Hi,
I've been running a 7.2.4 setup of low-tier Dali speakers for some years now, powered by a Denon AVR-X4500H and a
XTZ Edge A2-300 stereo amplifier for the front L /R. Recently, I upgraded my front L/R from the Zensor 5's (
link) to the high-tier Dali Rubicon 5's (
link), and I was so pleased with the upgrade that I decided to upgrade the surround and back surround speakers as well, going from the Zensor Pico's (
link) to the Dali Menuet's (
link) which should be a nice match to the Rubicon 5’s. For heights, I’m using the Dali Alteco C-1's (
link).
These six new speakers are all 4 ohms nominal and have a sensitivity rating of 86 dB. The height speakers are 6 ohms nominal and 83 dB sensitive and the center is 6 ohms nominal and 88.5 dB sensitive. In the near future, I also plan on upgrading the center to the Rubicon vokal (
link) which is 4 ohms and 89.5 dB sensitive. I cross all speakers over to the subs at 80-110 Hz depending on the size of the speaker.
Now, I am worried that the amplification I have may not be able to let these speakers shine the way they can. But I really have no idea, and I don’t have any experience with different amps. Hence this thread.
In terms of listening, this is a living room system which I use primarily for watching movies. The room is about 3300 cubic feet and has openings to the sides. I sit about 10-12 feet away from the speakers and listen at -20 to -15 dB when I crank it up (which I most often don’t due to my family situation, so the ability to drive these speakers at low SPL with great detail is very important as well).
So my questions are:
1. Would you recommend that I add external amplification considering the new speakers, and considering how the AVR pre-outs operate etc?
2. If so, why, and for which speakers?
3. If so, what amp would you suggest? Small cabinet dimensions is important to me since I use an AV cabinet, so I am thinking multiple stereo amps (perhaps additional XTZ Edge amps) or one or several multichannel amps that are similar in size to the Denon AVR-X4500H.
Your thoughts, opinions and recommendations are much appreciated!