Which upgrade to perform first: amp or sub?

[dis]

I've been saving up to add another component to my setup the problem is I don't know which to add next the sub or the amp...the choice is not that simple for me atleast.

A few things to keep in mind:
1. I live in an appartment with paper-thin wall (literally we're talking 2 pieces of sheetrock, with air inbetween).
2. Current receiver I am using is limited to 50watts x 5.

My two problems:
1. The problem I'm experiencing when watching movies is that I really need to crank up the volume to get less than optimal volume levels (anymore beyond this volume-level and the amp will clip during loud passages).

2. A little more boom is always welcome

My current setup consists of a 50wattx5 receiver, B&W DM603-S3s (L/R) and entry level paradigm bookshelfs serving as surrounds. I'm using a phantom center.

Both issues are of equal importance to me, I just wish I had the means to address them both at once.

Whatever components I do chose to go with I'd like for them to be purchased locally. The subs I'm considering are: B&W ASW750 and the similarily price JMLab's subwoofer (I'm still waiting on a quote)

The amplifiers on my short list so far: Anthem A5, Arcam P1000

 

[mike c]

do you have your speakers set to large? if so, a sub might solve your clipping problems by taking care of the lows instead of the b&w's huffing and puffing the lows.

 

[Rob Babcock]

Perhaps your money would be better spent if used as first month deposit on a new, better apt! I've lived in a house for the last ten years, and it would be extremely hard to go back.

If you can't though, it's hard to make a recommendation. If you get more bass or enough power to give movies the punch you like, you'll probably run afoul of your neighbors. But assuming you get by in that area, either is a viable choice. Assuming your receiver has preouts, going from 50 x 5 to something like 200 x 5 will make quite a difference. Although 50 watts will go a lot further if you set your speakers to small and use a sub.

 

[dis]

A new appartment is in the works for May, but again its an appartment and again I'd have to limit the volume levels after 11pm. Thankfully so far nobdy has complained even when I watch a movie past 11, but I think the additional lower frequency added by a sub would be more bothersome.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

The problem I'm experiencing when watching movies is that I really need to crank up the volume to get less than optimal volume levels (anymore beyond this volume-level and the amp will clip during loud passages).

Could your problem be the phantom center? You are losing the most important speaker in a surround setup by not having a center channel.

If you are having issues hearing voices (for instance), then why not consider adding the center channel and see if that improves your volume issue. I can't imagine watching movies without a center channel.

Out of curiosity, which dsp mode do you use for movies? Do you have a HK receiver?

 

[dis]

I think the phantom center is part of the problem but, I tend to sit in the sweet spot when viewing a movie so the dialog is clear enough for me but probably not for the others...but that's an issue of lower importance

As for what DSP mode I use, I don't, the reciever switches into DD or DTS mode depending on the film.