Considering some real power....

btmower

Currently have Denon 1912 powering RTi A7 R/L, CSi A6, and Fxi A4 R/L.

Research has convinced me that I need an external amp to get better sound and spare my speakers/denon.

Problem: My Denon 1912 has no pre-outs. Newegg has lots of 2010 models on clearance, so I may just pickup a decent 7.1 with pre-outs (yamaha 667 for $250 isn't bad)

I'm looking at the the Emotiva UPA-2 (2x 125w).

Question: If I power the Rti A7's with the UPA-2. Will the A/V receiver be able to handle powering the Center/Surrounds ok?

Money is a little tight so I'd rather not splurge for the XPA-3 (3x 200w) if possible.

Does anybody have a better idea? I have no experience with external amps. Is there an audible delay on the speakers being powered externally?

Thanks for any info.

Erik Tracy

You could always go used on either both an avr and amp or buy a new avr and squeeze a bit more value by going used on just the ext amp.

nooshinjohn

Your milage may vary, but I have always gotten fantastic performance out of pre-owned gear. I would look that difection as you can find awesome gear at bargian prices if you are patient and have an idea of what you are looking for.

nhhiep

+1 for used amp. if I were you, I wouldn't consider anything less than 200wpc high current. I've have a denon 3806, which has way more power than your avr, but i am powering Rti12s, csi5 and Fxi3s. the system sounds good with movies, but average for music. then, I bought a used HK 100 WPC x5 amp with 100 amps of current for $300 on CL. I use 4 channels to bi-amp the front and 5th channel for center, Denon takes care of the rears. Everything sound better, especially with music. In fact, I even put off the idea of getting LSI9 for music only because Rti12s sound less bright now, but comes alive during movies when needed.

by the way, for HT, you should try to keep fronts and center hook up to the same amp, so they sound the same. I heard that Emotiva is bright, as well as Yamaha. throw that in with Rti speakers. are u sure?

polkfarmboy

yamaha 667 + upa2 = epic fail

thsmith

I am seeing denon 2808s for 280 - 300 bucks used.

btmower

Thanks for the info. I have heard that Yamaha can are bright receivers.

Like I said. I'm new to the concept of running an external amp.

I'm not opposed to buying used. Craig's list is pretty sparse in my city for audio gear but I'll look around.

Option 2 would be to return my denon 1912 and buy a more powerful av receiver. I have a chance to get the brand new Yamaha flagship a3010 for $810 with free shipping (normally $1899) 150 WPC (I know it's not truly 150 when powering 5-7 speakers)

If you were in my shoes would you buy used av receiver/amp or a high end av receiver for 50% off brand new?

I'd like to hear a side by side comparison between a high end receiver vs an amp powered system.

polkfarmboy

You could buy a pioneer elite sc used or new for a good price online as they have the power

I would buy a nice 3 channel amp with an onkyo receiver and your jammin or try ebay as they have the integra 9.9 for $700 .Its a great preamp and will get you to that next level when you add external amplification

reeltrouble1

If your trying to build a 2-channel music rig I would not use any reciever, they are a compromise to convenience as far a signal processing. If its an HT well, that is what they are for.

RT1

soundfreak1

+1 for real trouble1 been there done that( trying to do HT and 2 ch. Same sys.) Was never happy no matter how much I spent. 2 ch. Is 2 ch/ HT is HT. I finely built 2 sepprate systems and never looked back, didn't have to compromise and got exactly what I wanted. I was told this and didn't listen, months qnd many dollars later I figured it out . They were right!

jbooker82

You can get a refurb Onkyo TX-NR808 from accessories 4 less for $499. 5 year extended warrenty for an extra $50

You will need at least a Onkyo TX-NR70x to get pre outs. I would stay away from the TX-NRxx7's. The TX-NRxx8's are 2010 models and the TX-NRxx9's are 2011 models.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/AVReceiver/Home-Audio/Home-Theater-Receivers/2.html