will layout and model your room and suggest the required equipment.