To amp or not to amp...

dephinistr8

Hi all. I'll save myself some typing and let you see the setup I have for my home theater in my sig. My question is, should I bother with and amp? The Denon 3808 seems to do a fine job of powering everything, and I'm happy with it, although I'm wondering if I'm missing anything.

Thanks!

janmike

I owned the Rti series at one point and added a Rotel 2CH amp (the 1080) with the Yamaha Receiver (RX-v1500). I did notice an improvement with the amp. I would see if you could borrow an amp and experiment to see if you notice a difference before purchasing one.

Ricardo

I have the 3808 powering RTi8's, CSi5 and four small surrounds. Those 130 WPC might be overrated, but they are more than enough to drive these speakers. You have smaller fronts so I don't think an amp would make a difference. In the RTi line, IMO once you hit to the RTi10 or 12 you will need an amp to drive those woofers.
Borrowing an amp might be a good idea, but I would not recommend you to buy one...use that money for a good subwoofer and you'll be set.

dephinistr8

Thanks for the quick replies.

I think I'll probably just stick with the receiver as it is for now. Now onto the next question..what's wrong with my sub?
I think it sounds ok, although I am fairly new to the home theater world. Any suggestions there?

janmike

Not too sure about the sub you have, but I own a SVS sub. I could not be happier. Amazing depth for HT.

Ricardo

You won't know what you are missing until you hear (I should really say feel...) a powerful-low hitting sub. Nothing wrong with that one..it will do what it was designed for. It will reach down to 32 Hz. Action movies have lots of info that goes well below that, so a sub that reaches closer to 20 Hz will make a huge difference.
If you are thinking of buying an amp, you have money to spend. We love helping others spend their money

I would look into the new Polk DSW PRO line, or SVS. Buy the best sub you can afford and you won't regret it.

Frank840

dont buy a Sub fromt tweeter I cant beleive that store what a ripoff. The PSW505 is Is Very nice too that 125 wouldnt stand a chance.

dephinistr8

Thanks for the info. I am happy with my 125 as of now, and since I recently bought it (november) I doubt I can justify upgrading yet.

Willow

let's just say, you can't and won't go wrong by adding external amps, but if it's worth the exra $$, only you can decide.

Grimster74

I'm running all RTi Series Polks with the 3808CI and an Outlaw 7700 amplifier. Before getting my 7700 back from repair I roughly ran the 3808 two weeks with the internal amplification and it did a fine job, got a little warm but did a fine job. Once I got my 7700 back and got everything hooked up, I DID notice an improvement, mainly in alot more head room and much cleaner sound. I don't feel you can go wrong with adding an external amplifier but the 3808 also does a fine job of powering the RTi Series.

dephinistr8

Thanks Grim,
BTW...I'll hook up w/you on COD4 sometime....I'm working on the campaign so when I go online I won't get shredded so quick

venomclan

If you are happy with your system now, then I saw keep it the way it is. If you add an amp, you will then wonder what a dedicated pre-amp will sound like, then a Dac, cables, etc... Save yourself, it is too late for the rest of us.
Venom

Sherardp

venomclan wrote: »

If you are happy with your system now, then I saw keep it the way it is. If you add an amp, you will then wonder what a dedicated pre-amp will sound like, then a Dac, cables, etc... Save yourself, it is too late for the rest of us.
Venom

You are so right, thats exactly how it went down for me. At least I can smile when I turn everything on, but the pockets have dents in them now.