Do I need an amp?

Ultiman

Hi guys, now that I've got my relatively new setup, I'm trying to determine if an amp would help out my sound. I know absolutely nothing about amps (what to get, where to get etc.).

I currently have a an Onkyo 503/530 reciever with Rti4s in the front, a Csi3 center, and R15s as surrounds. Thanks for any input!

Holydoc

Ultiman wrote:

Hi guys, now that I've got my relatively new setup, I'm trying to determine if an amp would help out my sound. I know absolutely nothing about amps (what to get, where to get etc.).

I currently have a an Onkyo 503/530 reciever with Rti4s in the front, a Csi3 center, and R15s as surrounds. Thanks for any input!

Looking at your receiver's specs it states that it has the capacity to pull 75watts per channel. Examining the Amps (6.2) from the owners manual, it would appear that this receiver does have a possibility to pull 75watts per channel with all channels driven (given that it is at least 80% efficient). I am surprised. Maybe Onkyo does not stretch their specs all the time.

Given that the RTI4's need 20watts - 125
CSis need 20-180watts
R15 need 10-100watts

You did not state what your configuration was but it sounds like a 5.1 system. If this in fact your current configuration, then the Onkyo should be able to handle this load fairly well. If Onkyo continues the trend of sharing power within their receivers, then blasting volumes may put some stress on your speakers but nothing that I would worry too much about.

Though I love my amp and it made quite the difference, I am not sure that you will reap that much of a benefit attaching an amp to your current configuration.

Just my humble opinion. *shrug*

Ultiman

That is just the kind of answer I was looking for. Thanks for the help!

SuperDave

The Outlaw amp treating you good?

Early B.

Holydoc wrote:

Though I love my amp and it made quite the difference, I am not sure that you will reap that much of a benefit attaching an amp to your current configuration.

Ditto. If you really want to upgrade, put the RTi4's in the rear and go with a RTi8 or 10 in the front. Then swap out the Csi3 with a Csi5. Or get a huge, kickass sub.

Holydoc

SuperDave wrote:

The Outlaw amp treating you good?

Dave,

This was my first and only amp so I cannot tell you whether it performs better or worse than any other. All I can tell you is that for my system, it made the surround system come alive. So far it has handled everything that I have thrown at it with ease. It makes no ambient noise and works as advertised. I know that I have not turned my system too much higher than reference level (even for show off purposes) because it makes it nearly impossible to stay in the same room. It is heavy like a lead block and gets warm but never hot, even when played for many hours.

I have had zero problems with it and have been very happy with it. I guess in the long run, that is what matters.

zingo

Onkyo makes good power. They are pretty true to specs and powerful enough. I wouldn't invest in their speakers sets, they seemed a little cheap to me, but then again this is CP.

wingnut4772

I can vouch for the Outlaw also as I used to have one. It is a very nice amp for the dough. I just upgraded to something with nore power but it was more $$$. Outlaw's customer service is second to none.

Willow

I think Andrew has/had an amp connected to his 4's and said it made them sing, I havenever read that he was not happy with his 4's being powered by an amp.

aaharvel

Willow wrote:

I think Andrew has/had an amp connected to his 4's and said it made them sing, I havenever read that he was not happy with his 4's being powered by an amp.

there was a difference with my former separate setup, which is why hate to sell of some stuff, but it wasn't night and day either.