Been awhile since I was on the site. Just moved and resetting up my systems...Needing a little advice on configuration on Amps and Receivers to get my best performance.
I am leaning toward running my Marantz in System 1 (3.2) with no external amp. Concerned that it will not be strong enough amp section for the Cantons. I can use the Parasound but it technically has less power. Or I could run the other crown in the system, Visually I would have matching amps. Would the crown have lower sound quality that the Marantz or Parasound?
Then run the Denon in System 2 - with the Emotiva. The MQ Quarts are a tricky 4 ohm load I know that from experience over the years.
I'm open to suggestions. I may be just overthinking the whole thing so if so please let me know.
System 1 - 3.2 system - Lots of music and TV - Large open room with vaults
Speakers - Canton Vento 890.2 towers with Center 856.2
Subs - Pair of Dayton Ultimax 15's (sealed) - Crown XLS 2500 amp
System 2 - 5.2 or maybe later 7.2 - Movies and Music - Large Bonus room
Speakers - MB Quart QLS 1030 with matching center QLS 330
Rears - Sony book shelfs
Subs - Pair of HSU - VTF-2 (12" ported)
Receivers -
Denon X4000
Marantz - SR6011
Amps -
Parasound HCA - 7500A
Emotiva - XPA -3
Crown - XLS - 1500
Thanks
Jeff
I don't think Parasound has a HCA-7500A model so I assume you meant the HCA-750A.
Based on specs, on paper the MB Quart towers should be paired with the XPA-3 as they are 4 ohm rated, though without seeing the impedance/phase angle curves, this is just my semi educated guess at best.
For a more detailed analysis:
I would suggest your first step should be to figure out your power requirements. You know your speaker's sensitivity (xdB/2.83V/m, or xdb/w/m), your desired maximum sound pressure level (spl) and your seating distance, so it is easy enough to use an online calculators that have been linked on AH numerous times.
Peak SPL Calculator - Benchmark Media Systems, or
Peak SPL Calculator (hometheaterengineering.com)
Crown Audio - Professional Power Amplifiers
You can use any of the above, the results should be the same if you follow the instructions and enter the data correctly.
Once you have that figure out, say you need 100 W with one speaker to produce 85 dB average, 105 dB peak at your main listening position, then you are all set to find out which combination of preamp/power amp for which speaker system you have.
Keep in mind the following when you are figure out things:
- for sensitivity spec, if it is given in say 90 dB/w/m then you can just enter the data into those calculators, but if given in the 90 dB/2.83V/m, then for 4 ohm speakers, the the calculated results will have to be adjusted. In that case it would be easier to de-rate the sensitivity by 3 dB. So instead of entering 90 dB, just enter 87 dB into those calculators that are based on 8 ohms, then you can just use the calculated results.
- 85 dB average/105 dB peak is the THX standard, based on one speaker. For home use, that is extremely loud and could damage your hearing in the long run, I typically watch movies at levels between 60 to 75 dB average with all 11 speakers and 5 subwoofers going, and master volume (for Denon or Marantz) at around -20 to -15, occasionally up to -10 just for the thrill and for a minute or so only.
- Based on the specs on your power amps, they have little chance to improve sound quality over either AVRs, but using them will no doubt take some load off the AVRs. You could actually use the AVRs on their own without fear of losing sound quality or longevity but in that case, you need to put a fan or two on top to help cooling, especially when using them with 4 ohm speakers such as the MB Quart 1030s. Note: The XPA-3, has several versions, but in general I would expect them to do significantly better with 4 ohm speakers than either of your AVRs, though whether that means better sound quality or not, it still would
depend on what your calculated results say.