Suggestions needed

dizzy

I posted this in one of my other discussions. It figured it would be best to start a new one.

My receiver is finally back from the shop. I could finally listen to my new FXi A4'so and they sound amazing. I want to upgrade more but not sure what to do first. I finally picked out a new sub, a PSA V1800. I am not sure if I should get that right now or an amp. I would like to get some suggestions on which to purchase first. I have not picked out an amp yet. I would like to try and keep the amp below $650. New or used, doesn't matter. I was looking at outlaw, b&k and parasound.

Conradicles

I would go sub 1st and then amp.

dizzy

What is your reasoning for sub first?

cfrizz

I would get a five channel amp of at least 200wpc @ 8ohms. This would allow all of your speakers to operate to their full potential so that you can hear what they can really do.

The amp is something you can keep through all other changes to your system throughout time, and the power of the amp will allow you to purchase harder to drive speakers like the LSI series and still have them operate to their full potential.

The sub you have now will do until you recover from the purchase of an amp, then you can focus on the amp.

You may have to save a bit more for a five channel amp, but it will be well worth the expense.

honestaquarian

Yeah
What SHE said!

dizzy

What other amp besides Emotiva xpa 5? Is it really necessary to amp my surrounds? I should be able to get a good amp for half the price of the psa sub.

cfrizz

Everyone always wants to cheat the surrounds of power which respond just as well to the extra power as the three front.

I have been where you are, I started out getting a Parasound 1500A for the front, then I got an Outlaw 200 for the center. But with each addition, I kept wondering how good would the back speakers sound as well. So I finally got my Sunfire 5 channel 405wpc amp for all of them. I'm finally happy.

I'm a big believer in doing it once the right way the first time around and then sit back and enjoy it for years to come. It's better to spend more money up front, rather than to spend money on the same but different gear over and over again, especially if you have a budget and other more important responsibilities.

Of course if you are one of those who are in it for the constant upgrades rock on.

If you don't have a problem with buying used, keep an eye out on Audiogon and other sites that sell used gear. That is how I was able to get my Sunfire pre & amp at affordable prices.

Theheadsn

I've wanted a Sunfire amp since I first saw them. I remember a couple years back someone was selling an awesome 5ch one on here for an extremely good price, but sadly I was to broke at the time. Still regret not getting it ha Subs are important, but the cool thing is if you have a good set of speakers that can do bass, adding a good amp could negate the use of a sub. But as always, a lot of it comes down to how much money you have to spend at any given time.

dizzy

I can get a used emotiva xpa 3 for $599 plus shipping. Is that worth it or should I go for more watts? Came across a sunfire grand 7x200 for $1195. Idk what is a good price for those. Also a sunfire TGA 5400 for $1400.

dizzy

Any opinions on this amp? Sherborun PA 7-350. Found one for $1499. Warranty good until 2022.

dizzy

Sherborun seems like a great amp but I was reading that it really needs a dedicated 20 amp circuit. I don't have that yet. Hopefully soon. The emotiva xpa 5 is an option. Most of the amps I'm finding are 200 wpc.

cfrizz

Any of the options you have named will do you just fine. The point of having all of that power is for having it on hand when the speakers need them. They will only take what they need at any given time. What is important, is that the power is there when they need it.

Personally, I would go for either one of the Sunfires.

dizzy

I'm leaning towards the xpa 5. That way I get a warranty. A new one is $899. Is the extra in price for the sunfire worth it compared to the emotiva since there is no warranty and it's much older?

dizzy

Do you think I can get away with the Outlaw model 5000? Its only 120 wpc but I'm sure its better than my receiver amp. I don't want to get something and then regret my decision down the road. I don't have demanding speakers but if I eventually upgrade again to better speakers, this amp probably won't do. Am I correct in this assumption? I don't see myself changing speakers soon though.

motorhead43026

Audioholics February 2015 has a test
on the 5000, they liked it.

cfrizz

dizzy wrote: »

Do you think I can get away with the Outlaw model 5000? Its only 120 wpc but I'm sure its better than my receiver amp. I don't want to get something and then regret my decision down the road. I don't have demanding speakers but if I eventually upgrade again to better speakers, this amp probably won't do. Am I correct in this assumption? I don't see myself changing speakers soon though.

Yes, the Outlaw will sound better than your receiver, but you also have to think about future needs/wants and with harder to drive speakers, the Outlaw may come up lacking or not be able to drive them to their full potential.

I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. I'm practical that way.

I have never heard an Emotiva amp, so I can't tell you if paired with the RTI series if the sound is extremely bright to my ears. as others have claimed the combo to be to theirs.

I also understand wanting new thereby hopefully not having to worry about problems with new gear. I used to be the same way.

But on the other hand, most of this gear is built to last for years. My main speakers will be 26 years old in Feb. and still play beautifully. all my other speakers are about 15 years old. My Sunfire pre and amp are about 15 years old as well all are working just fine. I will keep them till they die.

So again, unless you are a constant upgrader, or like tinkering with your gear, I think you will be fine buying used so long as whomever you buy it from has a good rep as a seller from whatever site you use.

Weigh all of your options, and decide for yourself. Keep us posted!

dizzy

I think this purchase will have to wait. Looks like it will be beneficial to have dedicated 20 amp receptacles. I plan to do that very soon. If I'm wrong and these amplifiers will work with 15 amp circuits, please let me know.

cfrizz

I have yet to see anyone come on here and say they tripped a breaker running their amplifier. Remember the amp will only take what it needs for power.

Most things stated are guidelines not absolute rules from manufacturers.

F1nut

Inherently bright speakers, yours and an inherently bright amp, the one you are considering are not a good match. I can't believe the same people keep recommending a 5 channel amp as if the surrounds are anything more than fill. Get a better sub.

dizzy

I have been considering quite a few different amps. Sherbourn looks good. Is $1000 a good price for a used sherbourn 7/2100a?

F1nut

Dizzy, it appears this is mainly an HT set up you have. HT isn't anywhere near as demanding as 2 channel. Your speakers are an easy load and you have one of the best AVR's out there. Get a better sub and be happy.

F1nut

dizzy wrote: »

I think this purchase will have to wait. Looks like it will be beneficial to have dedicated 20 amp receptacles. I plan to do that very soon. If I'm wrong and these amplifiers will work with 15 amp circuits, please let me know.

For educational purposes, not yours as much as someone else. When it is recommended that an amp be run on a 20 amp line it's not that it won't work on a 15 amp line, it's that the 15 amp line will choke the amp resulting in restricted dynamics and weaker bass.

dizzy

I plan on getting a better sub but an amp will make the speakers sound even better.
Which is the better deal? Sherbourn 7/2100a for $1000 or a B&K reference 200.5 for $1000.

cfrizz

Everyone says B&Ks rock with Polk speakers.