AMP Recommendations

simoes

I have a YAMAHA HTR-6180 which pumps out 105w/channel. I can use that to power my surrounds (Monitor 70 series II) and rears (Monitor 60 series II). I need to add an amp to power my fronts, RTI A7 and CSI A6. Looking at a 3x200 amp. Any recommendations?

Clipdat

Parasound usually pairs up well with the RTi series. The A31 is 3x250w.

rooftop59

That parasound is probably close to the cost of all his speakers and receiver combined...A more budget friendly option is outlaw audio monos: https://www.outlawaudio.com/mofcart/cmny2019.html

Even cheaper option is an outlaw 5000, use it to power everything but 2 speakers.

Clipdat

Yeah, I wasn't sure if buying new or used. Decent deal on the A31: https://www.ebay.com/itm/184076680553

rooftop59

Clipdat wrote: »

Yeah, I wasn't sure if buying new or used. Decent deal on the A31: https://www.ebay.com/itm/184076680553

That is a great deal!

Clipdat

Yes, assuming the seller has the original box.

Edit: He doesn't: "I no longer have the original box but will pack up extremely well for safe delivery."

I've heard that line before. I think we all know how that can end..

mhardy6647

There are folks who know how to pack...

Clipdat

simoes

My wife would toss me onto the curb if I spent 1.5k on a used amp! She's been begging for a louis vuitton purse for 5 years and would utterly lose her ****. What about the Monolith 3X? It's priced around 1k.

mhardy6647

I do wish I'd have taken "unboxing" photos of the preamp I recently bought. It was impressively packed. Overpacked, even -- and I pack for survival.

rooftop59

simoes wrote: »

My wife would toss me onto the curb if I spent 1.5k on a used amp! She's been begging for a louis vuitton purse for 5 years and would utterly lose her ****. What about the Monolith 3X? It's priced around 1k.

Three of the 200 WPC monoblocks from outlaw are $800 shipped, I would get those over the monoprice personally although I think they are both manufactured by ATI?!?

Either way, you better buy your wife that purse with the savings if you know what’s good for ya...

gudnoyez

A31 gets my vote, mine runs my fronts with authority.

simoes

Just pulled the trigger (without wife's knowledge of course) on three monoblocks. I think its great bang for your buck!

simoes

Hey Rooftop, in a different thread, you recommended adding the VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer. The thing is a beast so I was wondering if it would create a problem sitting next to the Optoma P1 ultra short throw projector. The projector will be sitting on a cabinet about 20 inches from the wall. I haven't experienced a sub of that size so do you think it will vibrate the **** out of the projector/stand and 120" projector screen mounted on the wall?

rooftop59

simoes wrote: »

Hey Rooftop, in a different thread, you recommended adding the VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer. The thing is a beast so I was wondering if it would create a problem sitting next to the Optoma P1 ultra short throw projector. The projector will be sitting on a cabinet about 20 inches from the wall. I haven't experienced a sub of that size so do you think it will vibrate the **** out of the projector/stand and 120" projector screen mounted on the wall?

I have the smaller but still potent HSU VTF 2.5. It doesn’t vibrate anything but @mrloren has a bigger one maybe he can chime in?!?

mrloren

simoes wrote: »

Hey Rooftop, in a different thread, you recommended adding the VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer. The thing is a beast so I was wondering if it would create a problem sitting next to the Optoma P1 ultra short throw projector. The projector will be sitting on a cabinet about 20 inches from the wall. I haven't experienced a sub of that size so do you think it will vibrate the **** out of the projector/stand and 120" projector screen mounted on the wall?

I have the VTF3-MK5 yes it can shake and rumble or be a tame roar. Great sub for the price. I have most of the small mantel stuff glued down as it was falling off. It does put out bass you can feel

As for putting it close to the projector, you might be ok. I'd call HSU they won't try to upsell you

My TV is about 5' away from the sub. The TV doesn't shake or vibrate at all.

simoes

Can the CSi A6 handle the 200 WPC monoblock? I ask that because Outlaw under rates the WPC.

I think I'm going to go with the VTF3-MK5 over the VTF-15H MK2. They have very similar specs/performance, but the VTF3-MK5 is a bit cheaper (better value I think). Let me see what boxing day brings...

BlueFox

Basically any decent stereo speaker can handle any amplifier power. Only a few watts are necessary to achieve good sound. The additional power is used for musical peaks lasting for a millisecond or two.

Nightfall

Peaks? What peaks? Modern music rides that brick walled borderline.

audioluvr

Ya! Watts don't mean anything if it sounds like carp!

mrloren

simoes wrote: »

Can the CSi A6 handle the 200 WPC monoblock? I ask that because Outlaw under rates the WPC.

I think I'm going to go with the VTF3-MK5 over the VTF-15H MK2. They have very similar specs/performance, but the VTF3-MK5 is a bit cheaper (better value I think). Let me see what boxing day brings...

Yes the CSiA6 can take that Outlaw monoblock easy. I drove my old CSiA6 with an Emotiva XPA3G3 till I got the LSiM. The Emo is rated @ 275 watts.

For the VTF3 over the 15H. They both use the same amp and driver, difference is the 15H is a lot bigger and will have a tad more low end. I like HSU subs but you might want to call SVS and see if any PB12-NSD are left. Two of those would be great.

audioluvr wrote: »

Ya! Watts don't mean anything if it sounds like carp!

1000% agree there. I'd take a 20 Watt class A any day.

gp4jesus

simoes wrote: »

Can the CSi A6 handle the 200 WPC monoblock? I ask that because Outlaw under rates the WPC.

When those Outlaw monos “hit their stride” you’ll be in pain, my friend! Besides quality WPC don't matter if you “keep it clean.” My A6‘s config has ~350 on tap - I sleep well😊. OTOH, if you watch a lot of action adventure flicks, you need the “juice.”

A couple of side notes: have you considered some dedicated power to feed all those high-powered toys? I’d say at least 3 20As plus a power conditioner for the TV, blu-ray, and pre/pro/AVR. Finally, you haven’t mentioned how much space you tryin’ to fill.

Merry Christmas! Tony

simoes

gp4jesus wrote: »

A couple of side notes: have you considered some dedicated power to feed all those high-powered toys? I’d say at least 3 20As plus a power conditioner for the TV, blu-ray, and pre/pro/AVR. Finally, you haven’t mentioned how much space you tryin’ to fill.

Merry Christmas! Tony

You guys sure can bankrupt a guy in seconds! I was going to use the 200WPC monoblocks to power the front three and my Yamaha AVR (105 WPC) to power the surrounds and rears. Was then going to throw in the VTF3-MK5 or VTF-15H MK2 (see after boxing day) to severely annoy the entire household with my action movies. All this will be hooked up to a Optoma P1 Cinemax UST projector (120" screen) and you're still suggesting that I need more?? I have a power bar with a fuse in it lol

BTW - I don't use Blu-ray or UHD players - I have an extensive library of over 2000 Blu-ray/UHD Remux rips on my computer which I will network with the projector.

The room is about 16x13 but open to the entire basement - not a typical room with 4 walls.

mrloren

Hahaha they need a disclaimer on this site. "We will help spend all your money".

The above is very true. I've seen post where the say they have a grand budget and wind up dropping $5k.

Stick in your budget, The 3 monoblocks and VTF3 will do you just fine. Maybe add another VTF3 next year

For AC power, it is nice to have separate circuits @ 20A, I run all my gear on a 15A as adding another circuit would cost too much. I've never tripped the breaker.

simoes

Another question...

I’ve always heard buy the biggest speaker you can afford. With that in mind, is it better to keep my A7s with the 200 WPC amp or would it be better to return them for the A9s. Would the same Amp provide them with enough power to take advantage of the bigger speaker?

rooftop59

simoes wrote: »

Another question...

I’ve always heard buy the biggest speaker you can afford. With that in mind, is it better to keep my A7s with the 200 WPC amp or would it be better to return them for the A9s. Would the same Amp provide them with enough power to take advantage of the bigger speaker?

If this is mainly for HT I would use the extra money for the sub(s) and keep the A7s...

rpf65

You were worried about the VTF 15 shaking your projector, and your thinking about A9’s for even more bass?

simoes

rooftop59 wrote: »

If this is mainly for HT I would use the extra money for the sub(s) and keep the A7s...

Only used for HT. Ok, I’ll keep the A7s. I appreciate everyone’s feedback and comments. It really speeds up the learning curve big time...

I did a quick search for power conditioners and I can see there are a million different types ranging from $40 to thousands haha

simoes

rpf65 wrote: »

You were worried about the VTF 15 shaking your projector, and your thinking about A9’s for even more bass?

I figured, if that huge monster didn't shake the projector, what's a couple of 7 inch drivers going to do lol

simoes

rooftop59 wrote: »

If this is mainly for HT I would use the extra money for the sub(s) and keep the A7s...

Going back to the A7s vs the A9s lol I just checked and the price difference on boxing day is $120+tax between the two? Great deal on the A9s! Wouldn't it be worth while to get them? My only concern is the monoblock not being able to power them properly?!? If that's the case, I'm not going to invest more $$$ on amps...

gp4jesus

@simoes: your “space” is 16 X 13 but the “room” is much larger. Bigger speakers favor bigger spaces but bigger isn’t always better. Approximate distance to your LR?

I have a lot more I could say but others have kinda said it so instead I’ll expand on Mrloren’s post (copied from something I posted earlier today): you’re on a journey, that more than a few of us started years ago*. Decide what defines your system as complete. Consider all info w/the end & your wallet in mind. If you assemble your system like you should eat - slowly, one bite at a time, your patience will reward you.
*me, over 11 years ago and I’m still not finished but that’s for another day.

Many of us didn’t get where we are overnight* and neither will you - took me well over a year before I finalized my LR having had my existing CC & surrounds as above So take ❤️ by stepping slowly. That will prevent the expensive frustration of regrettable decisions.

Merry Christmas! Tony