How does this look? a HT setup proposal

[bmninada]

I got my hands on an almost new Emo UMC 200, very cheap at approx $299 thru my neighbor who went upscale. Anyways my funds are extremely limited and looking for a 5.1 setup now. For speakers I was thinking of the Paradigm 5.1 set. Now, for amplifiers was thinking of purchasing 3 Behringer A500s with 1 driving the F L/R, 1 driving: Back surround L/R and 1 driving the center channel in mono mode. The sub's anyways active. Am getting the A500 at $179 since buying 3 together from a local store, here. I forgot to mention, neighbor will assist with the upgrade thing involving Emo as and when applicable.

1. I understand Emo UMC 200 is very, very good but at the same time do hear/read a lot of good stuff for A500. Just wondering how this setup will sound.
2. For the center speaker is there any better option?
3. Altogether, for amp. my cost is coming to $540. Are there any comparable amp (+/- 15%) which can be considered "better" ?
4. For inputs I have a Denon SACD, a straight-forward Blu-ray WiFi and XBox.

 

[j_garcia]

How this setup will sound will depend more on the speakers than the amp choice IMO. What is the speaker budget? Paradigm is good, but wouldn't be my first choice.

What's wrong with the UPA-500? UPA-500 Five-Channel Power Amplifier | Emotiva Audio | High-end audio components for audiophiles and videophiles, spanning 2-channel music systems, as well as 5.1 and 7.1 home theaters. Products include multichannel amplifiers, stereo amplifiers, and

I personally never thought the A500s were that great, but there are a few on here who have used them with success. You could bridge one or just use one channel as it seems like you planned. I've done that before to get the same power across the front stage, two stereo amps using only one channel on one amp.

I am currently using just a Topping TP-60 for my surrounds with the UMC to save space and its been working great.

 

[bmninada]

Not sure but I thought 80w/channel at 8 ohm looks under powered. I thought with A500 - i'll get more.

 

[Bryceo]

Not sure but I thought 80w/channel at 8 ohm looks under powered. I thought with A500 - i'll get more.

Wow, 80w I'm currently sitting one 55 across the front stage and that is more the. Enough power to have a kick *** sound!!

 

[ImcLoud]

As J said the upa500 is a better option than the pro stuff... Another option is 4 apa150's, wire the front 3 as mono blocks for 150w per channel and then the fourth for the surrounds in stereo mode 75w per ch. they are 118 each, plus free shipping and there is a 10% coupon for this site somewhere on the net... Dayton Audio APA150 150 Watt Free Standing Powered Stereo/Mono Audio Amplifier - Smarthome you would be round 400$ for all 4 amps..... then you have nice reliable class ab amps... I have ran 4 ohm speakers with the apa150s bridged, they are a good strong amp and last a long time...