Argh-do I need an amp?

[tmurnin]

Just when I thought I was done...

So my Maranth SR6012 seems to be struggling to drive my 5.1.4 system. This is all Aperion bookshelves and in-ceiling surrounds which ive never found to be hard to drive in the past, but this is the first time I’ve added the extra Atmos speakers. It can get to a decent volume but I have to turn the volume almost to max to get there. Do I need to add an external amp for the fronts? If so, what does anyone suggest? I’m not loving the idea of spending any more $$ right now so budget sensitivity would be helpful.

An alternative I’ve considered is taking my existing Denon X4100 and adding a cheap 2-channel amp just to drive the extra 2 Atmos speakers but not sure if that would do much. The Denon is more powerful, but only by 30w/channel, but I don’t know if the issue is the receiver power itself or if im asking the Marantz to just drive too many speakers.

 

[Leemix]

Make sure you dont have audyssey dynamic volume activated first.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Verdinut]

Just when I thought I was done...

So my Maranth SR6012 seems to be struggling to drive my 5.1.4 system. This is all Aperion bookshelves and in-ceiling surrounds which ive never found to be hard to drive in the past, but this is the first time I’ve added the extra Atmos speakers. It can get to a decent volume but I have to turn the volume almost to max to get there. Do I need to add an external amp for the fronts? If so, what does anyone suggest? I’m not loving the idea of spending any more $$ right now so budget sensitivity would be helpful.

An alternative I’ve considered is taking my existing Denon X4100 and adding a cheap 2-channel amp just to drive the extra 2 Atmos speakers but not sure if that would do much. The Denon is more powerful, but only by 30w/channel, but I don’t know if the issue is the receiver power itself or if im asking the Marantz to just drive too many speakers.

You wouldn't get a noticeable improvement by using the Denon receiver, the difference between the two outputs is about 1dB.

I think that it would be a good idea to use external amplification for the front channels, at least for the left & right speakers but preferably for the center as well. The center channel with the dialog and action content in movies often requires more power than the other front channels.

That would reduce demands on the SR6012 power supply and enable it to provide the required power for the surround speakers. In addition, your Marantz would heat less therefore contributing to prolong its life.

 

[tmurnin]

You wouldn't get a noticeable improvement by using the Denon receiver, the difference between the two outputs is about 1dB.

I think that it would be a good idea to use external amplification for the front channels, at least for the left & right speakers but preferably for the center as well. The center channel with the dialog and action content in movies often requires more power than the other front channels.

That would reduce demands on the SR6012 power supply and enable it to provide the required power for the surround speakers. In addition, your Marantz would heat less therefore contributing to prolong its life.

Any suggestions on a relatively cheap 3-ch amp?

 

[lovinthehd]

Two Crown XLS1502s would be about $800, if you order three Outlaw 2200 monoblocks they're $1039.

 

[PENG]

Any suggestions on a relatively cheap 3-ch amp?

Can you find out what you need first using the calculator?

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html

In any case, those speakers probably won't play very loud by design anyway, though they should be able to get you reference level if you sit 8-10 ft and place them near a wall.

So I think 2XM2200 Outlaw monoblock can do the job. The SR6012 should be capable of driving them to the rated 200 W output 8 ohms, 300 W 4 ohms. They are listed for $399 right now but if you can wait, I do expect them to go on sale for $300.

 

[Verdinut]

The most affordable deal for amplifying the 3 front channels would be to get 3 of the Monoprice 605030 2-channel amplifiers. Each one bridged will output 360 watts at 8 ohms or 500 watts with a 4 ohm load. You can get them for $99.99 each direct from Monoprice or for $112 each from Amazon:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=605030

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-300-Watt-Studio-Amplifier-605030/dp/B011JNVIYI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540682485&sr=8-3&keywords=monoprice+2+channel+power+amplifier

See Post #9 re fan noise on those amps.

 

[lovinthehd]

So I think 2XM2200 Outlaw monoblock can do the job. The SR6012 should be capable of driving them to the rated 200 W output 8 ohms, 300 W 4 ohms. They are listed for $399 right now but if you can wait, I do expect them to go on sale for $300.

FWIW when I pointed out if you order three together they're 1039 shipped, think that's regular pricing from Outlaw I think, at least what the current multiples discount page shows. If you order 6 at one time they are $300 apiece (well, less a buck). Is there a traditional sale period coming up?

 

[Verdinut]

Depending on the distance between the Monoprice 605030 amps and the listening position, the fan noise could represent a problem. However, that could be solved by replacing them with quieter computer fans. That mod would probably void the warranty but it would be worth doing considering the cost of this amplifier.

 

[PENG]

FWIW when I pointed out if you order three together they're 1039 shipped, think that's regular pricing from Outlaw I think, at least what the current multiples discount page shows. If you order 6 at one time they are $300 apiece (well, less a buck). Is there a traditional sale period coming up?

Sorry I forgot there is a volume discount..

 

[tmurnin]

So the calculator shows a max output of 111dB. I’m about 9 feet away from where my components are located, not sure if I’d hear the fans in those Monoprice amps from that distance or not. Again, I’m not trying to blast anyone away, but want to hear movies at reference volume without feeling like I’m pushing the receiver to its limit - or is that really a problem?

 

[tmurnin]

Was looking at the A-5175 amp from Emotiva. It’s 175wpc and is a 5-channel amp for $799 Again, that’s a boost but not a huge one from the receiver, but if I use it to drive the front 3 channels, it would take some of the load off the receiver as well. Is that my best all-around option?

 

[lovinthehd]

So the calculator shows a max output of 111dB. I’m about 9 feet away from where my components are located, not sure if I’d hear the fans in those Monoprice amps from that distance or not. Again, I’m not trying to blast anyone away, but want to hear movies at reference volume without feeling like I’m pushing the receiver to its limit - or is that really a problem?

Are you hearing particular issues when playing as loud as you like, like at reference levels?

 

[lovinthehd]

Was looking at the A-5175 amp from Emotiva. It’s 175wpc and is a 5-channel amp for $799 Again, that’s a boost but not a huge one from the receiver, but if I use it to drive the front 3 channels, it would take some of the load off the receiver as well. Is that my best all-around option?

Another option is the Outlaw 5000 5ch amp for $600. Keep in mind to gain 3dB spl you need to double the power....

 

[Danzilla31]

Two Crown XLS1502s would be about $800, if you order three Outlaw 2200 monoblocks they're $1039.

I can vouch for the Crowns I got 2 of the XLS 1002's for under $500. Each one is a two channel that puts out 215 watts RMS into each channel at 8ohms plenty of power to run my three towers up front. I am very very impressed with the Crowns. I have an Emotiva and really can't tell the difference between the Crowns and the Emotiva.

 

[lovinthehd]

I can vouch for the Crowns I got 2 of the XLS 1002's for under $500. Each one is a two channel that puts out 215 watts RMS into each channel at 8ohms plenty of power to run my three towers up front. I am very very impressed with the Crowns. I have an Emotiva and really can't tell the difference between the Crowns and the Emotiva.

FWIW the 1502 and above have better snr specs, plus more power, for not much more, why I usually skip the 1002. (I have four 1500s)

 

[Danzilla31]

FWIW the 1502 and above have better snr specs, plus more power, for not much more, why I usually skip the 1002. (I have four 1500s)

Oh heck yeah I completely agree. It was my first time trying out pro amps on my home theater so I wanted to start at the less expensive 1002's and see how I liked em. I loved them so down the road I plan on flipping those and moving up to the 1502's or higher. Your right those are the better amps in the line. What I'm excited about is if those 1002's sound so good I'm really looking forward to what I can get from the higher models

 

[lovinthehd]

Oh heck yeah I completely agree. It was my first time trying out pro amps on my home theater so I wanted to start at the less expensive 1002's and see how I liked em. I loved them so down the road I plan on flipping those and moving up to the 1502's or higher. Your right those are the better amps in the line. What I'm excited about is if those 1002's sound so good I'm really looking forward to what I can get from the higher models

LOL aside from power and a slightly better snr? May not be all that impressive let alone audible.

 

[Danzilla31]

LOL aside from power and a slightly better snr? May not be all that impressive let alone audible.

Meh may not be all that audible but the extra power will be welcome when I upgrade to three SVS ultra towers. And better specs can't hurt either even if it's just psychological knowing that I'll be driving them with the better amp. It'll be worth the peace of mind

 

[lovinthehd]

Meh may not be all that audible but the extra power will be welcome when I upgrade to three SVS ultra towers. And better specs can't hurt either even if it's just psychological knowing that I'll be driving them with the better amp. It'll be worth the peace of mind

Especially if the towers are more sensitive