AVR/Amp Opinions Sought

Tornado Red
Tornado Red Posts: 939
edited February 2013 in Electronics
Looking to upgrade in the not too distant future, wondering what people think of the following combo, and of course any thoughts on other equipment would be appreciated. I'm running a hybrid type of set up, 7.1 (Yamaha RX-v671), have a new Oppo I use for blu-ray concerts/movies and playing SACDs. 60" panny display. Presently have Monitor 75t mains, 25c center, DSW 550 sub, PSB Alpha B1 side surrounds and Minimus 7 rears. The Yamaha is straining to power things, 75t's are definitely starved I'd say. No pre-outs so I've been looking at (and please chime in here) a Yamaha RX-A820 and Emotiva XPA-3 to power the 3 up front, just as one option. Of course money IS an object, and I'd say I'm not much for used equipment, so looking to buy new. Any of your thoughts on this set up or certainly something you may think is better would be much appreciated, thanks.
Post edited by Tornado Red on
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  • rpf65
    rpf65 Posts: 2,127
    edited February 2013
    I'm also looking to upgrade my AVR. I was dead set on the Yamaha 2020 or 3020, but started hearing a lot about the Pioneer Elite series. I did a side by side of of the 2020 and SC-65. I'm a long time Yamaha fan, have probably owned 5 of them, all entry level. To my ears, that SC-65 was in another league.

    I demoed them on B&W speakers, but AVR to AVR the Pioneer was just better sounding. Don't know what your budget is, but can find that AVR for under $1k on line. May want to give those pioneers a listen, if possible.
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  • Tornado Red
    Tornado Red Posts: 939
    edited February 2013
    Thanks rp. I am a bit torn, of course I want both the AVR and amp now, but I'm scared I may be compromising one or both purchases because of budget constraints. Perhaps I'll look at higher end units like you mentioned, and forgo the amp till another time. If I get into the Elite series, the power may well tide me over for awhile...
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  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    edited February 2013
    I acquired a Sunfire TGA-7401 around the holidays, and I am still impressed with the limitless headroom it provides. You can never have too much power but you can overdrive your speaks with not enough power. Used gear can be a better alternative b/c you can get more bang for your buck, you just have to make sure what your buying is in good shape. I don't know what would constitute abuse of a power amp short of using it underwater, or taking the cover off and throwing pennies in it while listening van halen cranked to 11.
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