Do I need an amp?

byule

Hey guys,

So here's my situation. My setup consists of RT800i's in front, FX500i's in the rear, a CS400i in the center, and a psw303 sub. I'm currently driving them with a Yamaha HTR-6060 which claims an RMS wattage of 105 per channel. Now the problem is that I feel the sound sounds very "muddy" and flat. Playing at a volume level of +0dB is very loud but I feel it sounds less impressive than most lower end systems. So my question is do I need an external amplifier to drive these speakers or do I just not have them setup correctly. The volume level is definitely loud enough but I wasn't sure if the lower wattage on the amplifiers output is too blame for the pour sound quality.

Any input would be appreciated
Thanks

aaharvel

you could use a 5channel amp. Or if space is an issue, just get a better avr. You can start with B&K, an upper-level H/K, adcom, outlaw, etc... Sure there will be recommendations either way. welcome to club polk.

Mike682

byule wrote: »

Hey guys,

So here's my situation. My setup consists of RT800i's in front, FX500i's in the rear, a CS400i in the center, and a psw303 sub. I'm currently driving them with a Yamaha HTR-6060 which claims an RMS wattage of 105 per channel. Now the problem is that I feel the sound sounds very "muddy" and flat. Playing at a volume level of +0dB is very loud but I feel it sounds less impressive than most lower end systems. So my question is do I need an external amplifier to drive these speakers or do I just not have them setup correctly. The volume level is definitely loud enough but I wasn't sure if the lower wattage on the amplifiers output is too blame for the pour sound quality.

Any input would be appreciated
Thanks

First, did you calibrate your system?

Also, if this unit has an impedence switch in the back, set it to 8 ohms

If these don't improve your sound then just like aaharvel said, either add an amp or pick up an HK or Adcom, etc.

hockeyboy

I agree with aaharvel. You can get a better AVR- my Marantz 5001 downstairs would drive that nicely. That Yamaha is a 7 channel amp at 90 watts and you are using only 5 channels. Not sure if it is possible but maybe you can bi amp the two spare channels to drive the fronts. Fellow Polkies might have better input than me. My solution is usually to spend more money.

engtaz

3 channel amp would do or 1 mono and 1 - 2 channel amp. 105 watts a channel is enough to run the back and side speakers. The back and side speakers don't get pushed to hard in HT, so amp is not as important as it is with the front 3 speakers. The general opinion is around 200 watts a channel will support most speakers and speaker upgrades. Mike682 already covert the first thing to do.
Good luck and have fun,
engtaz

byule

hey thanks for the replies. As far as calibrating goes i used the built in yamaha auto calibration mic

Ern Dog

If you could borrow someone's amp, it would be a quick way to find out if this resolves the problem. Could also be a problem with your source or speakers.

Has your rig always sounded this way or did you make any recent changes? I know that I was in heaven for the first year I got my Monitor 70's, then I started to grow more and more dissatisfied with their performance until I couldn't stand them- then I upgraded to Rti10's.