RTi-12, and Amplifiers

captainmoop

Greetings Polksters,

I was hoping to get some clarification to a few issues concerning my current system and my search for amplifiers.

1, With my current set up, would you guy's (in your infinate audio wisdom) recommend I go with a parasound HCA-2205 AT 5 channel amp (220 wats RMS x 5 @ 8 ohms) to drive all my speakers or go with a (higher end) Parasound halo A-21 (250 wats RMS x 2 @ 8 ohms) to drive my RTi-12's, or go with 2-Halo A-23's Bridged for (400 wats RMS x 1 @ 8 ohms) power to the RTi-12's.

2, On my last thread the response was to supply a minimum of 200 -300 wpc to realize the true capabilities of the 12's. I can get 2-A23's supplying 400 w to each speaker for less than the price of the A-21 supplying 250 w. Is ther a reason not to go for the 2-A23's other than space?

3, Would it improve my 404 sub to supply 200 wpc when it already has a built in amp?

4, does amperage matter?

My budget is around $2000 for amp. I will probably upgrade my center to the Csi-5 and look for a separate 200 wpc amp to drive it, unless I go with the 5-channel amp.

Please keep in mind this is the system for my home office / man cave and the room is about 12' x 12'. When the kids are older I might move the system into a larger room.

Your infinate knowlege is greatly appreciated, I'm still new to all this, but learning quickly (what a great hobby)!

Tour2ma

First: Welcome... First time we've "spoken".

Second: I can see why you gave up on your other thread. Got a little rowdy overthere... but you did get an answer, and I agree... the 12's could stand more power to make them sing during 2 ch listening.

I will say that the 12's are a lot of speaker for your room size, especially in light of a sub being in the mix for HT.

Now as to your questions...

1.) I can't see buying a 5 ch amp when you have a TOTL AVR. No reason to reduce it to only being a Pre-Pro.... It would be a significant waste of coinage, if you did that. Now, if you can still return the Elite, whole different ball game. But assuming the Elites is there to stay...
I'd look to your 2 ch amps options. As to which choice... I'm in no way the Parasound expert around here... dorokusai or one of the others who know there product well, may chime in. However, I would suggest you see if your dealer will allow you to demo both in your home and pick a winner.

2.) Twin 2-ch amps bridged to mono are a great way to go. Also affords you the ability to play with bi-amping with them in stereo mode, use them for surrounds down the road, etc... Separates just add more flexibility. And if the twin 23's are cheaper to boot... more's the better...

3.) Most here would suggest that you feed your sub using the Elite's sub output to the 404's LFE input, rather than via the 404's speaker level connections. However, when using speaker level connections, the main speakers' amp rating is immaterial.

4.) Amperage does matter... You get more amperage with increased amplifier power ratings, but really good amps have peak to peak current spec's that are well above that you'd calculate based upon an amp's power rating. The Paraounds are definitely in this "upper class". The 21 is a near-monster at 60 amperes/ ch; the 21 is no slouch at 45/ch in the stereo mode, but bridged it's going to be around 80 each (I'd guess).

The above makes me think you could make do with a single 23, but WTH, get two...

Enjoy...

CDA

I am in the same situation with the rti12's. I believe I am going to go with Outlaw's 200-m for a couple reasons.

1. I can start with 2 to power the 12's and add more as my system gets bigger (harder to drive)

2. 200wp for a single unit that goes for $300 is perfect. Also, The more you buy the cheaper they get.

3. No fans are required so you don't have a hum during quiet scenes.

Check out Outlaw Audio's site and read what owners think.

Emlyn

Big Parasound fan here. You don't need a five channel amp unless you plan on getting large surround speakers.

I have an A23 and have used it to drive RTi12s by itself before. It does just fine by itself, especially in a small room. I also have an A21. It's a much more powerful and refined amp. I wouldn't recommend bridging A23s in place of using an A21. If you keep your eye on AudioAdvisor, they occasionally have demo models of the A21 available. I got mine for a little less than $1500.

The name coding system the Halo amplifier line uses designates the last digit as the "class" of the item. John Curl has said that "1" stands for first class in terms of internal parts selection and "3" stands for third class for the product line.

From the old Parasound line, I'd recommend looking for a used HCA-3500. It would be overkill in your small room, but if you're looking to the future and possiblly moving your gear to a larger room, it may be a better choice. You can find one of those amps for less than the cost of two new A23s.

captainmoop

Thanks for the great information and quick response. I will make my decision on this later this week. Looking forward to pulling the tru beat out of the RTi-12's. I also ordered a new DVD audio in 5.1 "studio voodoo" I guess it is supposed to really give an excellent ear test for surround enthusiasts, real trible stuff. Again....... thanks for everyones advice.

Tour2ma

You're welcome...

Please let us know what you by and your results...

GaryZ06

Originally posted by CDA
I am in the same situation with the rti12's. I believe I am going to go with Outlaw's 200-m for a couple reasons.

1. I can start with 2 to power the 12's and add more as my system gets bigger (harder to drive)

2. 200wp for a single unit that goes for $300 is perfect. Also, The more you buy the cheaper they get.

3. No fans are required so you don't have a hum during quiet scenes.

Check out Outlaw Audio's site and read what owners think.

I will probably be doing the samething......I will use 3 Outlaw 200-m's.....2 for mt RTi12's and 1 my center CSi5.....and my Pioneer 1014 will handle the rear surrounds......This should and I hope will be a big difference then running with my 1014..