How much power???

DesertPilot

I'm sure you get this question all the time. But, what the heck. Here's my setup. I'd like to upgrade my amp but could use some advice on how much power would be adequate.

room is rectangle, 19' wide by 21' long.

Primarily home theater (DVD movies) viewing (lengthwise). But play a fair amount of music at moderate listening levels.

left and right speakers are RTi6

center is CSi5

rear left/right surrounds are RTi6

two PSW505 subs, on the floor, under the rear surrounds

Currently, I am using a Denon 1804 (90 watts per channel).


Everything I read on this forum suggests that this is not enough power. So what are your thoughts?

super appreciate your input.

Marcus

Toxis

Are you happy with the sound/output?

Early B.

You have a nice setup. The 1804 should be plenty of power for the RTi6's, especially at moderate listening levels as you indicated.

DesertPilot

Oh yes, I am happy with the sound. And I wish I could try my speakers with a more powerful amp just to find out if I can hear a dfference.

I'm kind of waiting on another amp for two reasons:

1) I'd like a DVI/HDMI interface through the receiver. I really like being able to switch video sources and sound sources through the receiver.

2) And I want to take a look at the new computers that offer Windows XP multi media since I am using downloaded music a lot.

thx...Marcus

PolknPepsi

Hi,
I have always used a reciever for music. (the last 15-20 years)
Looking to get an amplifier to play with, use my reciever as a pre.
Just my wife in our house and mostly music/with a little movie watching on the weekends. For my use the 150-250 watts per channel is what I have been checking into. It just brings out the instruments and makes things sound more real if that makes sense. With all that power I just won't get silly with the volume and everything will be ok.

................Pat

F1nut

Marcus,

It sounds like you're not really looking for a new amp, but a new receiver. Don't confuse the two because they are different animals. Getting a new receiver with, say 150 wpc isn't going to be much different than what you have now. Adding a seperate amp (if you can use the receiver as a pre), at say 150 wpc would make a difference that you'll hear although with downloaded music I think what you're going to hear is how bad it really is.




Pat,

I've got a nice Rotel amp in the flea market.

Airplay355

i agree with f1

why do you want a dvi input on the receiver? its better to go directly from the source to your tv, don't add your receiver in the loop.

downloaded music can offer tolerable quality, sometimes. usually the bitrates are wrong and it sounds like crap. just buy the cd man lol.

HBombToo

Originally posted by PolknPepsi

Looking to get an amplifier to play with, use my reciever as a pre.
................Pat

I am there. my hk 520 is used as a pre/pro only. a seperate amp is the only way to go IMHO. I have an outlaw

Twin

RuSsMaN

200-250 wpc should be enough. You could go 150-180 on the rears if you wanted to.

Cheers,
Russ

amulford

I'm w/ Russ. 200 WPC on the front. You could go less on the rears, unless you plan to listen to a lot of multi channel music. I think you'll find the downloads stink w/ more power, though...

DesertPilot

WOW! Thanks everyone for all the replies. You're kind of leading me to the same conclusion. Use my receiver as a pre and simply get a more powerful amp. 200wpc sounds about right.

Gosh...the more I get in to this...the more I want. hahaha.

Marcus

amulford

Gosh...the more I get in to this...the more I want. hahaha.

Yeah, tell me about it...;)