Great 5.1 Audio system Advice Sought (Neophyte)

[tiburontennis]

Hi all,

I've finally decided to get rid of my mid 90s mid-grade audio system. I recently purchased a sweet speaker set up from a co-worker (5.1 speakers). I love them but now I need to get a good amp/pre set up. I would love some advice from this community, if you are willing to offer. Here's what I want to do:

- Remaining budget is ~ $3000, but willing to go over for the sweet set up
- Want a 5.1 channel system that is optimized for music delivered from various hard drives in my house.
- System will be used for music 75% of the time
- Already have the speakers and killer tv (pioneer elite)
- Speakers require decent amount of power (Energy Veritas 2.2i)
- Room is mid-sized

Thank you for any and all help or advice...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Amp: Emotiva XPA-5 $800
Pre-Pro: Emotiva UMC-1 (once available) $700

Plus Desktop/laptop with HDMI Input.

 

[tiburontennis]

Emotiva

Are there any other opinions out there?? Would greatly appreciate the thoughts. What are the feelings about the Emotiva set up? I checked out their website and it looks interesting but not being able to demo is a drawback. I've liked the cambridge audio integrated amp (840) but it doesn't offer me an easy solution to the center and sub.

 

[corey]

I think I'd look for a nice mid-range receiver with pre-amp outputs. It could well be enough power for you, and if not you could add a 2 channel amp.

 

[m_vanmeter]

+1 on a/v receiver with reasonable power and pre-outs for future external amps.

some to start with:
Denon AVR-3310 and above
Onkyo SR706 and above
H/K AVR-3550 and above

 

[rnatalli]

What speakers did you purchase and how large is your room?

 

[tytlynz]

Emotiva

I have had a great experience with the Emotiva XPA 5 and MMC-1. I paired it with Klipsch rb 62 and RC 52 and PSB minis. Plenty of power. Great two channel direct sound for cd (Jolida 100 a). Am selling the amp and processor as I have moved in with friends and do not have a place to set up my own system. $1000 for the pair plus shipping. $1500 if you want the Jolida.

Joe

 

[HDPCsound]

Hello guys,
There are many good 5.1 audio systems out there. On my experience with sound systems, Aperion Intimus 4T Hybrid SD is great but it has a high price.