Which external amplifier should I purchase/is one needed?

[RUreceivingMYtransmission]

Hi All!
Extremely thankful for this trusted community of audiophiles, and appreciate any feedback:

I just dumped my Andrew Jones 5.2.2(poor mans system, my broke years...) and jumped in head first with the Klipsch Reference Premiere line. Specifically the RP8000f, 504c, 600m, 500sa, with two Polk psw505's (left over from my old system). I will also eventually be adding the 502s soonish$$$. My reciever is a Yamaha RX-A2080. My listening position is 8.5LF from the front stage, couch is 4" from back wall, not a very good acoustical room (12x25). I want to add external amplification for the front stage, and here lies my questions: What external amplifier should I buy? What do you think about used/open box deals on ebay, Amazon, etc.? I want to keep it under $700, if possible, and it looks like my best option new is either the Outlaw 5000 or purchasing multiple smaller amps. I'm not opposed to used items, as long as it's from a certified/trusted dealer.
I'm still learning and really want to make the best decisions moving forward. Thank you SO much in advance!
-Tyson-

 

[ryanosaur]

Probably not what you want to hear, but with high sensitivity speakers, you really don't need one.
I know they rate higher, but Klipsch is known to fudge that spec... so lets just say they are 92dB @ 1m sensitivity:
@64w, which that AVR looks like it should be able to deliver, you are already clearing reference level dynamic peaks (which would be 105dB... that 64w would be giving you 110dB @1m! Loud enough for hearing damage if you want.)

If you really need to have an amp, get yourself a 2 or 3 channel Amp to run your L/R and maybe your center... all you will really be buying is dynamic headroom. Something that would give you ~150-250w/ch... Mind, at 256w/ch, assuming a useful sensitivity of 92dB, you will only be capable of reaching 116dB @ 1m.

Is it worth that cost for 3-6dB SPL that you will likely never use?

Only you can answer that for yourself. I would recommend listening for a while and see how your system performs as is. If you don't think you are getting the dynamic range you expect, check out Emotivas XPA-2 or XPA-3. And just run your surrounds off your AVR Amp stage.

 

[RUreceivingMYtransmission]

Thanks for the quick reply! "Not what I want to hear", sounds like spending less/reallocating money and I'm ok w that! So I BLAST movies/music and often my home is the social spot for movie nights/late nights. I've spent a great deal on the system and just want to be sure I'm maximizing my listening experience. But if I can save the money, I'd rather start working on better base management with a miniDSP, etc. I reached out to Outlaw and filled out their spec sheet and the reply (attached) was pushing me in the direction of external amplification (Note that they got my reciever wrong, I have the 2080). Your thoughts?

 

[Phase 2]

That Outlaw dude is correct.

 

[lovinthehd]

It doesn't make the Yamaha limited to 40 wpc unless equal demand is made of all 7 channels, which isn't likely. I'd just use the avr until you have some obvious issues, doesn't even sound like it's all setup yet. If you really want to buy some amps to see if it makes a difference, there's one way to find out . The 5000 is nice for the price, tho I'd probably just get a pair of Crown XLS1502s and get much more power for about the same money.

 

[RUreceivingMYtransmission]

It doesn't make the Yamaha limited to 40 wpc unless equal demand is made of all 7 channels, which isn't likely. I'd just use the avr until you have some obvious issues, doesn't even sound like it's all setup yet. If you really want to buy some amps to see if it makes a difference, there's one way to find out . The 5000 is nice for the price, tho I'd probably just get a pair of Crown XLS1502s and get much more power for about the same money.

I've seen you mention those in previous threads. That makes sense, I guess I was just leaning on the Outlaw bc it comes in one nice package (5ch). Also adding another zone would come easy, but of course I can just keep stacking those Crowns to the sealing if need be. Since I don't have a big power issue, what do you think about the XLi1500 instead? Just wish they were making an affordable (to my budget) 3 channel for just the front stage. Also, any general opinion about the newer used/open box items listed on Amazon, ebay, etc. Just wondering if I should not go there at all. Thanks!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

As already said, you are not going to see all 7 Channels driven simultaneously in practice. It’s one of those audiophile myths.

That is why the 2CH driven spec is more important.

I concur that your RX-A2080 alone is good to go for high sensitive speakers and short listening distance and sensible volume.

But if you want to get external amps, might as well get 200WPC.

Maybe 200W x 3 Ch for front 3 Channels if you just want more amps.

 

[snakeeyes]

Probably go with a Monolith 3 amp or three Outlaw 2200 amps. These are 200w per ch.

 

[RUreceivingMYtransmission]

Excellent, I'll kindly end the "newb" conversation here, as I don't want to waste any more of your time...Until my inevitable questions about base management/miniDSP (I'll be sure to read as much about this as I can beforehand)...Thank you all again for your help/expertise!

 

[ryanosaur]

The XLS1502s are a little nicer than the xli model... I like the other recommendations, too... IF you decide you need to get an amp. I love my Outlaw 2200s... the monolith and emo 2 and 3 channels both could be considered.

 

[RUreceivingMYtransmission]

The XLS1502s are a little nicer than the xli model... I like the other recommendations, too... IF you decide you need to get an amp. I love my Outlaw 2200s... the monolith and emo 2 and 3 channels both could be considered.

Thanks, I know which are at the top of my list now (considering budget). I'll ride them out for a while and see, haven't even broken the speakers in yet. Again, appreciate the input!

 

[lovinthehd]

I've seen you mention those in previous threads. That makes sense, I guess I was just leaning on the Outlaw bc it comes in one nice package (5ch). Also adding another zone would come easy, but of course I can just keep stacking those Crowns to the sealing if need be. Since I don't have a big power issue, what do you think about the XLi1500 instead? Just wish they were making an affordable (to my budget) 3 channel for just the front stage. Also, any general opinion about the newer used/open box items listed on Amazon, ebay, etc. Just wondering if I should not go there at all. Thanks!

I have four XLS 1500s I've used for several years now so I do tend to recommend them ; to my understanding the XLi fan noise is a consideration (XLS are very quiet). Number of boxes can be a consideration (or how many rack units they take up on height, too...those Outlaw2200s are nice in that respect). I don't think you have determined if you even have a power issue yet....but 3 channels of significant amplification are gonna cost a bit. I'd still wait until you're up and running and then decide if an amp is really necessary. I'd put the money towards better subs myself.

 

[snakeeyes]

Most people would upgrade the subs first before adding an amp. What are the room dimensions?

 

[RUreceivingMYtransmission]

I have four XLS 1500s I've used for several years now so I do tend to recommend them ; to my understanding the XLi fan noise is a consideration (XLS are very quiet). Number of boxes can be a consideration (or how many rack units they take up on height, too...those Outlaw2200s are nice in that respect). I don't think you have determined if you even have a power issue yet....but 3 channels of significant amplification are gonna cost a bit. I'd still wait until you're up and running and then decide if an amp is really necessary. I'd put the money towards better subs myself.

 

[RUreceivingMYtransmission]

Perfect!.. But now I have to ask: Do you have any sub recommendations? Somewhere in the $700 (each). Should I stick w klipsch or can I better spend my money w another manufacturer? Thanks!

 

[RUreceivingMYtransmission]

Most people would upgrade the subs first before adding an amp. What’s are the room dimensions?

My listening position is 8.5LF from the front stage, couch is 4" from back wall, not a very good acoustical room (12x25), makes an "L" into my kitchen. I currently have 2 Polk Audio PSW505's, these are left over from my old budget system.

 

[snakeeyes]

Perfect!.. But now I have to ask: Do you have any sub recommendations? Somewhere in the $700 (each). Should I stick w klipsch or can I better spend my money w another manufacturer? Thanks!

I like the HSU Research VTF2 MK5. I have a pair in one of my rooms. There is a review of them on this website.

 

[RUreceivingMYtransmission]

I like the HSU Research VTF2 MK5. I have a pair in one of my rooms. There is a review of them on this website.

Nice, I'll check those out .

 

[lovinthehd]

Perfect!.. But now I have to ask: Do you have any sub recommendations? Somewhere in the $700 (each). Should I stick w klipsch or can I better spend my money w another manufacturer? Thanks!

Klipsch would be one of my last recommendations for subs, altho I suppose if you get a significant deal on the R-112SW or R-115SW they're okay. I'd look to the usual culprits, Hsu Research, SVS, Power Sound Audio, Rythmik (or even further up the ladder). Maybe DIY if you have the inclination/time/tools/skills etc. I use a couple of my Crowns on sub duties.

 

[lovinthehd]

My listening position is 8.5LF from the front stage, couch is 4" from back wall, not a very good acoustical room (12x25), makes an "L" into my kitchen. I currently have 2 Polk Audio PSW505's, these are left over from my old budget system.

Who has to sit on the couch? 4 inches from the wall is not a good place....