Complete newbie question

[isolar8001]

Probably at least new front speakers and a subwoofer. I like both movies and Dolby Digital movies but am primarily interested in music. Small room (our whole house is only 1100 square feet haha).

One of the best deals on the whole damn internet are these...at the price of a bookshelf. 199 each.
Those Polks you are using are speakers in name only !
I have a pair of white 3030i's, and the quality of construction and the drivers used are exceptional..not to mention you would swear a small sub is on when you play them....these are a steal at this price.

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Ok, I'll admit that I'm not sure where to even search with this, and I'm a complete newbie at home audio....

I'm using a Denon AVR-X3400H receiver with mostly Polk bookshelf and surround speakers. I eventually want to get better speakers. I was given several amplifiers, including two Rotels (one 2 channel and one 6 channel), a couple of Carver two channels and an AudioSource. Would using these make a difference over the power output of the Denon? Or should I wait to get better speakers and then hook up the amps?

Thanks in advance! I have a lot to learn!

Most likely NOT (I'd say 99% of the time).

AudioSource is junk to me. So hells no it will not be even as good as the Denon.

 

[lovinthehd]

So here's what I've got...
The 2-channel Rotel is the RB-980BX rated at 120 watts per channel.
The 6-channel Rotel is the RB-956AX rated at 40 watts per channel.
RSP980 Brochure.pdf (rotel.com)
The Audiosource is an AMP200 rated at 80 watts per channel
Finally, I have an Audio Design Associates MPA-6. I couldn't find much other than it's 100 watts per channel.

So none are particularly more powerful than what you've already got. Sometimes it's nice to have a spare amp or two around, hey can be handy for other zones/rooms. As mentioned earlier, it takes a doubling of power to gain a mere 3dB spl advantage, so takes a lot of power to make a significant difference, altho with the logarithmic nature the numbers can ramp up quickly depending on your playback levels/distance from the speakers and speakers used.

That MPA-6 is somewhat unusual as a "5.1" amp from the little I saw (90wpc for 5ch and 250w for a passive sub), and even some eq for the sub https://www.ada-usa.com/Home_Theater_Main_Page.html

Maybe Audiosource is on the cheap side but the spec I saw was reasonable, but not that familiar with the brand or what particular issues people have run into with them. Probably fine for something like ceiling speakers or outside etc.

Rotel have a decent reputation, and per specs looks to be the best in this group you have.

With the speakers you have, I'd definitely work on the speakers at this point. What sub is it?

 

[kmcorolla15]

It's just a crap Sony that I picked up at a pawn shop. Definitely needs to be upgraded. I have a Polk Audio PSW110 in the living room that I could grab if I upgrade the system in that room instead. That system is mostly Polk.

 

[kmcorolla15]

Also forgot to mention that I'm going to have a separate two-channel setup as well. Deciding between using the Audiosource (100 watt) or the Rotel (30 watt).