Separate AMP for my RTiA9`s (and CSiA6 and FxiA6)

Mongo
Mongo Posts: 52
edited December 2011 in Speakers
Hi all,

I am definitely on the shopping for an AMP to power my HT (details in the signature below). I have been recommended the ADCOM GFA-555, but considering that I have a MARANTZ receiver and like its beautiful sound, I am seriously now considering a MARANTZ AMP so the overall "tone" would be "made by MARANTZ".

Please, what do you guys think of the MM7055 ? It`s 140 W per channel while the ADCOM goes up to 200 W, but on the other hand, I can also power my center channel with it (and maybe my FXiA6`s, although these are rated 150 W maximum).

and if we bring the EMOTIVA XPA-3 into the game ?

Well, I am really confused, opinions are very welcome !

Thanks a lot !

Mongo
Receiver: Marantz - SR6006
Main: RTi A9's (powered by 2 Emotiva XPA-1`s, bi-amp)
Center: CSi A6
Surrounds: RTiA5's
(center and surrounds powered by Emotiva XPA-5)
Subwoofer: Infinity PS312
TV Sharp 70"
Post edited by Mongo on
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Comments

  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,337
    edited November 2011
    Don't worry about the max watts on the speakers I say go with the Marantz amp or the Emotiva amp, I would skip the 555 amp from adcom for your set-up.

    This is just my opinon of what I would do..
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited November 2011
    The Emotiva Amps are on sale.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • SRTer
    SRTer Posts: 372
    edited November 2011
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Don't worry about the max watts on the speakers I say go with the Marantz amp or the Emotiva amp, I would skip the 555 amp from adcom for your set-up.

    This is just my opinon of what I would do..

    Why skip the Adcom GFA-555? Stereophile gave it great reviews. I would if you would elaborate. I already bought a GFA-555 MkII version because of suggestions on this board. I would love to hear the other view on this amp.

    I'm running the RTi A9's with the Adcom right now.
    Fronts: Polk RTi A9
    Center: Polk CSI A6
    Rears: Polk RTi A7
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-35 (140 watts x 7)
    Amplifier: Adcom GFA-555 Mk.II (200 watt @ 8 ohms)
    Sub: Polk DSW PRO 500 (10 inch, 200 Watt)
    TV: Samsung 59 inch 3D Plasma 600 Hz PN59D7000
    Sources: Samsung BD-D6700 3D Blu-ray Player, DirecTV, PS3, iPhone 4 and IPod Classic with Apple Lossless Tracks
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,337
    edited November 2011
    Because it's only a 2 channel amp and for a HT rig I would shoot for a 3/5 channel amp..

    Not dogging the amp..
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited November 2011
    Yes, Emo is having their "holiday" sale right now. I've got an XPA-3 and love it for my set up. I just run 70's but soon to upgrade to RTi 12s or A9's like yours. Glad I have the amp!!
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • Mongo
    Mongo Posts: 52
    edited November 2011
    Thanks for contributing, please bring in more comments. I spent the afternoon reading reviews and at this point I must admit I am ore tempted to the Marantz,

    Mongo
    Receiver: Marantz - SR6006
    Main: RTi A9's (powered by 2 Emotiva XPA-1`s, bi-amp)
    Center: CSi A6
    Surrounds: RTiA5's
    (center and surrounds powered by Emotiva XPA-5)
    Subwoofer: Infinity PS312
    TV Sharp 70"
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,337
    edited November 2011
    Yep I would favor that temptation!!! I say go for it!!
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited November 2011
    Having owned both the Emotiva XPA-3 and Adcom GFA-555 in the past, I would definitely recommend the XPA-3 for HT applications. If I were looking for an amp mostly for music, I would lean towards the GFA-555 between those two. The XPA-3 is an excellent HT amp in my opinion.
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited November 2011
    I would also add that I would recommend the B&K 4430 Reference three channel amp over both the GFA-555 and XPA-3. The B&K will work equally as well for HT and music. Also the warm tone of the B&K is going to be closer to the house sound of your Marantz than either the 555 or XPA-3 IMHO. They can reguraly be found used on Audiogon in the $400-500 range.
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  • SRTer
    SRTer Posts: 372
    edited November 2011
    You know than I nearly passed out.
    Fronts: Polk RTi A9
    Center: Polk CSI A6
    Rears: Polk RTi A7
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-35 (140 watts x 7)
    Amplifier: Adcom GFA-555 Mk.II (200 watt @ 8 ohms)
    Sub: Polk DSW PRO 500 (10 inch, 200 Watt)
    TV: Samsung 59 inch 3D Plasma 600 Hz PN59D7000
    Sources: Samsung BD-D6700 3D Blu-ray Player, DirecTV, PS3, iPhone 4 and IPod Classic with Apple Lossless Tracks
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited November 2011
    I wouldn't sweat it, the GFA-555 is a fine amp, especially getting started with a seperate amp on a budget. For HT applications, I prefer the XPA-3 largely because it's a three channel amp and it's important to have a seamless front soundstage (front mains and center) in HT applications. The 555 is a good bang for the buck two channel amp. It gives solid performance for not a lot of coin. Another great thing about the 555 is it's built like a tank and as long as you replace the caps, the things last for years. Having said all of that, I prefer the sound of B&K amps much more than the Adcoms. That's just me and my personal preferences though, others opinions may very (including yours).

    To the OP, the Marantz is a fine choice for an amp as well.
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  • SRTer
    SRTer Posts: 372
    edited November 2011
    Yeah, my focus was the music side of things. I really think the Pioneer Elite SC-35 has enough power to push the CSi A6 center and rear RTi A7's. I'm not too worried about the difference in sound because the MCACC Auto calibration seems to balance everything for HT pretty well.

    A 3-ch amp would have been best, but for my first amp with the focus being music, I went ahead.

    Your advice is sound and I thank you for answering my question.
    Fronts: Polk RTi A9
    Center: Polk CSI A6
    Rears: Polk RTi A7
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-35 (140 watts x 7)
    Amplifier: Adcom GFA-555 Mk.II (200 watt @ 8 ohms)
    Sub: Polk DSW PRO 500 (10 inch, 200 Watt)
    TV: Samsung 59 inch 3D Plasma 600 Hz PN59D7000
    Sources: Samsung BD-D6700 3D Blu-ray Player, DirecTV, PS3, iPhone 4 and IPod Classic with Apple Lossless Tracks
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  • Inspector 24
    Inspector 24 Posts: 1,308
    edited December 2011
    Mongo, I've got the same speaker setup and am in the search for a separate amp for the 9's, currently thinking a three channel amp and let the AVR do the rears...

    Did you ever decide what to do for an amp??
    Up
    LSi15 LSiC - RX-V3000

    Down
    LSiM707 - 706c - 702f/x - Dual HSU VTF-15H Mk2
    Parasound HCA-3500 - HCA-2003A - Marantz SR7005
    Sim2 D60 - Dragonfly 106" Panny 500

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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,225
    edited December 2011
    Dawgfish wrote: »
    I would also add that I would recommend the B&K 4430 Reference three channel amp over both the GFA-555 and XPA-3. The B&K will work equally as well for HT and music. Also the warm tone of the B&K is going to be closer to the house sound of your Marantz than either the 555 or XPA-3 IMHO. They can reguraly be found used on Audiogon in the $400-500 range.

    +1 on the B&K. I am using the 202 Plus with these speakers purchased for under $400. Cheers. :cool:
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  • Mongo
    Mongo Posts: 52
    edited December 2011
    Inspector 24 wrote: »
    Mongo, I've got the same speaker setup and am in the search for a separate amp for the 9's, currently thinking a three channel amp and let the AVR do the rears...

    Did you ever decide what to do for an amp??

    Yes, after an extensive research reading many reviews and talking to lots of people on different forums, I've decided for the EMOTIVA amps.

    My initial idea was to get a XPA-5 for the rear`s, center and have two spare channels for a future 7.1 set-up, and the "grammy award winner" XPA-2 for my RTiA9`s.

    But these are sold out and there`s a long waiting list, and as I have a friend driving over from USA for the New Year`s Eve, I took the advantage of the free shipping, plus the sale price and ordered a pair of XPA-1`s, he will bring for me.

    With the XPA-5 alone, I've already noticed a huge sound improvement, hopefully it will be even better with the XPA-1`s; there`s a consensus on some forums that, while the XPA-5 are already fine for the RTiA9`s, they sound better with more power.

    Emotiva still has a sale ongoing, put your nae on the reserve list for the XPA-2 and you won`t be regretted :cheesygrin:

    Thanks,

    Mongo
    Receiver: Marantz - SR6006
    Main: RTi A9's (powered by 2 Emotiva XPA-1`s, bi-amp)
    Center: CSi A6
    Surrounds: RTiA5's
    (center and surrounds powered by Emotiva XPA-5)
    Subwoofer: Infinity PS312
    TV Sharp 70"
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited December 2011
    Nice setup you have there Mongo. What are you useing on the video side ?
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  • Mongo
    Mongo Posts: 52
    edited December 2011
    chumlie wrote: »
    Nice setup you have there Mongo. What are you useing on the video side ?

    Well, I've decided not to invest in a modern TV because this 3D stuff will evolve drastically soon I believe (Toshiba is already selling a glass-free 3D TV), so I have a regular Toshiba 46" TV and will keep it until this 3D stuff settles down.

    For that same reason I decided to invest some good money on the speakers and amps, as these are "future proof", these are keepers.

    I currently have a really crap Samsung Blu-Ray player, I'll definitely order an OPPO next month.

    Thanks,

    Mongo
    Receiver: Marantz - SR6006
    Main: RTi A9's (powered by 2 Emotiva XPA-1`s, bi-amp)
    Center: CSi A6
    Surrounds: RTiA5's
    (center and surrounds powered by Emotiva XPA-5)
    Subwoofer: Infinity PS312
    TV Sharp 70"
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited December 2011
    Good plan. Can't go wrong with the oppo. Personally i don't buy into the whole 3d crap. One jabbing spear dosn't make a movie better in my opinion.
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