Newbie Question, Plz be patient

[hortence222222]

Hi All:
First off, I want to thank you all, this is an incredible resource. I have read and read and read........... I just purchased a new Home Theater setup. I have a Yamaha Aventage RX-A1010, Paradigm Monitor 11 fronts, Paradigm Center 3, Paradigm Surround 3's and a Paradigm Sub 12. I have always loved music but don't consider myself an audiophile, more of a antique (over 50) rocker. I am finding that it takes almost all my receiver has to run these speakers (albeit at a fairly inflated volume). I am not looking to go any louder, just the same volume easier (I believe the term is dynamic headroom). My listening room is approximately 25'x20 ' . So, my question is: can I use a 2 or 3 channel amp to boost only my mains and center? Any advantages to 2 or 3? Recommendations? Or am I better off to just buy an Emotiva XPA-5, or a Sherbourn PA-5 200? Thanks in advance....

 

[ski2xblack]

...can I use a 2 or 3 channel amp to boost only my mains and center? Any advantages to 2 or 3? Recommendations? Or am I better off to just buy an Emotiva XPA-5, or a Sherbourn PA-5 200? Thanks in advance....

Before you spend $700 on an amp, verify you actually need more power. If you don't, a new amp won't do anything for you. In your favor, the speakers are fairly sensitive and the Yamaha decently powered. Not sure what your listening distance is, or how loud you would like it to go, but that all figures into your need for power. You may need it. But you might be better off using that money for a second sub.

But, to answer your question, yes, you can use an external amp. The heavy lifting is in the front three channels, so I would recommend an XPA-3, and continue to let the Yamaha drive the rears.

 

[hortence222222]

Thank you for your quick response Ski. The listening distance is about 12 ft. I forgot to mention I listen to 75% music, 25% movies. The Monitor 11's seem to have really good bass response, that's why I didn't really consider another sub. Thanks again.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I'm not sure about the Monitor series but the Studio 100's dip deep into the low 3 ohm range and really come alive when an outboard amp in a big room.