Rookie Question?

[L-Jay]

Hi guys,

I'm new here and this is my first thread. I have a basic understanding of HT but I have not taken it to the next level. My current setup is all Energy speakers(C-9 towers,C-C1 center, S12.3 sub and C-R1 surrounds)being run off a Denon 2805.

My question is this: If I were to add a 2 chan. amp to power my fronts, would it have any effects on my HT setup since the speaker levels for proper HT setup must be calibrated?

If my Denon is rated at 100 wpc would a amp rated at 100 wpc do a better job at running my fronts?

Does anyone have any good suggestions on a 2 chan. or mono amps at around the $500 range? I would perfer to buy new gear. How about the Outlaw m-blocks, any comments?

I'm also thinking of upgrading to the Denon 3806. Should I hold off on amps to see what the 3806 does on two chan?

As stated I am definately a rookie. My world has consisted of BB, CC and Gguys for the last couple of years. Thanks for any comments or replies in advance

 

[Pyrrho]

If you purchase a new power amp for the front two channels, you would need to rebalance the various channels.

But what, exactly, are you hoping to accomplish with a new power amp? What is wrong with what you have now?

Almost certainly, if you want a sound improvement, upgrading speakers (or repositioning your current speakers, or taking care of acoustic problems in your room) will do more than anything else.

 

[j_garcia]

If you can tell that your receiver is distorting with your current speakers, I would get the amp. If you are looking to improve the sound, I'll agree that an amp alone isn't likely to do that for you unless, as I said, your current receiver can't deliver enough power for your current setup.

 

[L-Jay]

I just got my speakers about 6 weeks ago. I've had the Denon 2805 for maybe 8 months. When I hooked up my speakers I noticed a huge difference in sound. I'm still getting used to them. There is no distortion at high volumes. My main concern is that I have to turn my volume almost 100% to get em blastin. Is that normal? My mains are rated at 94db. The volume on my Denon ranges from -80 to 8. I have to go all way to 00 to get em blastin.(Yes, I like my music loud) As far repositioning them goes, I have no room. They have to stay wear they are. The room is carpeted and fully furnished. Ht sounds great but 2 chan. seems like I have to take my Denon all the way up. Is this normal?

 

[Mort Corey]

Curious as to whether you've run the setup with the Denon mic. If you have, and "0" is where it sounds best, then you've either got a really LARGE space or really poor hearing

Mort

 

[L-Jay]

Curious as to whether you've run the setup with the Denon mic. If you have, and "0" is where it sounds best, then you've either got a really LARGE space or really poor hearing

Mort

Yeah I used the Denon mic and it was set at 0. My problem is not getting the speakers loud enough, its having to turn the Denon all the way up to get em loud. Does that mean the Denon is having a problem powering the speakers. I'm also starting to wonder if its the source. SACD is not as bad, maybe -15 volume. But I listen to alot of digital music through Comcast and that needs to be all the way up. Going deaf is not a bad comment. On top of HT, I also do alot of car stereo. Couldnt possibly be good for the hearing.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Yeah I used the Denon mic and it was set at 0. My problem is not getting the speakers loud enough, its having to turn the Denon all the way up to get em loud. Does that mean the Denon is having a problem powering the speakers. I'm also starting to wonder if its the source. SACD is not as bad, maybe -15 volume. But I listen to alot of digital music through Comcast and that needs to be all the way up. Going deaf is not a bad comment. On top of HT, I also do alot of car stereo. Couldnt possibly be good for the hearing.

OK. So, now you indicate the high volume level on the volume control is needed with the Cable TV feed of music?
How is it when you listen to a CD?
It sounds like th ecable TV level is low.

 

[L-Jay]

OK. So, now you indicate the high volume level on the volume control is needed with the Cable TV feed of music?
How is it when you listen to a CD?
It sounds like th ecable TV level is low.

I actually sat down and listened to some CD's earlier and it was the same as SACD playback. About -15 was blastin. Same with HT. I then switched to digital music through cable and sure enough I had to turn my Denon to 00 to get that same volume. I never paid attention to this before because I mostly listen to digital music. I need to check my cable box settings.

I'm also using a very long fiber optic cable with my cable box. I think its 3.3 meters. Would that have any affect on the sound?

 

[MDS]

3.3 meters is not long for a digital cable.

Keep in mind that different sources and media vary in average power level. CDs are recorded and mastered very loud nowadays. The digital music channels on cable are much lower.

I have Time Warner cable and my digital music channels are alot lower than even some of the regular tv channels.

 

[L-Jay]

3.3 meters is not long for a digital cable.

Keep in mind that different sources and media vary in average power level. CDs are recorded and mastered very loud nowadays. The digital music channels on cable are much lower.

I have Time Warner cable and my digital music channels are alot lower than even some of the regular tv channels.

I played with the Cable settings this morning and there was no difference. You're right, its only the cable thats alot lower. Silly me. Thanks for the replies guys. I'm probably gonna hold out on the 2 chan. amp and wait for the 3806. I really like what I read about Audyssey MultEQxt.

 

[PENG]

I listened to a C-9/2805 setup last year. It was a large room and I remember having it up to around -13. It played loud at that level but I didn't notice any distortion. If you like it loud, -15 is about right for a 12X20 room. Adding a 2 or 3 channel 100 WPC amp probably won't get it louder for you. The C-9 is quite efficient but more clean power on hand cannot hurt.

 

[L-Jay]

I listened to a C-9/2805 setup last year. It was a large room and I remember having it up to around -13. It played loud at that level but I didn't notice any distortion. If you like it loud, -15 is about right for a 12X20 room. Adding a 2 or 3 channel 100 WPC amp probably won't get it louder for you. The C-9 is quite efficient but more clean power on hand cannot hurt.

I did some serious listening today and -15 is where I like it. I just wasn't sure about having the volume so high. My main room size is about 18x25. I wouldn't mind experimenting with a good 2 chan. amp just for the heck of it. Your right, I may get the same sound but it surely wouldn't hurt nothing. Except for my wallet of course.