Newbie: Im lost help Rtia9/xpa-?/AVR/pre?

sc1zzle
sc1zzle Posts: 5
edited April 2010 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I'm *very* new to home audio. Ok so I bought the Rtia9's and I have a powered sub. I am planning to run 2.1 or stereo with a sub for now. I might add a center channel and max in the future run 5.1. With that said, I'm confused about the whole amp/preamp/receiver thing. I want the 9's to have some power so I was thinking to buy either the Emo xpa-2 or xpa-3 for the possible center. Do I buy a preamp or a receiver to go with it? What is the point of the preamp does it take the place of the receiver or should I just buy the amp and a receiver to run my setup? Hopefully this makes sense!
Post edited by sc1zzle on
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Comments

  • Polkitup2
    Polkitup2 Posts: 1,623
    edited April 2010
    To use the Emo amps you would need either a receiver with pre-outs, or a pre-amp. A pre-amp for home theater is basically a receiver without the amplifier built in. Pre-outs on a receiver allow you to use an external amp (like an EMO) instead of the built in amp in the receiver. Do you currently have a receiver?
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  • sc1zzle
    sc1zzle Posts: 5
    edited April 2010
    No I don't currently have a receiver, amp, or preamp.
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  • Polkitup2
    Polkitup2 Posts: 1,623
    edited April 2010
    I'd start with a receiver that has pre-outs, then if you need more power you can add an amp such as the Emo later.
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited April 2010
    +1 on getting yourself a good AVR to start. Something like the Pioneers listed, or a higher end Onkyo, Denon, or HK, if you don't plan on running an external amp in the future. If you are going to add an amp, I would get an AVR that can decode the new HD sound formats and has pre outs. Doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive, since the amp will be driving the speakers down the road. Good luck and welcome to Club Polk.

    -Jeff
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • ikolbyi
    ikolbyi Posts: 77
    edited April 2010
    I would recommend reviewing C_o_L_e's post : http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99475

    A similar question is being asked/answered.
    Zone 1
    (5.1 Setup)
    -- VM 20 (L/R)
    -- RM 8 Center (center)
    -- VM 10 (S.L/R)
    -- DSW microPRO 1000 (LFE)
    Zone 2
    -- Atrium 45
    Denon AVR-2809
    (7.1 Setup)
    -- RM 6600 (L/R + center + S.L/R)
    -- RM 7 (SB.L/R)
    -- PSW 350 (LFE)
    Denon AVR-1909
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  • sc1zzle
    sc1zzle Posts: 5
    edited April 2010
    Thanks guys
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