Looking for Amplifier upgrade/add-on advice

[SportguyPro]

Hello everyone,

I'm in the process of upgrading my home theater system from a 5.2.2 setup to a 9.2.6 configuration

I need some advice on amplifier upgrade/add-on options to my current setup. I currently have 7 channels of amplification covered (5ch + 2ch Parasound class AB amps). I need 9 channels of amplification for 2 front wides and 6 atmos speakers (8 channels if I decide to use only 1 center height channel for Auro 3D).

How do you feel mixing Class AB amps with Class D amps?
I am not interested in a super expensive amplifier since I will only need to drive the front wides and Atmos speakers, plus my Theater room is only L:17ft x W:13ft x H:8ft

I was considering the following options:
- $ Stark Fiera 8 (Fiera8 - 8 Channel Amplifier 8x130 Watts)

https://shop.starkesound.com/products/fiera8-8-channel-amplifier

- $$ Monolith by Monoprice 9-Channel (3x200 Watts + 6x100 Watts)

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33306

- $$ Emotiva XPA-9 Gen3 9 Channel

https://emotiva.com/products/xpa-9-gen3

- $$$ Marantz amp 10 (but that means I have to sell the Parasound amps which would be a pain as I don't have the original boxes anymore and I don't think I need 200W across all channels)

https://www.marantz.com/en-ca/product/av-separates/amp-10/300586.html

Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Current Setup:

Pre-amp/Processor:

• Marantz AV10 with 15.4-channel support

Amplifiers:

• Parasound Halo A51 (5 channels, 250W each @ 8 OHMS)
• Parasound Halo A21 (2 channels, 250W each @ 8 OHMS)

Speakers:
- Center and Front LR: PMC DB1i Bookshelf Speakers

• Sensitivity: 87dB (1 watt, 1 meter)
• Recommended Amp Power: Up to 150W

- Front Wides: PMC Wafer 1 On-Wall Speakers

• Frequency Response: 50Hz-25kHz
• Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 87dB (1w, 1m)

- Side and Rear Surrounds: PMC Wafer 2 On-Wall Speakers

• Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 90dB (1w, 1m)

- Rear Height in Ceiling: Monitor Audio C380-FX 8"

• Sensitivity: 90dB
• Power Handling (RMS): 120W

- Side and Front Heights: Still under decision. I have two pairs of Sonos/Sonance 6.5" in-ceiling speakers that I can use for the remaining Atmos speakers.

• Sensitivity (2.83V/1M): 85dB SPL
• Power Handling: 130 watts maximum
• Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms

Theater Room Dimensions:

• Length: 17 feet
• Width: 13 feet
• Height: 8 feet

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

What’s your AVP?

If I owned the Marantz AV-10, I would want the matching AMP-10.

Otherwise, there’s usually nothing wrong with mix/matching amps AB + D.

But it just depends on what makes you feel great also - pride of ownership.

 

[lovinthehd]

What is your concern about mixing amp classes? I mix D and AB now, don't think about it particularly. I'd just add an amp rather than have one giant amp, tho.

 

[Verdinut]

I agree with lovinthehd with regard to a preference with several separate amplifiers rather than an amplifier block with 9 channels.

You can keep your Parasound amps. With your planned budget I suggest that you get several affordable Monoliths, one 5 channel and one 3 channel unit as an example if you have space for them, and should Monoprice have them available at the time. The problem with a 9 channel amp is if one channel becomes defective, you miss a lot if you have to send it for repair.

 

[SportguyPro]

Thanks everyone,

I decided to have everything matching and I got the Marantz AMP 10 WITH 16 Channels. I want to compare the Parasound to the Marantz.

 

[SportguyPro]

What’s your AVP?

If I owned the Marantz AV-10, I would want the matching AMP-10.

Otherwise, there’s usually nothing wrong with mix/matching amps AB + D.

But it just depends on what makes you feel great also - pride of ownership.

Thanks for the feedback AcuDefTechGuy,

I decided to get the Marantz AMP 10 to match everything.

I am not a big fan of black and silver amps together. Also, I would like to compare the Parasound Class AB to the Marantz AMP 10 Class D.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks for the feedback AcuDefTechGuy,

I decided to get the Marantz AMP 10 to match everything.

I am not a big fan of black and silver amps together. Also, I would like to compare the Parasound Class AB to the Marantz AMP 10 Class D.

This game ain't like like clothes shopping or a fashion show!

 

[Trebdp83]

You wear black socks with sandals, don’t you doc?

 

[SportguyPro]

This game ain't like like clothes shopping or a fashion show!

There is nothing wrong with having a simplified and aesthetic layout . I also prefer to free up rack space for other components.