Parasound A51 but I want 7.1 Dilemma

[Mikey5478]

I have a great sounding Parasound A51 5 channel amp. I'm torn and confused between adding another 2 channel for my back speakers or just getting a 7 channel amp like the Outlaw.
The problem is that I don't think that the Outlaw is going to sound as sweet as my A51. Also, if I go for another Halo amp could I get away with using a 125 watts for the back channels or would that present a problem because the power is no longer balanced between all speakers? I can't affor to just spend another $2500 for another 250 w/c Halo amp.
Thanks guys

 

[bandphan]

I have a great sounding Parasound A51 5 channel amp. I'm torn and confused between adding another 2 channel for my back speakers or just getting a 7 channel amp like the Outlaw.
The problem is that I don't think that the Outlaw is going to sound as sweet as my A51. Also, if I go for another Halo amp could I get away with using a 125 watts for the back channels or would that present a problem because the power is no longer balanced between all speakers? I can't affor to just spend another $2500 for another 250 w/c Halo amp.
Thanks guys

I dont think amps sound anything, but your speakers do

 

[walter duque]

You should be fine by just adding another amp. I am running 350 wattsX4 (center channel bi-amped at 700 watts) and 250 watts to my rear surrounds and it sounds fine. I can't tell that the rear surrounds are getting 100 watts less power.

 

[Mikey5478]

Yeah, that's my main concern, -can you tell that your sides are getting 250 and the backs 125.

 

[bandphan]

Yeah, that's my main concern, -can you tell that your sides are getting 250 and the backs 125.

I seriously doubt your ever giving your speakers that kind of continuous power, EVER. You need to level match and unless your listening to SACD recordings, no effects are going to call for serious power. What are you using for a pre? What speakers are you running?

 

[walter duque]

It's like bandphan quoted, all you have to do is level match.

 

[Mikey5478]

Movies mostly. Sonus Faber speakers. Concertos and Concertinos with a Rel sub.

 

[bandphan]

Movies mostly. Sonus Faber speakers. Concertos and Concertinos with a Rel sub.

pre? Id apply the money to a second sub btw nice speakers

 

[Socialcircle]

I have a great sounding Parasound A51 5 channel amp. I'm torn and confused between adding another 2 channel for my back speakers or just getting a 7 channel amp like the Outlaw.
The problem is that I don't think that the Outlaw is going to sound as sweet as my A51. Also, if I go for another Halo amp could I get away with using a 125 watts for the back channels or would that present a problem because the power is no longer balanced between all speakers? I can't affor to just spend another $2500 for another 250 w/c Halo amp.
Thanks guys

If you decide you need to move that A51, then I might be interested.

If I were you, then I would add another 2 channel amp. I'd go with something less expensive, like a used ATI or a new Emotiva or a 2 channel Outlaw amp.

 

[deedubb]

Don't dump the Parasound! Get a cheaper one for the surrounds. You'll never need that kind of power and you won't notice the difference. In fact, IMO, the difference between 5.1 and 7.1 is minimal.

 

[Mikey5478]

Yes, that brings up the question whether 7.1 is more immersive, or worth the diffeence.

 

[Josuah]

IMO, 7.1 is a definite requirement in larger rooms. Especially if you have multiple row seating. Or if you use direct firing surrounds.

For the majority of movies I think you could get away with less power feeding your surrounds. It's only on some (maybe Silent Hill, if I try to pick one off the top of my head) where that may not be adequate.

 

[deedubb]

Yes, that brings up the question whether 7.1 is more immersive, or worth the diffeence.

To be honest, I don't notice much difference with 7.1. Maybe it's my room setup (??). Most movies are 5.1 anyway.

 

[Mikey5478]

Yes, but more and more movies will be coming out in 7.1.
Has anyone experienced movies like 310 to Yuma? Can someone that moved from 5.1 to 7.1 share their observations?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

At one point I was doing 9.1.

Okay, it was actually 7.1 discrete, but 9.1 speakers.

I've listened to 7.1 LPCM on blu-ray and compared that to 5.1 LPCM (same blu-ray disc).

Result: Absolutely no difference whatsoever.

Conclusion: Unless you just have too many speakers and amps and want to waste some time or unless your room is 10,000 sq ft, just keep that nice looking 5Ch Parasound Halo amp and be HAPPY.

Side note: probably 90% of the movie soundtrack is on the front 3 speakers + Sub, so why waste time & money on the 10%?

Oh, and although you won't HEAR any differences between the Halo & Outlaw (volume levels matched) since it has been proven in double-blinded studies, that HALO sure looks PURDY.

I mean if I were a billionaire, yeah, I would do an 11.3 B&W Nautilus system just for kicks.

 

[deedubb]

Yes, but more and more movies will be coming out in 7.1.
Has anyone experienced movies like 310 to Yuma? Can someone that moved from 5.1 to 7.1 share their observations?

I've watched 3:10 to Yuma. Yes, the 7.1 is noticeable, but you will not miss it if you only have 5.1. I only did 7.1 because I didn't know if it would be the standard down the road and since I was doing the basement, I wanted to wire for it.

 

[Mikey5478]

Guys, thanks so much. I'm keeping what I got. Your right, unless you have money to waste or a huge room it's not going to make to much of an audible difference.