Do I need an Amp?

Grzegorz

I’m thinking of buying a HK PA4000 Amplifier, only because I can get it for a great price. I’m new to the HT hobby and am not too sure how an AMP will benefit my current setup.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Current Setup:

HK AVR630


Polk RTi8's
Polk CSi5
Polk Fxi3's
Polk PSW505

amulford

Any time you add an amp, it takes part of the load off of your receiver, which is a good thing. I would use it for the mains, to get the most for 2 CH.

Just my .02.

Grzegorz

This system is only used for HT, my system upstairs is used for music.

lonwa

As long as you spend at least as much on the amp as you did on the receiver, then you will be better off in my mind.

A receiver is great for an all-in-one solution, but in order to provide all the features, they must sacrifice something, and that usually is on the amplification side. If you have even seen a mono block amplifier, then you see how much space is required to provide good power to your speakers (and thats just one speaker), and since your receiver has to be a decent size, provide processing, video switching, and power 5+ speakers at once, you will usually never get comparable amplification from a receiver than from an amp (which only has to power your speakers, nothing else).

If you have a dollar amount in mind for your new amp, that will help people here to recommend specific units. I am not familiar with your current receiver's specs, maybe if you post them we could give you a better recommendation on amps that will at least match your current receiver's amplification.

Hope this helps

Lonwa

Ceruleance

the 630 is a strong receiver, I would put your money elsewhere other than an amp, especially because it is only for home theater. I get reference level from my 50wpc H/K DPR-1001 without clipping.

Airplay355

screw the amp, get a ncie tv or some great speaker wire, or add something else to your two channel rig. your receiver is fine.

if you plan on blasting movies then get an amp, if u listen at normal levels the its probably not that big of an issue.

but hey its ur cash, u want an amp, get an amp...theres no way u could be degrading the sound by getting an amp

Grzegorz

Thanks for your reply's.

I think i'll pass on the Amp.

Now...what else can I buy?

Sami

Originally posted by Grzegorz
Now...what else can I buy?

LOL. An easy answer looking at your HT system...a better subwoofer.

Grzegorz

You really think I should upgrade my PSW505, I just bought it a month ago. I think it sounds fantastic but I’ve never heard a SVS (they look sweet)

Sami

Originally posted by Grzegorz
You really think I should upgrade my PSW505, I just bought it a month ago. I think it sounds fantastic but I’ve never heard a SVS (they look sweet)

With what you have, my suggestion for next upgrade would definately be a subwoofer. Which one, depends on how much money you're looking to spend. SVS has 45 day return policy so the only thing you have to lose is shipping costs. I don't think you would be returning it though...