I want to amplify...
mdaudioguy
Posts: 5,165
I'd like to add an amp to my system:
Fronts: RTi10
Center: CSiA4
Surrounds: FXi3
Back and Front "Presence" speakers: 2 pairs of Def Tech Pro Monitor 800's
Sub: AV123 MFW-15
My AVR is a Yamaha RX-V661. I just think I could use a little more juice to power the RTi10's, since I'm also driving so many other speakers. This would be my first amp; hence the questions...
My initial thought was to get a 5-channel amp to drive the mains/center/surrounds and let the Yamaha power the backs/presence speakers. I'm leaning toward Emotiva, on the basis of the good review I've read and the pretty competitive prices.
My concern is the variance in the "Recommended Amplifier Power" of my speakers:
RTi10: 20-300 w/channel
CSiA4: 20-180 w/channel
FXi3: 20-125 w/channel
Pro Monitor 800: 10 – 150 watts
The 200 w/channel of Emotiva's XPA-5 would seem to be perfect for the RTi10's, but could it be a potential problem for my other speakers? Would I be better off with a 2-channel amp for just the fronts? Maybe a 3-channel amp for fronts and center would be the best compromise... Any thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks,
Ed
Fronts: RTi10
Center: CSiA4
Surrounds: FXi3
Back and Front "Presence" speakers: 2 pairs of Def Tech Pro Monitor 800's
Sub: AV123 MFW-15
My AVR is a Yamaha RX-V661. I just think I could use a little more juice to power the RTi10's, since I'm also driving so many other speakers. This would be my first amp; hence the questions...
My initial thought was to get a 5-channel amp to drive the mains/center/surrounds and let the Yamaha power the backs/presence speakers. I'm leaning toward Emotiva, on the basis of the good review I've read and the pretty competitive prices.
My concern is the variance in the "Recommended Amplifier Power" of my speakers:
RTi10: 20-300 w/channel
CSiA4: 20-180 w/channel
FXi3: 20-125 w/channel
Pro Monitor 800: 10 – 150 watts
The 200 w/channel of Emotiva's XPA-5 would seem to be perfect for the RTi10's, but could it be a potential problem for my other speakers? Would I be better off with a 2-channel amp for just the fronts? Maybe a 3-channel amp for fronts and center would be the best compromise... Any thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks,
Ed
Post edited by mdaudioguy on
Comments
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Welcome to Club Polk. The EMO is a good bargain for an HT setup. At the prices they have been offering you should be pleased.
BenPlease. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
Thanks
Ben -
Both your center and surround speakers are very easy to push. You will notice a difference when adding some external power to them rti 10's.
Haven't dealt with Emotiva but can tell Rotel is also a great amp. I would say atleast get a 2 channel but if you got the coin a five channel would be the way to go. Especially if you ever plan to upgrade in the future. -
Hey Ed,
Welcome to CP, it's good to see you over here. The Emo is a bargain for a 5 channel amp and you don't need to worry about overdriving any of your speakers. You'll likely never reach max output on the amp, and those ranges are very generic guidelines. That said, there are a ton of amp alternatives. Lots of us use multiple 2 channel amps or amps that are quite a bit further up the foodchain than Emo, but $ per watt, they are very hard to beat unless you go vintage/used.
Combo rig:
Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
PB13Ultra RO
BW Silvers
Oppo BDP-83SE -
Yup go for the Emo or look at a 5-7 channel Outlaw Audio. All of your speakers will be just fine & sound terrific with it!
That amp will stay with you to drive any other speakers now & in the future.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
I have the XPA-5 driving my RTi10’s. I can’t image them sounding any better. I don’t have my other speakers connected to the XPA-5 yet, but I plan to.
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i have owned several pieces of emotiva gear over the past year and i have just LOVED it all. Cant go wrong. Solid quality, excellent performance.
I currently have the RPA-1 and XPA-3. just stellar sound guys, words cannot describe what these did for my systemPro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands -
Thanks everybody! I really appreciate the comments. Emotiva (XPA-5) has caught my attention based on two factors: cost, and the fact that I've read many people commenting on how cool they run. I'm not equipped to run anything that gets too hot. Yes, I know you'd tell me to ditch my cabinet and get a more open rack, but I've got to work with what I've got. That said, I was wondering: if I offload 5 of 7 channels from my AVR to an amp, will the AVR run cooler? I'm assuming it would, as it gets fairly warm sometime now, but it is driving a lot of speakers. I've read where some say the Emo's barely get above room temp. Sounds like a stretch, but who knows?
I figure I have until the end of the month to decide, as Emotiva's sale runs until then.... decisions, decisions!!! -
Sort of off topic, but not really...
I too have been looking at this amp to drive my RTi10 fronts and well as a CSiA6 center. My amp is HK 354 (75w per) and have the understanding that getting an amp such as the XPA-5 will really bring out the best in the 10's. Is there a noticeable difference in the 10/XPA-5 combo at normal listening levels? Like most things on the internet, I've read contradicting posts in various corners of the web. Right now I live in an apartment and am wondering if I'm going to notice any difference with my constrained listening levels.
Just thought we might be able to add this into the conversation...Samsung Plasma (50A530)
Bell ExpressVu 6100
Toshiba PRV (RD-SX35SU)
Pioneer DVD w/upconvert (DV-490V)
PlayStation 3
Harman Kardon AVR 354
Polk CSi A6 Center
Polk RTi10 Fronts
Polk M20 Rears
D-Box Sub
Harmony 880
Acoustic Research/Rocketfish cabling -
You have obviously been over at the Audioholics forum listening to the crackpots over there.
Yes there will be an improvement in sound quality at ALL listening levels.
I have always lived in apt buildings and what I noticed is that once I got an amp, I was actually able to lower my volume & still hear it as clear as anything.
It will sound cleaner, clearer & when you want it to LOUD without any strain on either speakers or amplifier!
Now I didn't notice any difference in temp in my receiver when I had one. I think it is what it is. It will always be warm whether the internal amps are used or not.Sort of off topic, but not really...
I too have been looking at this amp to drive my RTi10 fronts and well as a CSiA6 center. My amp is HK 354 (75w per) and have the understanding that getting an amp such as the XPA-5 will really bring out the best in the 10's. Is there a noticeable difference in the 10/XPA-5 combo at normal listening levels? Like most things on the internet, I've read contradicting posts in various corners of the web. Right now I live in an apartment and am wondering if I'm going to notice any difference with my constrained listening levels.
Just thought we might be able to add this into the conversation...Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
YEPP
transiter radio
polk speaker -
YEPP
transiter radio
polk speaker
Ooooh-kaaay... So I see you replied "YEPP" in three different threads...
I don't get it. -
Probably wants sell something on the Flea Market...trying to get his post count to 25. Empty posts usually don't work well around here, but we've been asked to be nice, so he might not get eaten by sharks.
Combo rig:
Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
PB13Ultra RO
BW Silvers
Oppo BDP-83SE -
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YEPP!! LOL..
I'm in the same boat as the previous 2 RTi10 owners...
I have a Pio Elite VSX-92, I really like the sound of the 10's... But I want a broader soundstage, and more out of the mids.
I have a Question...
Will the following work, or is it overkill?
Getting an Emotiva XPA-5, bi-amp the 10's and run everything else from the Pio?
What would be the best setup?HT:
Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.
Living Room:
Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7 -
pablo_rodz wrote: »YEPP!! LOL..
I'm in the same boat as the previous 2 RTi10 owners...
I have a Pio Elite VSX-92, I really like the sound of the 10's... But I want a broader soundstage, and more out of the mids.
I have a Question...
Will the following work, or is it overkill?
Getting an Emotiva XPA-5, bi-amp the 10's and run everything else from the Pio?
What would be the best setup?
Not sure how you would do that for a 5 channel amp but maybe.
Consider 2 Carver TFM-25s, bi-amp each amp to speaker.Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs -
What is the facsination with biamping? The speakers will already be getting 200wpc which is more than they will ever tap into except for short periods of time. Just run all speakers off the Emo & enjoy.
It's about having HEADROOM when needed and to ensure that your speakers are operating to thier full potential & at less risk for damage by being under driven.
While there is no such thing as overkill, there is such a thing as making it more complicated then it has to be!pablo_rodz wrote: »YEPP!! LOL..
I'm in the same boat as the previous 2 RTi10 owners...
I have a Pio Elite VSX-92, I really like the sound of the 10's... But I want a broader soundstage, and more out of the mids.
I have a Question...
Will the following work, or is it overkill?
Getting an Emotiva XPA-5, bi-amp the 10's and run everything else from the Pio?
What would be the best setup?Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
What is the fascination with biamping?
I'm actually going to attempt to answer that! Many of us have only been exposed to speakers with a single set of terminals, no matter how many drivers were in the cabinet. For me, this was the only configuration I'd ever seen in my life.
Then, one day I decide to go out and buy myself some nicer speakers. I get them home, pull them out of the box, and much to my surprise (and bewilderment) I find that each speaker had 2 sets of terminals!?!
Hmmm... never seen this before - better check the manual. It says that these things are bi-ampable! Hmmm... they can also be bi-wired. That's strange, I think... it seems like 2 amps/channels per speaker might make a difference, but what's 2 sets of wires per speaker going to do???
I check out the manual for my new receiver. Hmmm... it supports bi-amping too!! Clearly this must be better, 'cause why else would it be there? It sounds kind of advanced, too. Guys like us can't help ourselves - we like to think that if something seems like it should be better, and if average people aren't familiar with it and doing it too, then it must BE better... even if it honestly doesn't sound different (let alone better), we tell ourselves, "It's got to be better!" Some of us just can't shake these impulses.;)
But don't worry about me... I don't have the biamping fascination. I've decided that I'll probably never own a speaker that a single 200W channel can't drive. -
Men!:eek::D;)
The only problem with that is that if using the receiver to biamp it is STILL coming from the amp in the receiver which can't even give you the power that it is rated for, much less more!mdaudioguy wrote: »I'm actually going to attempt to answer that! Many of us have only been exposed to speakers with a single set of terminals, no matter how many drivers were in the cabinet. For me, this was the only configuration I'd ever seen in my life.
Then, one day I decide to go out and buy myself some nicer speakers. I get them home, pull them out of the box, and much to my surprise (and bewilderment) I find that each speaker had 2 sets of terminals!?!
Hmmm... never seen this before - better check the manual. It says that these things are bi-ampable! Hmmm... they can also be bi-wired. That's strange, I think... it seems like 2 amps/channels per speaker might make a difference, but what's 2 sets of wires per speaker going to do???
I check out the manual for my new receiver. Hmmm... it supports bi-amping too!! Clearly this must be better, 'cause why else would it be there? It sounds kind of advanced, too. Guys like us can't help ourselves - we like to think that if something seems like it should be better, and if average people aren't familiar with it and doing it too, then it must BE better... even if it honestly doesn't sound different (let alone better), we tell ourselves, "It's got to be better!" Some of us just can't shake these impulses.;)
But don't worry about me... I don't have the biamping fascination. I've decided that I'll probably never own a speaker that a single 200W channel can't drive.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
mdaudioguy wrote: »I'm actually going to attempt to answer that! Many of us have only been exposed to speakers with a single set of terminals, no matter how many drivers were in the cabinet. For me, this was the only configuration I'd ever seen in my life.
Then, one day I decide to go out and buy myself some nicer speakers. I get them home, pull them out of the box, and much to my surprise (and bewilderment) I find that each speaker had 2 sets of terminals!?!
Hmmm... never seen this before - better check the manual. It says that these things are bi-ampable! Hmmm... they can also be bi-wired. That's strange, I think... it seems like 2 amps/channels per speaker might make a difference, but what's 2 sets of wires per speaker going to do???
I check out the manual for my new receiver. Hmmm... it supports bi-amping too!! Clearly this must be better, 'cause why else would it be there? It sounds kind of advanced, too. Guys like us can't help ourselves - we like to think that if something seems like it should be better, and if average people aren't familiar with it and doing it too, then it must BE better... even if it honestly doesn't sound different (let alone better), we tell ourselves, "It's got to be better!" Some of us just can't shake these impulses.;)
But don't worry about me... I don't have the biamping fascination. I've decided that I'll probably never own a speaker that a single 200W channel can't drive.
LOL!!
Did you get into my brain HT:
Projector - JVC HD100, 100" Fixed Screen, A/V Receiver - Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, Power Conditioner - Panamax M5300-EX, BluRay - Sony PS3, (2) ADCOM GFA 555 Bridged, Speakers - LSi 15, LSi C, LSi FX, Sub - 12" M&K VX-1250.
Living Room:
Schiit Saga, Parasound HCA-600, OPPO BDP-103D, LSi7 -
I saw this on Agon for a great price
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1234163092&/Adcom-7805-300-watt-5-channelShoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!
Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580 -
mdaudioguy wrote: »I'd like to add an amp to my system:
I'm leaning toward Emotiva, on the basis of the good review I've read and the pretty competitive prices.
The 200 w/channel of Emotiva's XPA-5 would seem to be perfect for the RTi10's, but could it be a potential problem for my other speakers? Would I be better off with a 2-channel amp for just the fronts? Maybe a 3-channel amp for fronts and center would be the best compromise... Any thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks,
Ed
You might want to check out this thread:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74775&highlight=EMOTIVAMAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s -
You might want to check out this thread:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74775&highlight=EMOTIVA
Yeah, thanks. I actually followed that whole situation on AVS for a while, and then I decided that I'd never be in that guy's shoes, because I'm just not that guy. Know what I mean? Seriously, if I believed all the stuff I read about AV123, I wouldn't own one of their subs... and I really do enjoy my MFW-15. I also think that I'd very likely enjoy an Emotiva amp!
