anyone use an amp with Polk Monitors?

Lietuvis91

hi all,

I am really interested adding an amp to my system, i am just really curious to see how it would sound. I know... i will need a new receiver, will get one.
I am looking to get a 5 channel amp to power my front m70's, center cs2, and m60 surrounds.

I would like to hear from those of you who have used your polk monitor series speakers with amps. how did amplifying change the speaker sound? was it just louder or also clearer/cleaner? did you feel it was worth the cost? If you tried different amps, I would really like to know how each amp changed the sound of the system.

dhart86

When I had a Monitor HT set-up (70's-cs1-40's) my only experience with them were with amps. I ran rotel rb-991 and 993 with those speakers and the sound was excellent. I never ran them with an avr so I can't give you a real contrast.
But I am sure as can be that the sound was much, much cleaner and clearer. I would bet it would be worth the cost. Especially if you bought a good amp on the used market. I'm now using a Lsi HT set-up, but I really was reluctant to give up the monitors (which are an excellent bang for the buck speaker...IMO). Good luck

Lietuvis91

yeah, i really don't see myself wanting to upgrade the speakers anytime soon. I really love the way they sound already, and if adding an amp would bring them to life even more, I really won't even have a reason!

I'm currently looking into 5channel amp options. Emotiva sounds darn good for the price and power. But i have much homework to do still.

Anyone else?

TORI3

I’m in the same camp as you, but I have the RTi series. I started a thread earlier this week and people suggested the following:

NAD
Parasound
Carver

I’m looking at those top three right now because they’ve supposedly tamed the RTi’s brightness. From what I’ve read on these forums, the Monitor series isn’t as bright as the RTi series.

B&K
Rotel
Odyssey Stratos
Carver
ADCOM

Those were some other general recommendations. In regards to Emotiva, I’ve heard it’s a rather bright amplifier, which in my case, would be a bad mix. If this wasn’t the case, I’d probably be checking them out as well.

Here are some great places to buy (recommended by fellow members in Polk and AVS):

http://www.saturdayaudio.com/
http://www.spearitsound.com/specials.htm
http://www.vintagehifishop.com/
http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=10
http://cgis.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/srch_fs.pl?searchstring=Emotiva&B1=go

cfrizz

Lietuvis91 wrote: »

hi all,

I am really interested adding an amp to my system, i am just really curious to see how it would sound. I know... i will need a new receiver, will get one.
I am looking to get a 5 channel amp to power my front m70's, center cs2, and m60 surrounds.

I would like to hear from those of you who have used your polk monitor series speakers with amps. how did amplifying change the speaker sound? was it just louder or also clearer/cleaner? did you feel it was worth the cost? If you tried different amps, I would really like to know how each amp changed the sound of the system.

Just about all speakers sound better with seperate amplification.

Getting a 200wpc Parasound 1500A showed me what my then 17 year old Polk RTA-8T's were capable of, I had no idea how much I was missing with just a Denon receiver pushing them!

The real benefit of power is, there will be better seperation of instruments & vocals, better bass, clarity in everything across the board.

I was picking up sounds & instruments in cd's I THOUGHT I knew very well but hadn't heard before I got the amp.

I will NEVER go back to a receiver, & I will never have less than 200wpc driving all of my speakers.:)

jayman_1975

I had the Monitor 70's and cs2 with Monitor 40's for surrounds. I used a Denon reciever for awhile then added a 2 channel Rotel to power just the fronts. Those 70's really came alive! I later used an Arcam reciever, a Nad reciever, a five channel Anthem power amp and finally a 7 channel Arcam power amp. They sounded the best with the Arcam gear... the 7 channel P1000 gave them a little more bottom end tourque but the Arcam reciever ran them with some serious authority on it's own.

dekuda

cfrizz wrote: »

Just about all speakers sound better with seperate amplification.

Getting a 200wpc Parasound 1500A showed me what my then 17 year old Polk RTA-8T's were capable of, I had no idea how much I was missing with just a Denon receiver pushing them!

The real benefit of power is, there will be better seperation of instruments & vocals, better bass, clarity in everything across the board.

I was picking up sounds & instruments in cd's I THOUGHT I knew very well but hadn't heard before I got the amp.

I will NEVER go back to a receiver, & I will never have less than 200wpc driving all of my speakers.:)

I agree totaly with cfrizz and I too have a Parasound 1500A. It won out over the Carver 35x that I sold last month but not by much. The detail and depth that I hear with the Parasound feeding the RTI12's is just amazing. Big differance from my Yamaha receiver.Plus,getting all the better IC's and power cables is pushing the music over the top.:D

---

MARANTZ SR7002 AVR
Parasound HCA1500A Amp
Rotel RCC-1055 Cd Player
Pioneer BD320 Blue Ray
PNF Symphony Speaker Cables
PNF Icon IC
D H Labs IC
PS Audio xStream Power Cables
Samsung 52” LCD
Mains Polk RTi12’s
Center Polk CSi5
Surrounds Definitive Technology BP2X
Subs Mirage Omni S 10’s (2)

Toolfan66

Buy sell trade upgrade buy sell trade upgrade buy sell trade upgrade!!!!

I have nothing to add as the guys up top have you on the right path..

I take that back I do have something to add. If you want a smoother sound go with Rotel Sunfire or Parasound. Emotiva will be on the Bright side, some like that some don't.

If your more of an HT guy then Emotiva might just be the key for you.
I just went aganst what I said in another thread..

cfrizz

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

Buy sell trade upgrade buy sell trade upgrade buy sell trade upgrade!!!!

I have nothing to add as the guys up top have you on the right path..

I take that back I do have something to add. If you want a smoother sound go with Rotel Sunfire or Parasound. Emotiva will be on the Bright side, some like that some don't.

If your more of an HT guy then Emotiva might just be the key for you.
I just went aganst what I said in another thread..

:eek::D WAAAAAAAAAA, BUSTED!;)

It's all about balance TFLF. THe OP now has plenty of choices & prices both new & used in which to make a decision.

That's all anyone could hope for.:)

mhardy6647

yeah, but my experience won't help you much...

bigstereo

They rocked

cstmar01

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1286770299&/Adcom-GFA7500-

this is a nice 5 channel for a nice price.

mhardy6647

bigstereo wrote: »

They rocked

heh, a little piece of the Wall of Sound...

http://media.locals.ca/localsconf/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=151485


http://www.ricksuchow.com/images/leshhb.jpg
http://www.hometoys.com/ezine/09.04/hinton/jerry-w-4-mc2300.jpg

Lietuvis91

thanks guys! I think I'm convinced that I need an amp now...

Jeezzz... that's a lot of knobs and gauges in those pictures.... those must be pictures of the control room of a space ship, I'm certain.

Well, it sounds like I can't go wrong with any of the amps you all mentioned. I looked around on the local craigslist, I would prefer to pick something up locally, as it can be tested to make sure it works, and there is no crazy shipping cost. Someone is selling an ATI 1505. I researched it briefly, and it looks like it a comperable amp to an outlaw or adcom, althought possibly slightly better in component quality. This particular amp is 10 yrs old, 5x150w at 8 omh, the guy wants $650 for it. I'm not sure how this ranks in terms of it being a good deal or not, but it does make the emotiva amps seem attractive. Becuase really, its a 10yr old amp vs a BRAND SPANKING NEW ONE w 5 yr warranty... on paper, I find emotiva is hard to beat.

I'll contact the ATI 1505 owner to see if it's still available.

Lietuvis91

cstmar01 wrote: »

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1286770299&/Adcom-GFA7500-

this is a nice 5 channel for a nice price.

wow... this actually seems like a better deal then that ati 1505. I guess there really are some pretty good options out there.

Lietuvis91

I sent an inquity for both amps, that adcom 7500 and the ati 1505. If the ATI guy agrees to go down from his $650 to $500, I will probably get that, becuase like I said, it's local, I can touch it, feel it, smell it, rub it, and take it for a ride before I hand over the $$$.

Lietuvis91

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

Buy sell trade upgrade buy sell trade upgrade buy sell trade upgrade!!!!

my problem is... I want to keep IT ALL! I hate to part with my stuff, I get attached to it. It's probably a habbit I should get out of...:rolleyes:

Toolfan66

Lietuvis91 wrote: »

my problem is... I want to keep IT ALL! I hate to part with my stuff, I get attached to it. It's probably a habbit I should get out of...:rolleyes:

It gets easier to let go after you do it a few times..

Toolfan66

mhardy6647 wrote: »

yeah, but my experience won't help you much...

That yamaha gear is beautiful.

Lietuvis91

well, if anyone else has any more experience to share about different receivers and amps they have used with polk monitors, feel free to chime in on your impressions.

Hilbert

Haven't read the whole thread, so my apologies if this is redundant:

I ran Montors (50s, 30s, and CS1) powered by Yamaha RX V665 (I think) for a few months, then added Emo XPA-5, and was amazed by improvement. More bass, better controlled bass, less resonance, sweeter tone, like new speakers.

Running 70s I should think you'd hear even more improvement.

Lietuvis91

Hilbert wrote: »

Haven't read the whole thread, so my apologies if this is redundant:

I ran Montors (50s, 30s, and CS1) powered by Yamaha RX V665 (I think) for a few months, then added Emo XPA-5, and was amazed by improvement. More bass, better controlled bass, less resonance, sweeter tone, like new speakers.

Running 70s I should think you'd hear even more improvement.

Nice, I like what I'm hearing.

I have read somewhere that the Yamaha receivers tend to make polk monitors sound on the bright side. Did you experience that at all?

I am seriously considering the YAMAHA RX-V1900BL and Emo XPA-5 at this point.

Hilbert

It's been a couple of years since I ran the Yamaha, so my memories have faded. I wouldn't call it bright, just a bit weak, feeble. XPA-5 much better.

XPA-5 is great for movies but in my opinion not the best necessarily for music, acoustic music anyway. If symphonies, jazz, vocals are important you might want to ask for advice about a used 5-channel from another maker.

If you're going to add an amp, surely all you need from the AVR is preouts and video processing. 1900 may not be the cheapest option?

Hilbert

ps quite a few other people here rave about Pioneer receivers. Just a thought.

Lietuvis91

Hilbert :
glad you chimed in! Your experienced echoes what others have said in various random posts I have read. The reason I was thinking of the yammy 1900 is because I can get one for 579 shipped from new egg. And it has all the bells and whistles i would ever want, plus enough power to really drive the 2 rear channels after I offset the other 5 through an amp.

My system will be used 70/30 between music/movies. So my first and foremost priority would be the musical sound of the system. Not so concerned with the HT sound at all.

I have also read countless raves about the elite series of pioneer receivers. Althought at the moment I know nothing about them. I just know they can be very expensive. I don't supppose a pioneer elite with pre-outs and a 12v trigger can be had for around $600...
But if it makes a difference in the musical sound of the system, then it may be worth it, I need to do more homework…

From everything I know so far, it seems a pioneer elite+parasound would be a “musical”
combo to run my “junk”. I’m just thinking I’ll have $2k worth of amp/receiver running $700 worth of speakers. This math somehow doesn’t make sense, even if I can afford it.

Guys, this is turning out to be a VERY helpful thread, I appreciate everyone’s input & please keep the ideas coming.

bsoko2

Movies 80 and music 20. In my HT area I 2.3TL's and amp them with a Carver M1.5t. They soiund good and just did a upgrade on the crossovers with Sonic Craft caps and resistors and that made a huge improvement in the audio. Improve the crossovers and tweets on any Polk as it is worth the $$$.

Bill.

ZeroCoolPolks

Lietuvis91 asked for opinions so.........

Pioneer Ice D amps i the Elite series are nice.

Yamaha RXV665 with Polk CS1, 2-M50's and M30's & PSW10, did sound weak to me in a small room, but sold it and installed set up to a larger room, 20 x 14, actually sounds a lot better & actually darn good, (room size and acoustics is a lot of what your going to actually hear) and adding an amp would be better since a 665 is probably only capable of 30 to 35 watts RMS if that at 8 ohms in a 5.1 HT set up and may be less in 7.1. I wouldn't use the M70's with a 665 alone.

As for All Yamaha's sounding weak, It's not the case, My RXV3900 ( benches at 69 watts per channel 8 ohms in 5 channels & higher in other tests) has enough power to make a CS2, 2-M70's, 4- M30's and 2 PSW 505's sound very good and yes it would sound better with external amps. Since this room is small it doesn't need that much power, unless you want to go deaf Just watched 5th Element thru the rxv3900, Used a Sony BDP-S1000ES (awesome Sony BD at 179.99 now) and set the volume at -25db, sounds excellent.

And a step up to a Yamaha RX-Z11 (Benches at 139.6 watts RMS per Channel in 7.1 or 2, add 50 RMS per ch. the 4 presence spkr's. the 11.1 or 2) with Polk CS2, 4-M70's, 2- M40's, 4-M30's sounds fantastic. I would not add an amp to this unless I was moving into a huge home theater larger than 30' X 50' with ceiling higher than 12 feet and might not need it then. And of course it would be louder if you ran 7 x 500 watt RMS monoblock amps off a Z11, if your floor could support the weight and rewire your house

As for a RXV1900 should sound darn good, but I paid more for the 3900 for it's ability to up res all MDMI and all analog input signals to 1080P. My case Comcast crap boxes shift the signal outputs constantly. The 1900 only up res's analog to 1080P output HDMI. HDMI in to HDMI out will pass the signal that is input. The HD tuner in the 3900 may be better than the tuner in the 1900. Depends what your main uses are, I personally like everything to work well:)
If the 1900 fits your needs it's one of the best deals out there now. I almost bought one cause of the killer price. The 3900 is great at 950 to 1000.00 now

Here is a list of key feature and specs borrowed from AVS

RX-V3900/RX-V1900/Z7 key Features and Specs

Audio

---

• Power Output 140x7 watts (20hz-20khz @8 ohms with .04% THD); 130 for the RX-V1900
• Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD decoding
• DTS-HD High Resolution Audio/DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
• Neural Surround THX Technologies
• 192khz/24 bit Burr-Brown DACs
• Digital System Clock Isolator and Ultra Low Jitter PLL circuitry; RX-V1900 only mentions having Low Jitter PLL circuitry
• 8 channel input

Video

---

• Scaling to 1080p; Analog only on 1900; 3900 allows HDMI to be scaled as well
• Four HDMI inputs
• One HDMI output on the 1900; Two HDMI outputs (simultaneous) on the 3900
• 24hz support
• Deep Color/xvYCC/Auto Lip Synch

Misc

---

• iPod compatibility with YDS-11 dock
• HD Radio with iTunes tagging
• Bluetooth A2DP functionality
• Advanced multi-point YPAO
• Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) now enhanced with input source level compensation and YPAO speaker setup data
• Assignable amps for (up to three) zones

RX-V3900/Z7 only features

---

• WAV/MP3/WMA Internet Radio
• Windows Vista/DLNA supprt
• OSD over HDMI
• HDMI output in standbye mode
• Album art display on GUI
• Web browser control
• Zone 2 video output with OSD
• Zone mono
• USB port
• SRS Circle Surround II
• Anchor Bay VRS Technology with PReP™ (Progressive ReProcessing) (Via the ABT 2010 chip - see the ABT web page for details)

RX-Z7 only features

---

• Four zones
• Five HDMI inputs, with front input
• 38 vs 22 surround programs on the 1900/3900
• Multi-Point (w/Angle) (w/Angle appears to be the addition over the 1900/3900)
• Component video on zone2
• Optical out on zone 4

Yes adding amps should kick up the quaiity and power. I just have'nt needed to that yet.
I am considering adding a Emo 5 channel to a Yamaha RXV765 this winter.

Also how do U like that Emo 12 sub? Have U ever heard a Polk PSW505 for a comparison?

Hilbert

ZeroCoolPolks: I didn't say all Yammies sound weak, only that my lowish end Yam sounded weak, compared to an XPA-5 running 5 speakers. I've no doubt the high end models sound a lot better, but unfortunately I haven't heard them.

Lietuvis91: $579 sounds like a great price. Maybe you'll decide you don't need an amp. Or you can wait long enough to save up for a good musical 2-ch amp.
The awful thing about audio is there are so many possibilities and they're all pretty good.

Lietuvis91

bsoko2:
modding speakers sounds very intriguing but is way over my head at this point. I'd like to learn more about it, do you have any links to any sites that talk about this process?

ZeroCoolPolks:
that's a wealth of info! I particularly agree with you on the fact that the size of the room plays a big part of how the speakers sound. I actually seem to think maybe my 70s and 60s are a little on the big side for the 12x18x8 living room. Non the less, I have set them up according to dolby instructions and I think they fill the room well. I just find they lack detail until I turn up the volume a little, and that I think is due to a lack of power. Maybe what I'm hearing is what you guys describe as "weak".Based on your comparison of the yamaha receivers I am even more certain now that the 1900 would meet my needs. I have hd cable, so I get an hd signal which does not need to be altered.

On the emo sub: I like it, I have nothing to compare it to, but right now it is at 20% volume and I still feel like it may be too much relative to the rest of the speakers. It seems like the sub somewhat overpowers the rest of the music.I will need to run audisey again since I changed the location of the sub based on dolby instructions. This thing will litterally rattle your windows. This sub is no joke. Again, I don't have a frame of reference thought...

Hilbert wrote: »

The awful thing about audio is there are so many possibilities and they're all pretty good.

Yeah... i'm finding this out really quickly... it's making my head spin...:eek:
But the first step I feel is done: I have narrowed it down to two receivers:

Yamaha 1900 or pioneer vsx 32 (both can be had for $579)
I'm hoping some store in town will have those to listen to, so now I will have to let my ears make the final decision. The amp will be next

ZeroCoolPolks

Hilbert, I didn't say U said that!

The low end of any manufacturers AVR's sound weak to me cause of the units weight loss of Power supplies and many other factors, like my rooms I use for listening.

If the 1900 has all the features you require then I'd go with that and an amp if U think U need it.

Buy AVR's for features not necessarily for power and amps for power.

I still think high end AVR's define the output signal quality to the preouts or amps a lot better than a low end AVR unless your AVR is doing no processing at all a Like Pure Direct Mode. I read where a guy has several external amps on a Z11, must live in a palace.

YOu could look at the AVantage Series for features and use amps might want to see this

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19014023

But with the new Yamaha's U won't get the power from a new AVR for the same money as the 1900 at 580 now 650 again till next... fri or sat

ZeroCoolPolks

You can't edit here after 20 minutes so

Bottom line the pioneer 32 is 29 LBS. I wouldn't buy it unless it has some specific features I would want and I am going to add an amp to it.

So I'd get the 1900 if it meets my needs.

And yes when I say weak it means under powered, Nothing like dropping 500 on an AVR and then say my old Sony STR915 kicks its ****, I have that old Sony and it does kick **** on all low end and most mid line AVR's in the power department on number 3 out of 10.

Anyway, Lietuvis91, let us know what U get and how U like it