Do I need to add an amplifier?

[mslabbe]

So, that is the question, should I add an amplifier? I have a Denon x4300h running a current 5.1.4 (soon to be a 5.2.4, once my 2xPB-2000 Pro's arrive...can't wait!). Here are the speakers...keep in mind that I do have the "significant other" issue, so I had to make some tough choices on these:
-center is an old Kinima KC2 (I don't have much info on - frequency response: 60Hz-22kHz; recommended amplifier power: 40W - 150W into 8Ω...and that's all i can find from the web).
-L/R and Back Surrounds are B&W M1 (so these 4 weren't my first choice (S.O.), but so far so good) - Sensitivity: 85dB spl (2.83V, 1m); recommended amplifier power: 20W-100W at 8Ω.
-Dolby Atmos (x4) are the RSL C34E's (i would think I would drive these by the Denon if got the additional amp) - Sensitivity: 88dB SPL; recommended amplifier power: 25W-150W at 8Ω.

The room is fairly large - 22'L x 14'W x 9'H. It's has only "3" walls (open to kitchen on one of the 22' sides, which is not ideal). We listen to 95-99% movies and probably closer to the 99. I've been looking at some older amps to add and try out...Rotel 985 MKii and Anthem PVA 5 to name two. They both seem to be where the B&M M1's high end of wattage, from what I can tell. Or would you think I'm incorrect in adding an amp? Perhaps I will not get anything out of adding one? Or on the other side, should I look at getting a more high powered amp, like a 5x125wpc or larger?

Stay safe and clean...thanks in advance!
Matt

 

[mazersteven]

Your Receiver should power your System without Issue. JMO

 

[everettT]

So, that is the question, should I add an amplifier? I have a Denon x4300h running a current 5.1.4 (soon to be a 5.2.4, once my 2xPB-2000 Pro's arrive...can't wait!). Here are the speakers...keep in mind that I do have the "significant other" issue, so I had to make some tough choices on these:
-center is an old Kinima KC2 (I don't have much info on - frequency response: 60Hz-22kHz; recommended amplifier power: 40W - 150W into 8Ω...and that's all i can find from the web).
-L/R and Back Surrounds are B&W M1 (so these 4 weren't my first choice (S.O.), but so far so good) - Sensitivity: 85dB spl (2.83V, 1m); recommended amplifier power: 20W-100W at 8Ω.
-Dolby Atmos (x4) are the RSL C34E's (i would think I would drive these by the Denon if got the additional amp) - Sensitivity: 88dB SPL; recommended amplifier power: 25W-150W at 8Ω.

The room is fairly large - 22'L x 14'W x 9'H. It's has only "3" walls (open to kitchen on one of the 22' sides, which is not ideal). We listen to 95-99% movies and probably closer to the 99. I've been looking at some older amps to add and try out...Rotel 985 MKii and Anthem PVA 5 to name two. They both seem to be where the B&M M1's high end of wattage, from what I can tell. Or would you think I'm incorrect in adding an amp? Perhaps I will not get anything out of adding one? Or on the other side, should I look at getting a more high powered amp, like a 5x125wpc or larger?

Stay safe and clean...thanks in advance!
Matt

Those B&Ws that are your front stage in that room are gonna be lacking. Forget amplifiers as they will make very little difference. Come up with a budget for the front three and sub and a plan to get them.

Or get a really good sub now, and the rest as that give you the experience.

 

[mazersteven]

keep in mind that I do have the "significant other" issue
Matt

You should purchase this Light. When the "significant other" wants to get involved. Turn it on

 

[mazersteven]

Or get a really good sub now, and the rest as that give you the experience.

He has 2 SVS PB-2000 Pro's on order

 

[everettT]

He has 2 SVS PB-2000 Pro's on order

Thanks, spaced those.

 

[Kai]

Generally your avr will be enough to power your system...generally...depending on how hard your push the avr's amps will tell you whether you are pushing into the clipping zone and you need...or want...more power.
Remember you have to double the power to get a 3db increase in spl.
What is the "significant other issue"? Hard to make suggestions or offer alternatives when you don't explain limitations.

 

[Pogre]

Well I eventually bought an amp that I didn't need, but I wanted one. I do like to turn it up sometimes. It didn't do anything to improve my sound quality but since I have the amp I turned on eco mode so my avr runs a lot cooler now. From what I understand eco mode will not affect sq of speakers connected to an external amp.

I'm not sure where you're at with your speakers, but before buying an amp I would make absolutely certain I have the speakers I want for the long haul. B&W make some of the best speakers I've ever heard, but that's their top tier stuff and will set you back the price of a nice car. The low and mid entry stuff I've heard didn't do it for me at all. For the most part I find their speakers lacking. If amp money can be diverted into better sounding speakers I would explore that first. That said, I haven't hard your particular speakers so I'm not familiar with that model(s).

 

[mazersteven]

I haven't hard your particular speakers so I'm not familiar with that model(s).

 

[Pogre]

View attachment 38231

Oh. I would say there's some opportunity there... I don't think you'd need an amp for those tho. I don't know if they could handle much more than 100 watts.

 

[mslabbe]

You should purchase this Light. When the "significant other" wants to get involved. Turn it on
View attachment 38224

Maybe at least a t-shirt...lol

What is the "significant other issue"? Hard to make suggestions or offer alternatives when you don't explain limitations.

The limitation set by the S.O. is what the speakers look like in the room, as this is the main living room...we do not have any other room to do this in. So, what does the mean? No floor speakers. The center is on a small shelf over the TV and the L/R in the front corners of the room.

My only thought is how big the room is and the open area. And yes, I am "stuck" with these speakers (right now I do have an old Cambridge Soundworks sub that is doing an admirable job, but thinking the SVS's will be leaps and bounds different/better). So, I was thinking if I did an amp, I might get more out of the system but really lacking in the knowledge in where to go at this point.

Thanks again All for your input/reasons/insights.
Really appreciate it.
Matt

 

[mazersteven]

The limitation set by the S.O. is what the speakers look like in the room, as this is the main living room...we do not have any other room to do this in. So, what does the mean? No floor speakers.

And yes, I am "stuck" with these speakers

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[mslabbe]

Your not Stuck. There is always a Solution.

How about a Good Looking set of Bookshelf Speakers with a Wood Finish or a Piano Gloss Finish?

SIERRA-1 PAIR

Our World-Renowned Reference Monitor Featuring our Exclusive Low Resonance Layered Bamboo Cabinet! "Innovation, performance, intensive quality controls and environmental-friendliness all precisely balanced in a truly unique loudspeaker." Over 4 ½ years in development, the Sierra-1 is the...

www.ascendacoustics.com

View attachment 38233

View attachment 38234

My only question to that is placement. I did not give layout of the TV wall. The wall is split into a 3 sorta speak. From left to right...there is a wall of about 4', then a built-in for the TV (about 6' and about 2' in) and third is the fireplace for the rest of the 14'. So, the shelf over the TV where the center is located is 66" long. I can only see that as where to put this type of speaker. Does that present any issues? Meaning that they are too close to the center and pretty much over the TV?

 

[lovinthehd]

What volume level do you usually listen at?

 

[mazersteven]

My only question to that is placement. I did not give layout of the TV wall. The wall is split into a 3 sorta speak. From left to right...there is a wall of about 4', then a built-in for the TV (about 6' and about 2' in) and third is the fireplace for the rest of the 14'. So, the shelf over the TV where the center is located is 66" long. I can only see that as where to put this type of speaker. Does that present any issues? Meaning that they are too close to the center and pretty much over the TV?

Picture?

 

[mslabbe]

Older pic...but the only thing missing is the shelf above the TV

 

[lovinthehd]

The center is the one near the fireplace? I'd put it under the tv myself.....

 

[mazersteven]

You could mount them in the same location. Not ideal but you could. I would move them down. I would also mount that TV a little higher as to fit a Center Channel under it. It would improve your Sound Quality alot

 

[mslabbe]

The center is the one near the fireplace? I'd put it under the tv myself.....

Correct...I'll see if I can do that. The shelf (not pictured) is low. The current sub is off to the right and you can see some old upfire atmos flanking the tv which are not there now.

You could mount them in the same location. Not ideal but you could. I would move them down. I would also mount that TV a little higher as to fit a Center Channel under it. It would improve your Sound Quality alot

Just to be clear, center under TV and then book shelf speakers above tv on the shelf?

This is really helpful...things to certainly consider.

 

[mazersteven]

Just to be clear, center under TV and then book shelf speakers above tv on the shelf?

This is really helpful...things to certainly consider.

If you could put Right speaker on Mantle in corner and then mount Left speaker on wall over thermostat. That would be much better. Move TV up and place Center Channel under it. That should keep "Other" happy too.