External amp needed? Let the debate begin

EndersShadow

Right now I am running all my equipment off my Integra DRT 5.9 reciever.

I have been wondering as of late if purchasing the Emotiva XPA-3 amp would be worth the investment. I am aware that more than likely my reciever does deliver the full watts per channel it is listed at, hence this question. I thought about getting the 5 and 7 channel Emotive amp's but I dont really need more wattage than my reciever can provide for the surrounds (but correct me if I am wrong). I am hoping to upgrade my current sub (PSW125 in sub location 1) to a single SVS PC12NSD (and hopefully duals if I can convince the wife) in the next 6 months.

I am basically curious as to everyones thoughts on the following:

1) Is it worth it with my current speaker setup to purchase an external amp
2) What benefits if any will be realized by this purchase
3) Anything else deemed relevant

Here is my current layout. I have run the room correction software with the reciever and applied it to my settings. I have 8 ft ceilings.



Let the debate begin

cstmar01

Your surrounds will be just fine off the AVR. The 3 channel will work but I would also as you pointed out upgrade the sub. I would personally do that first then do an external amp.

Also look at Parasound, Adcom, Sunfire, Carver, Anthem, ect ect if you are willing to go on the used market for an amp. If solely for HT the Emo will also be just fine, but also you can save yourself some money and buy emo's used on their forum.

concealer404

With Monitor 60s as your mains.... i'd focus on the sub first. The Integra is probably plenty adequate to drive the 60s once you take the bass load off of them.

EndersShadow

Mostly this will be for HT. If any music is listened to it will be streamed via my blu-ray player using Pandora. Dont know if that matters any.

Used is an option for me, I dont need it to be new, just work well. Amp suggestions welcome but please keep within the price range of the 3 channel Emo amp.

disneyjoe7

Giving your music source choice, your front speakers, your mostly HT. I agree you need to get a sub woofer first.

Ron Temple

Stick with your plan for dual subs. M60s will benefit from an amp (most speakers will), but they have a low ceiling in comparison with speakers that represent a load or have more potential. Then again, IIRC, you're getting married soon, so maybe you'd better buy all your new gear now, cuz things are going to be changing .

EndersShadow

Ron Temple wrote: »

Stick with your plan for dual subs. M60s will benefit from an amp (most speakers will), but they have a low ceiling in comparison with speakers that represent a load or have more potential. Then again, IIRC, you're getting married soon, so maybe you'd better buy all your new gear now, cuz things are going to be changing .

lol....not really...she bought me the 60's to begin with. She wont however let me upgrade to the RTI A9's like I want, but oh well....just need to do it when shes not looking

Plus I have a large pot (2k) of money that she is going to allow me to use for whatever I want (with some veto power). The goal is with that money to get dual SVS PC-12NSD's, a decent external amp, and some other stuff (Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9A headphones, ATI FirePro V4800, Zune HD, Intel X-25 SSD) ....

The goal is to get all this before kids start to appear cause then things really change...lol

cfrizz

Welcome ES!

External amplification is always a good idea. Because unless you only use your system for 2 channel, your receiver is NOT supplying enough power to your speakers for them to operate to their full potential.

It sounds like you have a very good upgrade path in place. So get the XPA 3 or 5 channel amp & enjoy. You can also check out Audiogon for the following brands.

Outlaw, Parasound, Sunfire, Adcom, B & K, Nad.