new to forum, have a question

[dallas100]

Details of my new system. I have a yamaha rxv-2500 receiver, samsung HD-841 dvd player, Yamaha ns1000-m front speakers and athena micra 6 to round out the 7.1 set-up. I have monster xp cable for front speakers and regular 18 gauge for satellites and rca cable for subwoofer. My question is that this receiver is split up into so many channels so I am wondering if it is a good idea to get an amp for the receiver if I want to listen to music on just the fronts or the receiver should be fine. I have heard that these speakers are quite finicky but with a valve tube amp it really brings out the speakers. Any suggestions ?

dallas 100

 

[BMXTRIX]

There is no harm in getting an outboard amp to power any new speakers you may have or get along the way.

Is it required? No, it should be, and I would say that if you are happy with the sound of everything, then you really don't need it at all.

But, if you aren't happy, if the sound doesn't meet your expectations, and you have played with speaker placement and room acoustics a good bit, then getting a rock solid external amp is not a bad decision.

If you just happen to have the cash for a good external amp?

Yeah, get it.

 

[jcPanny]

Power requirements

Dallas,
You picked a great receiver for your HT. Your speaker choices make a good entry level setup, but their quality and performance is not on par with your receiver. Your receiver has ample power to drive all of your speakers to distortion, so be careful, or you might fry a couple of the small satellites. Thus an external amp is not necessary. Only consider an external amp if you buy some inefficient 4 ohm front channel speakers.

The amp section of your yamaha is known for being transparent. In contrast, tube amps are know for coloring the sound and rolling off the highs, thus it would undermine the performance of your receiver.

Concerning speakers, it is recommended that all of the speakers tonally match, especially the fronts and center channels. Depending on your budget, I would recommend a floorstander or bookshelf system from Axiom Audio, or other speakers of equivalent performance to untap the potential of your receiver. For a decent 10" or 12" sub, check out SVS or HSU.

You are off to a good start with your new receiver purchase and you have come to the right place for more information.