Internal Reciever AMP vs External

[Robot Chicken]

Hey all, appreciate any help here.
I currently own a Yamaha RX-A3070 (9.2 with the ability for 11.2 with an external amp). Because I need at least a 2 channel to maximize the potential of my receiver I was wondering if there is any benefit to offloading some of other the other channels as well (based on a similarly rated amp - 150 into 8 oms). I have not identified a two channel yet but I was thinking about the Yamaha MX-A5000 if I go multichannel / offload more channels.

Thanks

 

[ryanosaur]

Yes. Not familiar with Yamaha, but if it’s amps are like my Marantz, 2 channels are rated 110w per, but put 9 speakers on and it’s maybe 70w per...
Depending on your preferred volume level, you should look at an online spl calculator to see what kind of power u might benefit from. But consider at least putting your front three on an amp, if not 5 channels if you are going to go for a full 11-channel set up. Though your surrounds are less likely to need the power levels required by your mains and centers.
More info about your rig and usage could help with guidance suggestions.

 

[snakeeyes]

Depends also on the speaker sensitivity as well. What are all the speakers you have and plan to have? And how loud do you play it? And how far do you sit from the main 3 speakers?

 

[Robot Chicken]

Thanks for the quick reply guys.
My budget system includes (all 8 ohm):

• 2 Polk S60 for my mains
• 1 Polk S35 centre
• 2 Polk FXiA4's for surrounds
• 4 Yamaha NS-IC800's (in ceiling)
• 2 Polk S15 for the rears
• Yamaha RX-A3070 Receiver
• 2 Older Energy 300w subs

Listening is about 90% movies and 10% music. Levels are usually moderate until the wife leaves the house.

I have a line on two multichannel amps
1. Sherbourn 7/2100 (7 ch - 200w/per at 8 ohm)
2. Yamaha MX-A5000 (11 ch -150w/per at 8 ohm)

The one benefit if I go with the Yamaha is the ability to bi-amp channels so I was thinking
ch 1,2,3,4 Mains
ch 5 center
ch 6,7 surrounds
and leave the rest on the receiver.

thoughts?

 

[ryanosaur]

Thanks for the quick reply guys.
My budget system includes (all 8 ohm):

• 2 Polk S60 for my mains
• 1 Polk S35 centre
• 2 Polk FXiA4's for surrounds
• 4 Yamaha NS-IC800's (in ceiling)
• 2 Polk S15 for the rears
• Yamaha RX-A3070 Receiver
• 2 Older Energy 300w subs

Listening is about 90% movies and 10% music. Levels are usually moderate until the wife leaves the house.

I have a line on two multichannel amps
1. Sherbourn 7/2100 (7 ch - 200w/per at 8 ohm)
2. Yamaha MX-A5000 (11 ch -150w/per at 8 ohm)

The one benefit if I go with the Yamaha is the ability to bi-amp channels so I was thinking
ch 1,2,3,4 Mains
ch 5 center
ch 6,7 surrounds
and leave the rest on the receiver.

thoughts?

Bi-amping isn't worth it. I wanted to do it too, not gonna lie. You're better off with just a good amp!

That sherbourn sounds like a killer! 7 monoblock style amps built into one chassis! Each speaker will see that power as best I can tell.
I'm certain the yamaha amp is good, but its rated 2-channels driven... which means as you add speakers, its going to get progressively weaker per channel. (Like I described with my Marantz.) And bi-amping with this is only going to hurt potential output, too.

Though your speakers are good sensitivity, your mains @90db, if you want to add the amp, do it. go for the Sherbourn if its in good condition. Be careful lifting it!!! 100# And you'll have plenty of dynamic headroom. Don't blow anything out!

Cheers

 

[lovinthehd]

https://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiring

Another amp idea for you is the Outlaw 5000.

 

[Robot Chicken]

really appreciate the advise guys - thanks

 

[ryanosaur]

https://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiring

Another amp idea for you is the Outlaw 5000.

And depending on cost and your wants... I still think 3 channels isn’t a bad way to go... 3 Outlaw 2200s get you the same output as that sherbourn would. Might be worth checking out and weighing the pros and cons of each.

 

[Robot Chicken]

I have read noting but good things about the Outlaw amps but unfortunately they are not well distributed north of the boarder. Have you had any experience with the monolith series of amps? I have also been looking at this 3 channel https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15594

 

[lovinthehd]

Hard to know where you are and for me, to know what's available up there. Monoprice has distribution in Canada?

 

[Robot Chicken]

I can get the Monolith 2 & 3 channel via Amazon Canada - I live in Toronto so I guess I could hop across the boarder to grab one but customs is always a pain with electronics.

 

[ryanosaur]

The monoliths have been talked about a bit here... in general, the take on them is pretty decent. I was turned off because the XLRs aren't truly balanced. Mind, I'm not using XLRs right now, but might in the future. Research them... read the review here at AH and the ensuing thread. Like everything out there... some people are totally cool with them, some aren't, for whatever reason. I personally haven't experienced the phenomena of an amp changing the sound of a speaker. And many here will say that amps won't and don't. Some do. My experience is with Marantz and Outlaw, and I don't hear anything.

Regardless... If that sherbourn is a good deal for you, I might still lean that way if I were in your shoes. If not Outlaw, then ya, the monoprice next. For what you describe with your system, though, the yamaha is only negligibly better than your AVR, and I wouldn't choose to put money there. No real payout for your ducats, dig?

 

[Robot Chicken]

ya that makes perfect sense - Sherbourn it is