Just got a preamp/amp. Need help!

mhartman29

I've had my RT5000 system for a few years now and I finally decided it was time to power them properly. After seeing some of the reviews for the Emotiva Ultra HT line, and the price, I decided to take the the plunge.

It hasn't arrived yet, but I'd like to be ready when it does. First I'll need some cables to connect the preouts to the amp. I was looking at http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023602&p_id=2681&seq=1&format=2 these from monoprice, but 3ft seems a bit long. Any other good suggestions?

Also, the LPA-1 amp is described as follows: a Configurable power output as follows: 125 watts/8 ohms x 6 channels or 125 watts/8 ohms x 5 channels plus 2 x 50 watts/8 ohms x 2 channels.

Like I said, I have the RT5000 system, no subwoofer. How would you recommend I connect the speakers? The LPA's user manual says "When connecting the LPA-1 to drive a 7.1 system, you can use channels 1-5 for the
“Main” speakers as you wish, but Emotiva recommends using channels 6 and 7 as the “Rear Back” surround channels so that the power is distributed correctly in the room. This will yield the best results from the front L/C/R speakers and the main surround channels."

Using this setup, won't that mean that the rears (fx1000s) will get 50 watts each to power them? Will this give them enough juice?

Face

If you're spending that much on a amp, please get some decent cables. I'd heavily recommend SignalCable, they give a ClubPolk discount also. BJC are a little cheaper, but I hate the terminations they use.

I used those Monoprice cables briefly, they were a temporary fix until I figured out what lengths I needed. They sound great as long as you don't mind the sound of a blanket thrown over your speakers.

mhartman29

I tried looking at BJC but I couldn't figure out what I needed! Their site is a tad bit complicated for a relative AV/HT novice.

Looking at signals site, is this what you would use?

peffy03

oops

peffy03

more like
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/6channel/index.htm
in the options choose 7.1

Face

http://signalcable.com/analog_interconnects.html

mhartman29

I priced out the following for Signal cables:

Set of 5 HT analog interconnects (preamp to amp connection): $115
Ultra speaker wire for 2 front mains and a center channel: $176

I'm not buying speaker cable for the satellites, yet. That's $291 for cables! Are they worth it?

Ricardo

Signal Cable is worth every penny. Great cables.

And by the way, Frank gives a 5% discount to Polk forum members.

Face

mhartman29 wrote: »

I priced out the following for Signal cables:

Set of 5 HT analog interconnects (preamp to amp connection): $115
Ultra speaker wire for 2 front mains and a center channel: $176

I'm not buying speaker cable for the satellites, yet. That's $291 for cables! Are they worth it?

Some of us have spent much more than that from Signal.

danger boy

mhartman29 wrote: »

I priced out the following for Signal cables:

Set of 5 HT analog interconnects (preamp to amp connection): $115
Ultra speaker wire for 2 front mains and a center channel: $176

I'm not buying speaker cable for the satellites, yet. That's $291 for cables! Are they worth it?

you will not be disappointed if you go with Signal Cables.. they are quite good. and the seller, Frank does give a discount as mentioned above.

mhartman29

I haven't received them, yet, but I went ahead and ordered some Signal cables. Aside from all the advice here, what sealed the deal for me was Frank actually taking time out of his vacation (he's overseas right now) to cell me because I had a few questions I wanted to ask him before ordering.

That's some customer service!

ninerbj

Excellent! Frank and his products are top notch! enjoy the new set up.

engtaz

reported