Help deciding if I should upgrade speakers or Amp first

Archigos

Current setup.
Marantz SR5008
Fronts - RTi8
Center - CSi5
Rear - RTi4
Sub - SVS PB12

I'm trying to decide if I should look at getting a power amp first or if I would still be able to enjoy upgrading to RTi12s or RTi A9's with what I currrently have. ( Can currently pick up either set for 800 a pair)

I do plan to buy a power amp eventually. (Emotiva XPA-3 or XPA-5)

Thanks for the help. Let me know if more information is needed to help determine my best choice here.

BurrInspector

Hey man, i am waiting on my a9's atm. But from spending sometime with a set of a9's a power amp is a must. Dunno bout 12's and if the price is right for the speakers now than i would get them first. Though still use the 8's till you get an amp. That marantz amp would struggle running either and they will sound anaemic. Dont want them underpowered..

Archigos

Thanks for the input. That is definitely a concern of mine as well. It's hard to pass them up for 800.00/pair, but I know the sound quality would be disappointing.

Planning ahead for RTi12s or A9s at somepoint, any idea amp wise what I should be looking at? I've been eyeing the Emotiva options as I do like the way they look and the price too.

Currently thinking about an Emotiva XPA-5 and just do the front L/R and Center on it.
I've read that this will provide a little more than the 200 wpc this way.

My other thought is picking up a Emotive XPA-3 as it is cheaper since I plan to just use it for the L/R/Center.

pitdogg2

RTiA9's and an emo might just be too bright. Bright speakers and bright Amp might be intolerable in the long run. B&K or Parasound might be a tad better

Archigos

Any chance you could help guide me towards the Parasound or B&K match for the Emotiva XPA 5. (Running about $850.00)

For the parasound I'm guessing it would be the A51, but it's looking like this will be about 3-5 thousand dollars. More than I'm willing to spend at the moment.

cfrizz

By all means, get the amp first and hear what your current speakers truly sound like. I always recommend getting a 5 channel and being done with that upgrade. Other brands to look at on Audiogon if you are willing to buy used would be Parasound, Rotel, Sunfire etc.

Archigos

I'll definitely check out that site and see whats available, but I'm not a huge fan of buying used equipment if I can avoid it.

Is there any good guide/resource/site that you can check your speakers against the amp to see which ones will sound bright. Or is the only way to tell based on how it sounds to each individual?

F1nut

Is there any good guide/resource/site that you can check your speakers against the amp to see which ones will sound bright.

Yep, right here and you should pay heed to pitdogg2's advice.

txcoastal1

Parasound

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649162000-parasound-2250/

Archigos

Firstly - Thank you everyone for the inputs so far. This gives me a lot to look into, and I'm trying to do this before Dec 5th as that is when my 50% off coupon for Polk expires. Partly why I'm looking at picking up the A9s for 800.

I am trying to look into Parasound/B&K to see what kind of offerings I can swing in my current price range. Ideally I'd like to stay somewhere around 800 for the amp if possible.

For the Parasound - 2250 TxCoastal1 linked think that looks like a good piece, but my question to everyone would be, whats your opinion on used power amps? My fear is firstly being taken advantage of on a used amp that has no warranty and getting stuck with it. What are the key things to look for when buying used equipment to verify that it's a solid purchase?

Also any other suggestions of amps to check out in my range. I'd be ok with a 2 or 3 channel amp if that will be good enough to cover the fronts and let the receiver handle the rears.

- Arch

F1nut

Buying gear that is less than 10 years old is generally a safe bet and is a sure fire way to get something a lot better for less. The best place to buy gear from people that take care of their gear is Audiogon.

tonyb

....or here.....but stay away from Ebay. Too many unscrupulous people on there.

Archigos

Thanks F1, I will definitely be checking Audiogon more to see what shows up.

While searching for some more information on Rotel/Parasound I did come across Crown. I haven't seen anyone mention them and I was just curious on their compatibility with Polk.

Crown Audio XLS 1000 DriveCore Stereo Power Amplifier (215W/Channel @ 8 Ohms)
amazon.com/Crown-XLS1000-Power-Amplifier/dp/B003HZPKSM

Archigos

So back to Rotel/Parasound searching it is.

And just to help me clarify my search goals here. The speakers I'm looking at are rated for 50-500 watts. If I don't get an amp that can give them 300-500 wpc would it be a better move to go for smaller speakers? I keep reading more power helps them sound better, but no one seems to mention a true minimum wpc to make the purchase a good investment. Would a good rule of thumb be middle of the suggested power rating or higher?

pitdogg2

Rotel 1095 5channel can be had for less that 1000.00 and PUNCH way above its 200wpc rating.

Archigos

Thanks for the help with the specific model. Mostly getting results from threads where people have already sold them, but hopefully someone else will be passing one along soon. After all I'd love to play another round of how long does it take the wife to figure out we have another electronic device by the tv. Last round took 7 months to notice we had a PS4.

EndersShadow

Yeah, another brand to look at is B&K. My B&K 200.5 (bought on ebay for 500, but dont expect that kinda deal to come along often) has similar spec's to the Rotel 1095.

375wpc @ 4 ohm, 78 lb amp, etc.

B&K, Rotel, Parasound all good choices and can likely find something to drive your speakers wild.

In the end you dont really need as much wattage as you think to get to Loud, its the jump from LOUD to DEAF that requires the extra wattage.

I've yet to trip my 5 channel Carver amp (125x5) with my LSi setup at any volume level.

Archigos

Pardon my lack of knowledge, but would your amp with 375wpc @ 4ohms also power speakers regulated for 8 Ohms. Or are some amps specifically designed for 4 vs 8 ohms?

Also would you mind sharing the models of B&K/ Parasound that you think I might find within my under 1000.00 price range? I know the Parasound 2 channel above was 750, normally 1200+

WLDock

Factory refresh Parasound 2250 for $899
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=2PAC2250

Factory refresh Parasound 2250v2 for $999
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=2PAC2250V2

Both are normally ~ $1395 and both come with the full factory warranty. Specs are just killer on these. Would have to double the amount to jump up to a new Halo A21 with warranty. Much better value-to-performance above.

Archigos

Great find. I'll probably try to pick one of those up today.

Between the 2, is the extra worth it? I know it uses less energy in standby mode and is a slightly newer model.

WLDock

You have to decide that one...

However, if it were me...i would get the cheaper one and spend the $100 on a Pangea AC-9 power cord.

Archigos

Thanks.
And the unit does come with a cable correct? This one is just to provide a high current or less resistance or something to the unit?

Archigos

Will a 2 channel amp mess up the front sound stage with the CSi5? Would I need to bi-amp the center with the Marantz(if thats even possible?)