more power

[BJP]

I need some separate amps for my RTi8's and CSi5 speakers. My Denon 3805 is good, but I don't want to crank the volume up. I have clipped a previous receiver in the past . I was thinking of Outlaw MB-200's x 3. Any other amps that would be good?

 

[Doug917]

You can get a great deal on the Outlaw 755 or 770 right now due to the new models coming out in the near future. Last I knew the monoblocks were out of stock.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I need some separate amps for my RTi8's and CSi5 speakers. My Denon 3805 is good, but I don't want to crank the volume up. I have clipped a previous receiver in the past . I was thinking of Outlaw MB-200's x 3. Any other amps that would be good?

How demanding are your speakers? Impedance and sensitivity?

How loud you listen? How far away? Maybe you are fine after all.
200 watts is not much more than what you may have already, probably less than 3 dB spl.

 

[tbewick]

Dolby Digital tracks can go as loud as 115 dB in the low frequency effects channel, and 105 dB in the full-range channels. SACD and DVD-Audio have remarkable dynamic range as well. If you're sitting some distance away, or trying to fill a large room with sound, then you would possibly need powerful amps. Bi-amping is quite normal in movie theatres.

Krell are meant to be very good and make powerful monoblocks (1 kW+).

If you're interested, there's an article here (http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/showarticle.php?articleid=867) which describes the set up used in showing off the Star Wars Trilogy DVD's to some THX/Lucasfilm bigwigs.

 

[PENG]

I need some separate amps for my RTi8's and CSi5 speakers. My Denon 3805 is good, but I don't want to crank the volume up. I have clipped a previous receiver in the past . I was thinking of Outlaw MB-200's x 3. Any other amps that would be good?

My speakers are less efficient than yours and I think I would go deaf before I could get the 3805 to clip. I added an amp anyway, mainly to help the receiver run cooler. It should also help in terms of gaining some headroom that could be useful whenever I play movies such as the LOTR loud. Those Outlaw monoblocks seem like a good low cost solution, and it allows you to use shorter runs of speaker cables. Otherwise, Adcom makes a 3 channel amplifier, also a low cost solution.

 

[hopjohn]

The Polk CSi5 and RTi's boast 90db sensitivity. The 3805 can biamp to 240wpc using 5.1, and 120wpc otherwise. Unless your room is very large it would seem the power you already have is sufficient. I'd hate to see someone spend a chunk of change on amps and then realize that it did little to improve their system. Try using an spl meter (fast response setting) while watching a DVD. Check an intense passage in the movie to see if you can get periodic levels of 105-110db distortion free. Ask around, I think you'll find very few of us that enjoy listening to sustained levels that high for very long.

 

[BJP]

How demanding are your speakers? Impedance and sensitivity?

How loud you listen? How far away? Maybe you are fine after all.
200 watts is not much more than what you may have already, probably less than 3 dB spl.

Both are 8 ohms and 90 dB.

I find that I need to turn it up between -20 to -25.

12 ft away.

 

[Nomo]

-25 to -20db is not excessively high for modern HT recievers. Sounds to me like you have plenty of power. It will take a lot to clip that reciever. Even with Polks.

 

[BJP]

My speakers are less efficient than yours and I think I would go deaf before I could get the 3805 to clip.

So you think it's unlikely that it would clip if the volume is -20 or -25 and my speakers are between +1 to +3 dB? That would be during high impact scenes.

 

[PENG]

So you think it's unlikely that it would clip if the volume is -20 or -25 and my speakers are between +1 to +3 dB? That would be during high impact scenes.

Don't worry, I cranked it up to 0 a couple of times and just for a minute or two, out of curiosity. Even with my 87dB speakers, it was way too loud but no sign of clipping. And yes, it was during high impact scenes. I typically watch movies such LOTR, Star war at -17 to -20, and I listen to classical music (both 2 ch and SACD surround) at between -15 to -20.

I still think adding a couple of those MB200's is not a bad idea though, just don't expect much improvements in SQ.

 

[Rich0372]

If you get a 3 channel amp for the front three speakers you will definently hear a difference IMO Most recievers don't really give their specified wattage It's more like 120pc running one or two channels Now I'm not sure about Denon but, I have a Pioneer elite 100wpc when I got my cinenova 3 channel 300x3 WOW! way more bass bigger soundstage and way more depth

I think you should try it demo an amp if it's not worth it to you bring it back
just my 2 cents Rich

PS take a look at Earthquake cinenova 3/5 channel amps you can get really good deals on them right now I just bought one brand new for $1100 from authorized dealer

Rich

 

[Duffinator]

So you think it's unlikely that it would clip if the volume is -20 or -25 and my speakers are between +1 to +3 dB? That would be during high impact scenes.

No way. I've had my 3805 up to 0 a few times playing around with the receiver and no clipping. But I can't listen to it that loud for any length of time. I had my sound meter out one day and was watching the Led Zeppelin DVD, Communication Breakdown one of my all time favorite songs, and was getting readings well over 100db at 13 feet away at 0. I'm usually watching movies at -18 to -24 and it's plenty loud. If you think you can improve your sound quality by adding an amp give it a try but don't do it because you think you are causing damage to your 3805 at your current listening levels because you are not. If you want to improve your sound quality try different speakers because they all sound different. What sub do you have? If you want movies to play louder on impact scenes maybe a new sub is in order. Best bet is to spend that money on some new CD's and DVD's and enjoy your current system.

 

[BJP]

What sub do you have? If you want movies to play louder on impact scenes maybe a new sub is in order.

Currently I have the Athena Sub 8. 100 watts RMS/400 Peak. I have been looking to upgrade to the Axiom EP 500 or HSU VTF 3 Mk 2.

 

[Duffinator]

Currently I have the Athena Sub 8. 100 watts RMS/400 Peak. I have been looking to upgrade to the Axiom EP 500 or HSU VTF 3 Mk 2.

Now you are talking. I'd get a new sub before an amp. I recently purchased an SVS PB12-ISD and was amazed how much better it is for movies than my previous Mirage 12" sub. It also sounds much better with music. The EP 500 was on my list as well but a bit expensive for my budget but it's supposed to be great with music.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Both are 8 ohms and 90 dB.

I find that I need to turn it up between -20 to -25.

12 ft away.

Yep, as was stated above, this setting is is normal

 

[mtrycrafts]

If you get a 3 channel amp for the front three speakers you will definently hear a difference IMO Most recievers don't really give their specified wattage It's more like 120pc running one or two channels Now I'm not sure about Denon but, I have a Pioneer elite 100wpc when I got my cinenova 3 channel 300x3 WOW! way more bass bigger soundstage and way more depth

Every one that is on the market has a wattage rating. And, certainly magazines have it rated too.
Besides, what material will demand anywhere near full power on all channels at the exact same instant? I am not aware of any. So, if that power need is staggered inb time and channels, you can expect to get maximum power per channel.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Currently I have the Athena Sub 8. 100 watts RMS/400 Peak. I have been looking to upgrade to the Axiom EP 500 or HSU VTF 3 Mk 2.

As duff indicated, upgrade to a he-man sub

 

[droeses58]

I agree you need a new sub first. I was using a 100 watt cerwin vega, then added the xsub, it was night and day difference.

 

[BJP]

Thanks everyone . I appreciate the info. I was concerned about my 3805 not being powerful enough to drive these pigs, and therefore, a possibility of clipping if I pushed the volume above -20. I will put my money toward a new/better/powerful/deeper sub . The sound quality is great and the sub will be a fabulous addition .

 

[PENG]

BJP, take a look of the SVS, they are powerful and musical.