Amp Questoin.

[Nick250]

I beg to differ, but thanks for the recommendation. BTW, nowhere in my manual does it say that.

I am with you Gov. If you enjoy 7 channel stereo the best, then crank it up and let er rip. It's not what I do, but what does that matter.

Nick

 

[Nomo]

My understanding, or interpretation of the 7 channel thing, (and Zumbo is correct, Yamaha does warn against this) is that by taxing the amplifiers in a reciever you run the risk of overheating. Not to mention the possibility of sending a distorted signal to the speakers and damaging them.
But considering the Emo is rated at 125 watts / all channels driven and as I can personally attest runs very cool, I think the risks are significantly reduced.

7 channel is not my cup of tea, but as long as nothing is getting hot, go for it.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Nothing like having a band in all corners, I always say!

Not even the conductor has that position in a performance
I don't think I ever experienced equal volume and music in all channels but I couldn't equate it to any real life exposure.

 

[Gov]

I hear ya guys. Yes, 7 channel stereo is very fake, but I use a 5.1 set up, not a 7.1, and I have 5 very capable speakers all Ascend Acoustic stuff. I have all speakers set to "small" and use a 80hz XO. For redbook CD, Music Choice, and the occassional cassette tape (Did I say Cassette?) I like it very much. I did this even before getting the LPA-1 just using the Pioneer's amps, and it did just fine. I feel better having the external amp now, so if I feel like it, I can really letter rip and have some piece of mind. I put the LPA-1 through HELL today, and it was lukewarm to the touch!! This thing is really a nice piece of equipment! I still have 28 more days to decide if I am going to keep the LPA-1, but nevertheless, it is of quality!

BTW, I have it set up in the Pioneer to favor the front three speakers in the "7 channel stereo" mode

 

[zumbo]

I hear ya guys. Yes, 7 channel stereo is very fake, but I use a 5.1 set up, not a 7.1, and I have 5 very capable speakers all Ascend Acoustic stuff. I have all speakers set to "small" and use a 80hz XO. For redbook CD, Music Choice, and the occassional cassette tape (Did I say Cassette?) I like it very much. I did this even before getting the LPA-1 just using the Pioneer's amps, and it did just fine. I feel better having the external amp now, so if I feel like it, I can really letter rip and have some piece of mind. I put the LPA-1 through HELL today, and it was lukewarm to the touch!! This thing is really a nice piece of equipment! I still have 28 more days to decide if I am going to keep the LPA-1, but nevertheless, it is of quality!

BTW, I have it set up in the Pioneer to favor the front three speakers in the "7 channel stereo" mode

Wow! You have Ascends. Very capable indeed!

Has nothing to do with your speakers. Has to do with your amp. The only thing it has to do with your speakers is distortion. I don't care how good your speakers are, and yours are a far cry from mine, no speakers like distortion from an amp that is working overtime. And, 5.1-7.1, who cares? You have a five channel amp. Not to hard to figure-out you are running a 5.1 set-up.

It's your equipment. Enjoy it however you want to. You will enjoy all of it longer if it is used in the proper way. I gain nothing by trying to convince you of the strain that is put on your amp.

 

[Gov]

I don't want to split hairs, but technically the LPA-1 is a 7 channel amp. Its just that channels 6 and 7 are rated at less watts than 1 thru 5. Anyways, I can appreciate your opinion, but, in my case, I beg to differ.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Allright, I did it. I ordered a used Parasound hca2003a three channel amp off of audiogon. I should have it some time next week. I figure I can use that for the fronts, then let the amp in my Denon 2805 power the surrounds.

I'll do some back and forth tests to see if I can tell any difference at normal listening levels. It won't be anywhere close to a DBX test, but I'm pretty realistic with myself when I go back and forth a bunch of times. I'm really only looking to put it one of three categories: 1, there is a definate night and day difference. 2, I "think" there there "may" be a difference, but I wouldn't put money on it. and 3, I really can't tell any difference at all.

It will be completely subjective (worthless) and to be honest, I'm expecting it to be somewhere between options 2 & 3. (again, at normal levels).

Jack

 

[Gov]

Allright, I did it. I ordered a used Parasound hca2003a three channel amp off of audiogon. I should have it some time next week. I figure I can use that for the fronts, then let the amp in my Denon 2805 power the surrounds.

I'll do some back and forth tests to see if I can tell any difference at normal listening levels. It won't be anywhere close to a DBX test, but I'm pretty realistic with myself when I go back and forth a bunch of times. I'm really only looking to put it one of three categories: 1, there is a definate night and day difference. 2, I "think" there there "may" be a difference, but I wouldn't put money on it. and 3, I really can't tell any difference at all.

It will be completely subjective (worthless) and to be honest, I'm expecting it to be somewhere between options 2 & 3. (again, at normal levels).

Jack

I think that is realistic at normal levels. You will really notice it when played near reference levels.

 

[PENG]

Allright, I did it. I ordered a used Parasound hca2003a three channel amp off of audiogon. I should have it some time next week. I figure I can use that for the fronts, then let the amp in my Denon 2805 power the surrounds.

I'll do some back and forth tests to see if I can tell any difference at normal listening levels. It won't be anywhere close to a DBX test, but I'm pretty realistic with myself when I go back and forth a bunch of times. I'm really only looking to put it one of three categories: 1, there is a definate night and day difference. 2, I "think" there there "may" be a difference, but I wouldn't put money on it. and 3, I really can't tell any difference at all.

It will be completely subjective (worthless) and to be honest, I'm expecting it to be somewhere between options 2 & 3. (again, at normal levels).

Jack

Congratulations! I can't wait to hear which category are you going to put it. For me it was a "2", if cornered, I may even put it in "3", but I enjoy the feeling that I now have the right to listen to as loud as, and any sort of music I want, without having to worry about damaging my veritas tweeters. More power is always good, the more the better, whether you need it or not.

By the way, DBX or not, please level match them with a meter.

 

[zumbo]

I don't want to split hairs, but technically the LPA-1 is a 7 channel amp. Its just that channels 6 and 7 are rated at less watts than 1 thru 5. Anyways, I can appreciate your opinion, but, in my case, I beg to differ.

OOPS! My bad. Well, a seven channel amp can handle it for sure.

 

[Gov]

After a lot more critical listening and research, I will be sending the Emotiva LPA-1 back next week. The Ascend speakers are very easy to drive with my Pioneer 1014 and the difference between the two is basically nil. For anyone on the fence, listen up, read this thread. If you have a decent receiver and very efficient easy to drive speakers, save yourself the hassle, and skip the amp all together. Thanks for the input guys!! BTW, I will still continue to listen in 7 channel stereo

 

[mtrycrafts]

BTW, I will still continue to listen in 7 channel stereo

That is not a problem for me Enjoy
Is it like that circle-vision at Disneyland? 360Deg video but audio for you? Just make sure you are seated. I used to fall down and feel funny

 

[PENG]

After a lot more critical listening and research, I will be sending the Emotiva LPA-1 back next week. The Ascend speakers are very easy to drive with my Pioneer 1014 and the difference between the two is basically nil. For anyone on the fence, listen up, read this thread. If you have a decent receiver and very efficient easy to drive speakers, save yourself the hassle, and skip the amp all together. Thanks for the input guys!! BTW, I will still continue to listen in 7 channel stereo

You met two (7 ch stereo & 4 ohm speakers) of the 11 criteria I loosely listed yet you didn't feel you need the amplifier. My guess is that you don't listen very loud, may be say below 75 dB most of the time, and that you room is not larger than, 2000 cu.ft. Did I guess right?

Thanks for the feedback, enjoy you m/c stereo!

 

[zumbo]

You met two (7 ch stereo & 4 ohm speakers) of the 11 criteria I loosely listed yet you didn't feel you need the amplifier. My guess is that you don't listen very loud, may be say below 75 dB most of the time, and that you room is not larger than, 2000 cu.ft. Did I guess right?

Thanks for the feedback, enjoy you m/c stereo!

My guess is that smoke will be coming from a Pioneer soon.

 

[Nomo]

It does sound like you took out this thread what you wanted to hear and ignored the rest of what has been said.
IMO, listening in 7 channel mode with external amp such as the LPA-1 is fine, but using a mid level receiver such as the pioneer for that purpose is not a good thing.

I would at least suggest a 2 channel amp to power the fronts.

 

[PENG]

My guess is that smoke will be coming from a Pioneer soon.

I made a mistake, the impedance of the Ascend speakers are 8 ohms. I don't know why I thought they were 4 ohms.

 

[zumbo]

I made a mistake, the impedance of the Ascend speakers are 8 ohms. I don't know why I thought they were 4 ohms.

Smoke, might even get a slight light show. May take years of abuse, but, it's abuse nonetheless.

 

[Gov]

Guys guys,

I have been listening to 7 channel stereo (in my case 5) on my Pioneer with 8 ohm speakers for alittle of two years now. I always have my speakers set to "small" and crossed at 80hz. I usually listen less than 80db, but some times much louder, but for short periods of time. I have had no ill effects, zip nada. So I don't think it is that bad for it. Give the 1014 more credit than that, I think it is a very capable receiver especially with easy to drive speakers

 

[zumbo]

Guys guys,

I have been listening to 7 channel stereo (in my case 5) on my Pioneer with 8 ohm speakers for alittle of two years now. I always have my speakers set to "small" and crossed at 80hz. I usually listen less than 80db, but some times much louder, but for short periods of time. I have had no ill effects, zip nada. So I don't think it is that bad for it. Give the 1014 more credit than that, I think it is a very capable receiver especially with easy to drive speakers

I am not intending to put your receiver down. I wouldn't recommend to use any receiver for jamming in 7-ch stereo. They cost too much.

 

[Gov]

I am not intending to put your receiver down. I wouldn't recommend to use any receiver for jamming in 7-ch stereo. They cost too much.

I wasn't implying that at all. I understand that "jamming" in 7 channel stereo at loud levels may probably shorten the life span of a receiver, but lets face it, with this hobby how long do we really hang on to the same equipment? You know, the upgrade bug? I had it, bought the LPA-1 and tested it out in my home. It didn't work for me, so I am sending it back. It will be something else soon. I have considered getting a H&K AVR7300 refurb from the outlet store, but what holds me back is that it seems like H&K has some serious QC issues. Anyways, thanks again for all your input!