Adding an Integrated Amp Questions

Gulfstrings

Thinking about adding an an Onkyo A-9555 integrated amp to my Onkyo SR-707 based system set up as a 5.2 with the fronts being bi-amped, and have a couple (probably simple for you guys) questions.

1. How will the 707 and the IA connect?
2. Will I be able to maintain the bi-amping to the fronts?
3. And if there's anything else I should know but don't know enough to ask ...

Much appreciated.

Dave

Polkitup2

Well, you would use the front speaker pre-outs on the 707 (I have this) and connect these via 2 RCA cables to one of the line level inputs on the A9555 that you are not using (CD, AUX, etc.). Here's the problem. Since I do not see a HT bypass feature on the 9555 you will have to use unity gain to get the proper sound level across your fronts, center, and surrounds. Meaning you'll have to find a fixed position on the 9555 volume control and then calibrate the sound level on the 707 to match your center and surround speakers from the AVR. This is generally a pain since usually the unity gain position will be like 12:00 on the 9555 and what will happen is you will forget after watching a movie or listening to surround music to turn the volume back down on the 9555. Then when you go to listen to 2 channel music on the 9555 you will get a loud surprise. My advice is to get an integrated with HT bypass.

adam2434

Is your sole intent to supply more power to the front speakers?

If so, why not just get a power amp? You would not need the preamp circuitry of an integrated, and it causes the complications Polkitup2 mentioned.

Gulfstrings

Thanks for your responses. And yes, my only goal is to bring more power to my A7s for music without compromising any of the 707's versatility.

If a power amp will do the job then my focus changes.

Much appreciated.

Dave

cnh

Cheap used power amp (300-600 dollars)?

Check out www.audiogon.com

Brands: NAD, Rotel, Parasound, Adcom, Carver, Cambridge Audio,...you get the picture.

Take a look and also listen to some.

cnh

Gulfstrings

cnh/All -

Just beginning the amp search and I notice NAD retailers are offering what appears to be a very attractively priced T955 5.1 channel power amp. If I (hate being a noob) understand what I'm reading, it would allow me the choice of two or five channel playback for music.

Apparently the sub(s) would still be driven by the 7.2 AVR.

Maybe I'm just interested because of this piece's versatility - maybe others offer the same or more - but I do like the 'all channel stereo' option when just having music 'on' in the house as well as the true 100wpc. I can live without the fronts being bi-amped with that kind of power.

Any experiences with this amp?

I enjoy my Onkyo's Pure Audio setting option. Will the addition of an amp be a significant improvement?

Thanks again,

Dave