Better amp for RTi setup?

jchandler3

Hello all, hoping I can get some advice. My current setup:

• - RTi8
• - RTi4
• - CSi3
• - PSW-125
• - Denon AVR-1910

Now, there isn't anything especially awful about the Denon 1910. It seems to do a fine job. Right now I have the 8s "bi-amped." If my budget is say, $500, would there be a reasonable dedicated amp upgrade out there? Otherwise, I'll just continue to save until I can afford a more substantial difference.

gfong

I am curious if you have listened to your AVR without bi-amping the front speakers?

jchandler3

gfong wrote: »

I am curious if you have listened to your AVR without bi-amping the front speakers?

I have. I notice a very small improvement. To be honest, I didn't do a lot of A/Bing but there was a definite sign of improved dynamics.

B Run

I didn't think the 1910 had preouts?

Edit: nope it doesn't have any, so you'll have to upgrade to a receiver with preouts to be able to add an amp.

Toolfan66

I think it does..

mdaudioguy

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

I think it does..

I don't see any. Anyhow, I think by "amp", the OP means he's looking for a better AVR... I think.

B Run

If your talking about a better avr, i'd sell your 1910 used for about $250 on craigslist, add it to your $500 budget and find a used Pioneer Elite SC model with the ICE amps in it. I've seen a few in the $750 range used in good shape. If you want something new and 3D capable i'd check out the latest Onkyo, Pioneer, HK, or Denon and just do some research on it.

leroyjr1

B Run wrote: »

I didn't think the 1910 had preouts?

Edit: nope it doesn't have any, so you'll have to upgrade to a receiver with preouts to be able to add an amp.

No preouts.

jinjuku

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

I think it does..

Denon doesn't have pre-outs until you hit the 3K series.

jchandler3

Welp, there's egg on my face. I could have sworn there were preouts but obviously I'm wrong. Would simply stepping up to the Denon 3300 series give me the extra oomph I'm looking for? That would additionally give me preouts for any future splurges.

jinjuku

jchandler3 wrote: »

Welp, there's egg on my face. I could have sworn there were preouts but obviously I'm wrong. Would simply stepping up to the Denon 3300 series give me the extra oomph I'm looking for? That would additionally give me preouts for any future splurges.

That depends:

What is your room size? LXWXH. What is your seating distance? How loud do you like to listen to material? An amp may or not make a difference for you. You will just have to try it.

The Denon 19XX series is competent but nothing to write home about. You may be fine with a better class of receiver.

Where do you live? There may be a member close enough to let you try an amp. Regardless of external amp or not I would recommend a receiver with pre-outs just for the flexibility factor. YMMV.

jchandler3

Room is 15'(L)x20'(W)x9'(H). Seating distance is about 10'. I typically listen pretty loud, especially for movies.

I'm thinking a better class receiver should give me a little more power, a little more headroom, and more expandability?

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk.

Start out with getting a receiver that has all the bells & whistles that you want it to have & make sure it has preouts. Then save more money and get a 2-7 channel amp of at least 200wpc @ 8ohms. This will ensure that your speakers operate to their full potential at all times.

You can get more bang for the buck buying a used receiver or amp on Audiogon. But start with the receiver first.

jinjuku

jchandler3 wrote: »

Room is 15'(L)x20'(W)x9'(H). Seating distance is about 10'. I typically listen pretty loud, especially for movies.

I'm thinking a better class receiver should give me a little more power, a little more headroom, and more expandability?

My Room size is similar (just a tad larger at 18X22X9) with a seating distance of 14'. I benefited from an amp in the scenarios where I have the volume at -6:biggrin:

Try a quality receiver first: Denon 3K series, Yamaha 6XX, Onkyo 7XX, (not sure on Pioneers system for what model #'s typically have pre-outs).

Find a member local to you if you can that may have a power amp they are willing to let you try.

slk55amg

I have two SONY ES receivers a 5300 for my main system & a 3200 for my bedroom, rig. Lots of features flexbility very ample power. Terriffic build quality, and with ES products a 5 year warranty.

jinjuku

slk55amg wrote: »

I have two SONY ES receivers a 5300 for my main system & a 3200 for my bedroom, rig. Lots of features flexbility very ample power. Terriffic build quality, and with ES products a 5 year warranty.

Not familiar with Sony's line up but I understand the ES is supposed to stand toe to toe with any other higher end offering out there.

Do all the ES series have pre-outs?

slk55amg

ES Receivers, all have pre-outs

JimAckley

B Run wrote: »

If your talking about a better avr, i'd sell your 1910 used for about $250 on craigslist, add it to your $500 budget and find a used Pioneer Elite SC model with the ICE amps in it. I've seen a few in the $750 range used in good shape. If you want something new and 3D capable i'd check out the latest Onkyo, Pioneer, HK, or Denon and just do some research on it.

+1 on this. Granted my room is only 13x15x8, my SC-37 powers 7 LSis without a hitch. I still plan on getting a 2-channel and 5-channel amp

jchandler3

Thanks for the help! I'll start looking around for some good used deals.