[Q] Amp or Receiver with HTPC

rexian
rexian Posts: 14
edited August 2010 in Electronics
Hello,

I have been reading the forums here for several days now and got a lot of valuable information. Since the need I have is a bit odd, I thought I'd seek suggestions / recommendations for my case as well. I am considering a pair of TSi400s (or better) to go with my HTPC (HT/music 50/50) whenever they stock them in Polk Direct and then a matching center later this year.

My current setup is HTPC (Phenom II X3 720 / 6GB / Xonar 24-bit 192kHz sound card), Cambridge Soundworks Amp (7x70W) / 210W Sub / 7 Speakers (MC105). While for movies I don't have much complaints, the music could definitely use some help. The sound card sounds pretty good though while using headphones.

So I am upgrading the fronts hoping it'd fix my music woes. Now I am sure the amp I have isn't going to make the Polks happy but I am on a budget now and can't upgrade it right way (probably around xmas). Still would like to know, what would be the better way to go - an amp like Emotiva UPA-7 or a receiver like Yamaha RX-A800? My first preference would be quality if both of these are able to drive the 400s to the limit. Since this is the budget I have, is there anything better? I am assuming my Xonar card is as good a pre/pro as the RX-A800, is this true?

For the speakers, I probably could stretch my budget a little and go for TSi500, but wondering if there would be any benefit for music or HT? Considering UPA-7 outputs only 125wpc, TSi500 probably wouldn't perform any better than a TSi400. Am I right? I also noticed that RTi A5s are not too far from 500s - will they be better for music at this power (125wpc)?

Sorry for the long post and thanks for any comments / suggestions.
Displays - Samsung PN50B860 • Panasonic AE900U / Elite Screens 106"

HTPC - Phenom II X3 720 @3GHz / GeminII S cooler • 6GB • Antec Fusion • 2TB Hitachi 7200RPM • ATI 4850 / 512MB / Vantec Iceberq 6 cooler • Asus Xonar sound card

Speakers - Polk RTi A5 x2 (Fronts) • Cambridge Soundworks MC105 x7 (1 - center, 2 - surrounds, 4 - not connected) • Cambridge Soundworks 210W 8" Sub

Amp - Cambridge Soundworks 7x70W
Post edited by rexian on
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  • rexian
    rexian Posts: 14
    edited August 2010
    Thanks xcapri79, I also noticed on the emo site that UPA-7 is a class A/B amp, so in stereo mode it should have enough power to drive 500s or A5s.
    Displays - Samsung PN50B860 • Panasonic AE900U / Elite Screens 106"

    HTPC - Phenom II X3 720 @3GHz / GeminII S cooler • 6GB • Antec Fusion • 2TB Hitachi 7200RPM • ATI 4850 / 512MB / Vantec Iceberq 6 cooler • Asus Xonar sound card

    Speakers - Polk RTi A5 x2 (Fronts) • Cambridge Soundworks MC105 x7 (1 - center, 2 - surrounds, 4 - not connected) • Cambridge Soundworks 210W 8" Sub

    Amp - Cambridge Soundworks 7x70W
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  • rexian
    rexian Posts: 14
    edited August 2010
    Could someone answer my other questions (about comparing Xonar card's pre/pro with a receiver and advantages of RTi A5 over the 500 for music) please?

    In another thread I noticed a link for Denon 3311. How would this compare with the UPA-7 for music? This is out of my budget now but by the time I am ready to upgrade my current amp, it might be within reach.

    Thanks.
    Displays - Samsung PN50B860 • Panasonic AE900U / Elite Screens 106"

    HTPC - Phenom II X3 720 @3GHz / GeminII S cooler • 6GB • Antec Fusion • 2TB Hitachi 7200RPM • ATI 4850 / 512MB / Vantec Iceberq 6 cooler • Asus Xonar sound card

    Speakers - Polk RTi A5 x2 (Fronts) • Cambridge Soundworks MC105 x7 (1 - center, 2 - surrounds, 4 - not connected) • Cambridge Soundworks 210W 8" Sub

    Amp - Cambridge Soundworks 7x70W
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  • rexian
    rexian Posts: 14
    edited August 2010
    That 354 sure looks interesting. Too bad I have a somewhat uncommon need for a receiver with 2 HDMI outs, for my Samsung TV and Panasonic projector. That's the reason I was looking at Yamaha rx-a800 (and later Denon 3311ci).

    Currently both the projector and TV are connected to an ATI video card. The only reason I am still looking at the receivers because of their room correction features (and also 2nd zone). I have a few months to decide this so, keep the suggestions coming.

    Priority right now is the speakers and then after I move to a house, the room treatment. So, is RTi A5 a better buy over TSi500? I have seen 500s selling at a higher price than the A5s. Also what would you guys suggest for cheap room treatment in case I need it (hardwood floor, dry wall etc)?
    Displays - Samsung PN50B860 • Panasonic AE900U / Elite Screens 106"

    HTPC - Phenom II X3 720 @3GHz / GeminII S cooler • 6GB • Antec Fusion • 2TB Hitachi 7200RPM • ATI 4850 / 512MB / Vantec Iceberq 6 cooler • Asus Xonar sound card

    Speakers - Polk RTi A5 x2 (Fronts) • Cambridge Soundworks MC105 x7 (1 - center, 2 - surrounds, 4 - not connected) • Cambridge Soundworks 210W 8" Sub

    Amp - Cambridge Soundworks 7x70W
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