Best Way To Power My 4ohm Stereo Speakers

[007vsMagua]

Greetings from Minnesota. This is my first post at Audioholics and I'm old enough to know how things are wired together but my understanding of audio is limited so please bear with me.

I've recently put together a 5.2.2 home theater system and will list my parts and the prices I paid for them. I'm listing the prices so you can see I'm trying to work within a budget.

___ Onkyo _ TX-NR777 _ 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver _ ____ $549.00
___ ELAC _ Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers (Rated 4-ohms/140W) _ ____ $349.00
___ ELAC _ Uni-fi UC5 Center Speaker (Rated 4-ohms/140W) _ ____ $349.00
___ ELAC _ S10 Debut Series 200 Watt Powered Subwoofer (x2) _ ____ $403.00
___ Yamaha _ NX-E300 Piano Series Surround Speakers (Rated 6-ohms/110W) _ ____ $200.00
___ Realistic _ Minimus-7 Dolby Atmos Speakers (Rated 8-ohms/40W) _ ____ $100.00
___ Sony _ UBP-X700 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player _ ____ $200.00
___ TCL _ 65R617 65" Class 6-Series 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR ROKU Smart TV _ ____ $960.00
___ Other Things _ Stands, Wire, Connectors, Brackets, Cables, etc. _ ____ $600.00
$3,710.00

Everything is wired with extra guage, banana plugs, and all controls work. The biggest issue I'm dealing with is that I live in an apartment building. I'm just not able to crank this system up to really test it. The surround is ok at medium volume, but not that immersive even when I'm watching a Dolby Atmos movie. I can hear sound coming out of all the speakers but I don't feel like I'm immersed.

My receiver is set at 4-ohm output and is suppose to be putting out 220W@6-ohms per channel. I'm not sure how that 4-ohm output setting works with my 6 & 8-ohm speakers. Trying to make heads or tails out of the Onkyo tech sheet about power is beyond my scope.

All that aside, what I came here to learn about is picking up a stand alone simple stereo 4 ohm amplifier with a full size head phone jack on the front for a good set of headphones I'd like to get someday. My initial research has been disappointing in that many stand alone stereo amps cost more than my whole system. And it begs the question_ WHY?

What I would like to find is a small solid state amp capable of driving my 4-ohm ELAC _ Uni-fi UB5's so that I can listen to my CD collection knowing I'll be getting better power and sound than from my Onkyo. I've been searching for something under $400.00 and it's not easy. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dennis

 

[Cmoors34]

Don’t use the 4-ohm setting on the receiver, stick with 8. Great video on audioholics why.

I drive Elac’s with an outlaw audio 5000 amp and it crushes. Highly recommend.

 

[007vsMagua]

Don’t use the 4-ohm setting on the receiver, stick with 8. Great video on audioholics why.

I drive Elac’s with an outlaw audio 5000 amp and it crushes. Highly recommend.

Thanks for the tip on using the 8-ohm setting. I think I remember seeing a video about that very issue awhile back. Is that Outlaw brand reputable?

 

[PENG]

Greetings from Minnesota. This is my first post at Audioholics and I'm old enough to know how things are wired together but my understanding of audio is limited so please bear with me.

I've recently put together a 5.2.2 home theater system and will list my parts and the prices I paid for them. I'm listing the prices so you can see I'm trying to work within a budget.

___ Onkyo _ TX-NR777 _ 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver _ ____ $549.00
___ ELAC _ Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers (Rated 4-ohms/140W) _ ____ $349.00
___ ELAC _ Uni-fi UC5 Center Speaker (Rated 4-ohms/140W) _ ____ $349.00
___ ELAC _ S10 Debut Series 200 Watt Powered Subwoofer (x2) _ ____ $403.00
___ Yamaha _ NX-E300 Piano Series Surround Speakers (Rated 6-ohms/110W) _ ____ $200.00
___ Realistic _ Minimus-7 Dolby Atmos Speakers (Rated 8-ohms/40W) _ ____ $100.00
___ Sony _ UBP-X700 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player _ ____ $200.00
___ TCL _ 65R617 65" Class 6-Series 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR ROKU Smart TV _ ____ $960.00
___ Other Things _ Stands, Wire, Connectors, Brackets, Cables, etc. _ ____ $600.00
$3,710.00

Everything is wired with extra guage, banana plugs, and all controls work. The biggest issue I'm dealing with is that I live in an apartment building. I'm just not able to crank this system up to really test it. The surround is ok at medium volume, but not that immersive even when I'm watching a Dolby Atmos movie. I can hear sound coming out of all the speakers but I don't feel like I'm immersed.

My receiver is set at 4-ohm output and is suppose to be putting out 220W@6-ohms per channel. I'm not sure how that 4-ohm output setting works with my 6 & 8-ohm speakers. Trying to make heads or tails out of the Onkyo tech sheet about power is beyond my scope.

All that aside, what I came here to learn about is picking up a stand alone simple stereo 4 ohm amplifier with a full size head phone jack on the front for a good set of headphones I'd like to get someday. My initial research has been disappointing in that many stand alone stereo amps cost more than my whole system. And it begs the question_ WHY?

What I would like to find is a small solid state amp capable of driving my 4-ohm ELAC _ Uni-fi UB5's so that I can listen to my CD collection knowing I'll be getting better power and sound than from my Onkyo. I've been searching for something under $400.00 and it's not easy. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dennis

If you want to add an external amp you should get an AVR that has preouts, such as the Denon AVR-X3400H that you can probably get for $599.

 

[007vsMagua]

If you want to add an external amp you should get an AVR that has preouts, such as the Denon AVR-X3400H that you can probably get for $599.

I'm thinking more along the lines of a separate amp with another set of speaker wires just for when I want to play CD's in my 4K player.

 

[Cmoors34]

I’ve had outstanding experiences with Outlaw Audio personally.

Check out some of the reviews from others.

 

[007vsMagua]

I’ve had outstanding experiences with Outlaw Audio personally.

Check out some of the reviews from others.

I just checked a review of the 5000 and it is a 5 channel amp. Does Outlaw make a 2 channel amp.

 

[TechHDS]

Greetings from Minnesota. This is my first post at Audioholics and I'm old enough to know how things are wired together but my understanding of audio is limited so please bear with me.

I've recently put together a 5.2.2 home theater system and will list my parts and the prices I paid for them. I'm listing the prices so you can see I'm trying to work within a budget.

___ Onkyo _ TX-NR777 _ 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver _ ____ $549.00
___ ELAC _ Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers (Rated 4-ohms/140W) _ ____ $349.00
___ ELAC _ Uni-fi UC5 Center Speaker (Rated 4-ohms/140W) _ ____ $349.00
___ ELAC _ S10 Debut Series 200 Watt Powered Subwoofer (x2) _ ____ $403.00
___ Yamaha _ NX-E300 Piano Series Surround Speakers (Rated 6-ohms/110W) _ ____ $200.00
___ Realistic _ Minimus-7 Dolby Atmos Speakers (Rated 8-ohms/40W) _ ____ $100.00
___ Sony _ UBP-X700 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player _ ____ $200.00
___ TCL _ 65R617 65" Class 6-Series 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR ROKU Smart TV _ ____ $960.00
___ Other Things _ Stands, Wire, Connectors, Brackets, Cables, etc. _ ____ $600.00
$3,710.00

Everything is wired with extra guage, banana plugs, and all controls work. The biggest issue I'm dealing with is that I live in an apartment building. I'm just not able to crank this system up to really test it. The surround is ok at medium volume, but not that immersive even when I'm watching a Dolby Atmos movie. I can hear sound coming out of all the speakers but I don't feel like I'm immersed.

My receiver is set at 4-ohm output and is suppose to be putting out 220W@6-ohms per channel. I'm not sure how that 4-ohm output setting works with my 6 & 8-ohm speakers. Trying to make heads or tails out of the Onkyo tech sheet about power is beyond my scope.

All that aside, what I came here to learn about is picking up a stand alone simple stereo 4 ohm amplifier with a full size head phone jack on the front for a good set of headphones I'd like to get someday. My initial research has been disappointing in that many stand alone stereo amps cost more than my whole system. And it begs the question_ WHY?

What I would like to find is a small solid state amp capable of driving my 4-ohm ELAC _ Uni-fi UB5's so that I can listen to my CD collection knowing I'll be getting better power and sound than from my Onkyo. I've been searching for something under $400.00 and it's not easy. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dennis

Dennis, make sure to set the extra bass to on, also there is a setting for music in a “ sub menu” it’s called music “optimizer“ set that to on also. That unit shouldn’t have any problem driving bookshelf speakers.

Mike

 

[007vsMagua]

Dennis, make sure to set the extra bass to on, also there is a setting for music in a “ sub menu” it’s called music “optimizer“ set that to on also. That unit shouldn’t have any problem driving bookshelf speakers.

Mike

Great advice Mike

 

[PENG]

I

I'm thinking more along the lines of a separate amp with another set of speaker wires just for when I want to play CD's in my 4K player.

So you meant an integrated amp? The Outlaw amps you mentioned are power amps.

 

[TechHDS]

Great advice Mike

That’s a nice system ya got there it should rock out! Also make sure in settings you have the DTS set to on also. Dennis welcome to AH.

Mike

 

[lovinthehd]

I'm thinking more along the lines of a separate amp with another set of speaker wires just for when I want to play CD's in my 4K player.

And some sort of switching box? Your Onkyo should be more than adequate in 2ch mode (many avrs are quite good in this regard),especially for your budget for an integrated amp of significantly higher power.

 

[killdozzer]

Also make sure in settings you have the DTS set to on also.

@007vsMagua Well... I agree with some things TechHDS said, but as far as DTS for music goes, experiment with this. It is not always as straight forward. I will not be the only one here on the forum who will say more can be achieved without DTS as far as music goes. I have a Yamaha AVR and I bypass all effects for the highest listening pleasure. If TechHDS meant for cinema immersion, I agree.

I use AVR only for stereo music listening. Walls are shaking and my guests usually can't believe what they're hearing.

When used in stereo mode (2 channels driven), it delivers 70Wpch into 8 ohms with speakers that dip under 4 ohms at certain moments. I also used a NAD amp with these. I'm equally satisfied given I bypass effects.

It is a clean, well defined sound even with high volumes.

 

[TechHDS]

@007vsMagua Well... I agree with some things TechHDS said, but as far as DTS for music goes, experiment with this. It is not always as straight forward. I will not be the only one here on the forum who will say more can be achieved without DTS as far as music goes. I have a Yamaha AVR and I bypass all effects for the highest listening pleasure. If TechHDS meant for cinema immersion

I use AVR only for stereo music listening. Walls are shaking and my guests usually can't believe what they're hearing.

When used in stereo mode (2 channels driven), it delivers 70Wpch into 8 ohms with speakers that dip under 4 ohms at certain moments. I also used a NAD amp with these. I'm equally satisfied given I bypass effects.

It is a clean, well defined sound even with high volumes.

Yeah agree only for cinema, I should have stated that. Totally agree only for cinema.

Mike

 

[snakeeyes]

Yeah agree only for cinema, I should have stated that. Totally agree only for cinema.

Mike

What’s DTS NEO Cinema? Just kidding I never liked Dolby Prologic 2. But Dolby DSU is now my favorite upmixer.

 

[007vsMagua]

Thanks for all the awesome advice. I'm going to leave good enough alone and play with the settings when I'm in stereo mode. My AVR only allows me to select 4ohms or 6ohms for speaker output so I've got it set at 6ohms. Last night I recalibrated my speakers at 6ohms and watched Darkest Hour which sounded pretty darn good. The tenant that lives above me never leaves his apartment so I have to be careful with my volume as I don't like having to listen to other peoples loud music. This is a great forum...Thanks Again_ Dennis

 

[TechHDS]

Thanks for all the awesome advice. I'm going to leave good enough alone and play with the settings when I'm in stereo mode. My AVR only allows me to select 4ohms or 6ohms for speaker output so I've got it set at 6ohms. Last night I recalibrated my speakers at 6ohms and watched Darkest Hour which sounded pretty darn good. The tenant that lives above me never leaves his apartment so I have to be careful with my volume as I don't like having to listen to other peoples loud music. This is a great forum...Thanks Again_ Dennis

Yep apartment life isn’t the best Specially if you got loud neighbors. I mean the kind where you can hear them doing it. Or the kind that scream and holler all day and night. I had some like that. All day they would be screaming and hollering so about 2am in the morning I would get up and stomp around my apartment real loud or slam cabinet doors. Lol

Mike

 

[TechHDS]

What’s DTS NEO Cinema? Just kidding I never liked Dolby Prologic 2. But Dolby DSU is now my favorite upmixer.

Yeah what’s NEO? and who uses Hall or club? why even put that in? All it does is add a Buncha reverb sound! All I know is FOX 15.1 is out down here! I’m mad as hell cause my Saints are play the Bucs at noon!

Mike

 

[snakeeyes]

Yeah what’s NEO? and who uses Hall or club? why even put that in? All it does is add a Buncha reverb sound! All I know is FOX 15.1 is out down here! I’m mad as hell cause my Saints are play the Bucs at noon!

Mike

That sucks! I guess sports bar with nfl ticket is your fallback plan? My Seahawks hopefully will be able to run the ball this year. Really hoping so at least.

 

[TechHDS]

That sucks! I guess sports bar with nfl ticket is your fallback plan? My Seahawks hopefully will be able to run the ball this year. Really hoping so at least.

Ooh happy days are back! FOX 15.1 just came back on!! It had been out since Friday!! “Snakeeyes” man I remember that game when “Beast Mode” ran through 9 of my Saints defenders!! Man I was mad!. I was like, mad but going man look at this dude run! Stiff arm here stiff there, dudes bouncing off of him was one of the best runs for a game winning TD I had ever seen! Best of luck to ya Seahawks Bro! May we meet in the postseason!

Mike