To add external Amp. or not?

pablo_rodz
pablo_rodz Posts: 331
edited December 2008 in Speakers
I've been reading around, and I'm still not sure..

I have RTi10's as mains, hooked to a Pio Elite VSX-92. Should I add an external amp for the RTi10's?

Of course I want to use the RTis to their full potential, I want to make 'em sing...

What wattage should I be looking at? 200wpc? any recommendations?

Thanks in Advance!
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
Post edited by pablo_rodz on
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Comments

  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited December 2008
    Welcome Pablo.

    Yes 200wpc is usually enough power for you to hear a real improvement in the sound quality. It is also enough to drive any speakers you might upgrade to in the future.

    Also look for a 5 channel to amp all of them. Once you hear the difference in your mains you will just end up wanting to amp all of them anyway.

    Look on Audiogon for Parasound, Sunfire, B & K, Nad, Adcom, Rotel. For good bang for the buck new look at Emotiva, & Outlaw Audio.
    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
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  • LandShark
    LandShark Posts: 130
    edited December 2008
    While on this topic I have a similar question. I'm running my Polk CS2 and monitor 70's with the Onkyo TX705 which is 100 watts per channel. The 70's handle up to 275 w and the CS2 175 w. Do I need a amp also? If so what are some recommendations? Home theater sound using the Sony BDP-S350 is incredible! BUT, the 2 channel stereo playback isn't near that quality. Thanks!

    TV: Samsung LN40A550
    Mains: Polk Monitor 70's
    Center: Polk CS2
    Surrounds: Polk OWM3's
    Receiver: Onkyo TX sr705
    BDP: Sony S350
    Subs: Velodyne VRP1200 and VRP1000
    Monster Power Conditioner EP IR 2450
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  • Hilbert
    Hilbert Posts: 316
    edited December 2008
    Nobody "needs" an amp. But an amp would very likely improve the sound from your Monitors a great deal. Recommendations in post #2 apply to your case as well.
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited December 2008
    LandShark wrote: »
    While on this topic I have a similar question. I'm running my Polk CS2 and monitor 70's with the Onkyo TX705 which is 100 watts per channel. The 70's handle up to 275 w and the CS2 175 w. Do I need a amp also? If so what are some recommendations? Home theater sound using the Sony BDP-S350 is incredible! BUT, the 2 channel stereo playback isn't near that quality. Thanks!

    Not familiar with your set up and an amp would not hurt (you'll probably get one some time) but with the TX705 I think I would upgrade the speakers first. From all accounts the 705 is a pretty solid performer, not increadibly powerfull, but capable of good sound. So if you feel your 2 ch sound is lacking I think I would start with an upgrade to the RTi line, I hear that some real good deals are showing up on the Polk Direct store on Ebay. But if you have had your eye on some 4 ohm speakers for the future then I guess the amp now would be a better move.
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  • Hilbert
    Hilbert Posts: 316
    edited December 2008
    Ignore my previous post. Go with apphd.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited December 2008
    External amp equals nice clean power.
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  • nm4710
    nm4710 Posts: 97
    edited December 2008
    As an RTi10 owner, I can tell you that external amplification will improve your bass response. Bass output will improve and the bass will be tighter as well. The treble seems to be a bit less grainy as well. I tried several external amps compared to my Hk receiver at the time...all were an improvement, some more than others. In the end I found the emotiva 125wpc amp to have the best performance/dollar ratio. I tried several 200wpc amps and really didn't notice any improvement. Just my $.02.
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  • pablo_rodz
    pablo_rodz Posts: 331
    edited December 2008
    Thanks for all the replies...

    I'm in no hurry to get the amp. I'll be looking around for a deal on a used one...
    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
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited December 2008
    +1 to nm4710. An amp was a big improvement when I had my RTis, and I fed them 250wpc with good success. That's a good idea on buying a used one as that is where you will get the best deal. (I know I have :D)
    Jake
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