Upgrade my Amp

[griffinconst]

I have an Onkyo 805. Those familiar with it know it has a pretty good amp section for a receiver. It is 130wts
Is there a separate amp upgrade ( that would make a BIG difference ) for a low price, $400 or less, or should I stick with my receiver? I would use the 805 as the pre.
This is something I've never looked into.
Thanks for the help.

 

[agarwalro]

What speakers do you have? Unless the amp is running out of headroom, easily evident via clipping related distortion at higher volume, you will not gain anything significant by adding a dedicated amp.

 

[walter duque]

IMO with more power you're getting more out of your speakers. You'll hear the speakers the way they are intent to sound. It also depents on what kind of poweramp that you are adding on. I had at one time a Carver Receiver 150 WattsX2 and I added on a Belles Hot Rod 125X2 which is 25 Watts less and my system sounded at least twice as good. Very detailed, good punch, a very artuculate sound. You will definently hear a major improvement with a good amp. Good amps must have the ability to drive the speakers and also stop them when they're supposed to. Cheap or low power played at high levels will actually overlap the sound. Like I said that's MO, so lets not get crazy here.

http://www.powermodules.com/power_modules/150a__hot_rod_amp.html

 

[Lordoftherings]

I have an Onkyo 805. Those familiar with it know it has a pretty good amp section for a receiver. It is 130wts
Is there a separate amp upgrade ( that would make a BIG difference ) for a low price, $400 or less, or should I stick with my receiver? I would use the 805 as the pre.
This is something I've never looked into.
Thanks for the help.

Hi Griffin,

I own the 805. What kind of external amp are you looking for? A two-channel amp, or a multichannel amp? So, how many channels?

Also, what speakers are you using, and intend to use?

Also, what is your room dimensions?

Also, is your room closed, or open up to other parts of the house.

Also, are you using a sub? Two? Or more?

* If you can answer my few simple questions, I'll tell you exactly what you can get for $400, that would made a significant improvement for you, your family, your neighbors, your pets, your home, and your speakers too.

* And Walter (just above post), is into something very true there.
It's called "Dumping Factor".

Cheers,

Bob