Do i need a power amplifier

over50

I need some advise. My system is listed, would i notice any improvement if i added a 2 or 3 channel amplifier?
My system sounds Good, but on the other hand i have no knowleage when it come to power amps.
Thanks in advance for your input.

nguyendot

Your receiver is 135w/channel - max. I have the same receiver and it definitely helped when I added a 5 channel amp to it. Your speakers would benefit from more power, but it all depends on what you listen to. You may or may not see a benefit.

over50

Thanks for the reply. I was either looking at a 2 or 3 channel. My intent would be having the front's and center on the amp.
Still trying to figure if the 3 channel is worth the extra cost. Thanks again nguydot for the reply post.

justlord

I love this AVR. It is really a monster at 135-watts. Based on your sig, it appears you're driving a 7.1 surround system. If so, then one important factor to consider is that during some peaks in movies, our system really isn't pushing 135 watts per channel. This AVR is rated at 135 watts per 2 channels driven (check the manual).

This said, I am in the same quandary as yourself, and considering the 3-channel or 5-channel amps myself. For my speaker purchase in the near future (RTi A6 and RTi A7), I will probably go with the Emotiva XPA-5 over the XPA-3, just for the sakes of having the option of bi-amping my speakers as well. The price difference is about $200 between the two amps, and an even better deal if you can grab one before the holidays are over.

over50

Makes sence. I'm kind of thinking the same and checking the Emo web page. I was watching a DVD the other day, had to raise the volumn much higher to achive the same loudness.My AVR is getting pushed to the max. I'm thinking having the fronts and center powered by a seperate power amp at the very least. Thanks for your input.

gwg_97

No one ever complained about having too much power! A nice 3 or 5 channel amp would make your Rtis sing. With my Yamaha AVR, a 220 watt extrnal amp made a huge dfference! Check out the outlaw black friday secret sale or pick up a good used parasound, carver, etc. You will love it!

ibewbrother

yes.....you need more power

Gadabout

Well... you certainly don't "Need" more power but you would find out how much more enjoyable it is to be running seperate amps. At a minimum, try and get a 3 channel amp for the mains and center, if your primary use is HT. If you just want to upgrade for music you could get by with a 2 channel amp. You won't regret adding a 3 channel amp to the system.

There are alot of us at Club Polk that have our AVR's just doing the pre/pro duty. We aren't driving any speakers with them at all. The best thing I did for my HT was added 2 amps to the sytem.

Scott

ibewbrother

I only drive the M30 heights with the 807.

jbooker82

I would be looking for one. I run a Carver A-753x (250watt x 3) for my RTI A7's and CSI A4. It was a pretty big change in a positive way. I would look for at least a 3 channel if not a 5 or 7.

ibewbrother

I thought the A-753x was a rare bird.....now it seems everyone has one.....

O.T. so...does anyone know where I can get some factory handles?

over50

Thanks for the info. I'm now a strong believer, that a power amp will make a difference. I'm most likely going to buy new amp. Cyber monday maybe i can get a deal . My first choice will be 3 channel for fronts & center.

ibewbrother

I don't really know where to start.... you don't need a universal remote...the Onkyo will do everything. It's programmable. The Onkyo 807 also has the Port feature...A.K.A. I-Pod dock. It runs about $20.

Only thing is.... My 807 runs HOT....burn your fingers HOT.... and that's just driving the heights.

If you can find a Carver A-753x....That's what you want...250x3..and the three meters up front are unique.

Good Luck

jbooker82

ibewbrother wrote: »

I thought the A-753x was a rare bird.....now it seems everyone has one.....

O.T. so...does anyone know where I can get some factory handles?

I havent seen very many A-753x come up for sale. The one I bought had been on ebay several times. The guy started out at $900. Each time he relisted it the price would drop. Well when it got down to $600 I couldn't stand it any more. I have only seen one come up for sale on ebay since. It was pretty hammered though.

The warm carver sound is what I was after. I also like the look of the 3 meters.

Hawkeye

I'll ask you this simple question. Is there something wrong with what you are hearing now? If so, what is it?

Gordon

over50

Besides a Vector Research receiver back in the 60's this is my first system. I've never had a power amp so my point of comparing is not there. That’s why I posted, to get feedback from experience home theater people. After I bought the FX500i I noticed that have to raise the volume on my AVR higher to achieve the same loudness. Other then that, I guess the RTi system sounds OK. I just don't have the experience that the members of this Polk forum have. I also read that under powering a system could cause damage? Wondering if adding more power would give me a noticeable improvement and a worthwhile investment to my system.

Gadabout

I know you said you were going to buy new.....

but let me tempt you.....
B&K 5 channel amp on Audiogon. Seems like a fair price.

125 watts from an amplifier is different from the watts you get out of a receiver and B&K amps match up very well with Polk speakers (meaning they seem to tame some of the brightness associated with the RTi line). I'll also be up front and tell you that I'm a big fan of B&K. I'm running 3 of their amps around the house.

Whatever you decide to get, I'm sure you will enjoy the new amplification in your HT.

Scott

Sherardp

More good deals
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1325881633&/Sunfire-Grand-Cinema-200w---5

5 monoblock Outlaw Amps
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1327069136&/5-Outlaw-Audio-200-block-

Rotel
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1327563766&/Rotel-RMB-1075-Gorgeous---%28see

jbooker82

Sherardp wrote: »

More good deals
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1325881633&/Sunfire-Grand-Cinema-200w---5

That sun fire amp is a good deal. Especially since it just got back from a tune up.