Help choosing external amp for my system

dbaldus · December 2007

Lately, I've been getting this crazy idea that I should upgrade my system by purchasing an external power amp. Here is my (current) system:

AVR: HK 247 (50 w/channel)
Fronts: Rti70s (recommended at 20-250 w/channel)
Center: Csi40 (recommended at 10-250 w/channel)
Surrounds: R15 (recommended at 20-100 w/channel)

I was originally considering just purchasing a 2-channel amp, but the more I read, the more I think it would be best to give extra power to my center channel also because I do a lot of HT/playing videogames encoded in DD/DTS. So now I am trying to decide between a 3-channel amp or a 5/7-channel amp.

I'm trying to stay around $500-$600, preferably closer to $500, so the 5/7-channel amp that comes immediately to mind is the Emotiva LPA-1, but unfortunately that is only 125 w/channel. This brings me to my first question...

1. If I do buy a power amp, should I buy one that can give me something closer to 250 w/channel (the recommended max power for both Rti70s and Csi40), or will I notice a difference with just the 125 w/channel? I'm just afraid that I won't be impressed if I only step up "halfway", but at the same time I'm not willing to spend more than $600.

2. Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a 3-channel amp that would possibly have more w/channel than 125 (or would just generally be better than the LPA-1) or another 5/7-channel amp that would be better than the LPA-1 altogether but still fall near my price range?

I'm looking for all sorts of suggestions, opinions, offers from people on amps they are trying to sell, deals people have found on amps that might suit me, etc. I want to TRY to get this right the first time and not end up upgrading again in a few years <fingers crossed...>

Thanks in advance!

cfrizz · December 2007

Welcome. Since you really want to do it right the first time, you should up your budget. The more power you give your speakers the better they will sound. And it is not just a matter of loudness. You will have much more clarity, better separation of instrument, better bass, better vocals.

I always recommend at least 200wpc of amplification. I also suggest going for the gold & getting a 5 channel amp & be done with it. You will keep that amp through all other upgrades to your system over the years.

You can get a lot more amp for your money if you buy it used from Audiogon.

Good brands we recommend, Outlaw Audio, Sunfire, Parasound, Rotel, Nad, & Adcom. Some have started recommending Emotiva as well.

Early B. · December 2007

I also typically recommend 150 - 200 wpc to newbies for HT (there are many other factors to consider besides watts). However, I have the LPA-1, and I see no need for more power. For the price, it's a no-brainer. Just buy it.

Lowell_M · December 2007

I have an ADCOM GFA-555 which is 200wpc that used to be powering my RTI70's and now have an ADCOM GFA-7000 which is 130 wpc powering all 5 channels. I would definately recommend a 5 channel amp. It filled in the surround sound so it is seamless and dialog is easier to understand.

Also, the RTi70's aren't that difficult to drive. Both ADCOM's have produced fantastic, clean sound from the 70's without a sweat. I'm partial to ADCOM due to bang for the buck and I really enjoy their sound. See what you can find on Audiogon in a 5 channel ADCOM. I got my GFA-7000 around $500.

dbaldus · December 2007

a_mattison wrote: »

I have an ADCOM GFA-555 which is 200wpc that used to be powering my RTI70's and now have an ADCOM GFA-7000 which is 130 wpc powering all 5 channels. I would definately recommend a 5 channel amp. It filled in the surround sound so it is seamless and dialog is easier to understand.

Also, the RTi70's aren't that difficult to drive. Both ADCOM's have produced fantastic, clean sound from the 70's without a sweat. I'm partial to ADCOM due to bang for the buck and I really enjoy their sound. See what you can find on Audiogon in a 5 channel ADCOM. I got my GFA-7000 around $500.

Hmmm... the GFA-7000 sounds about right, especially if I can get it for that price. It sounds very similar to the Emotiva LPA-1 as far as wattage is concerned (it is 125 wpc). Do you have any experience with the Emotiva or which do you think would be higher quality between the two? Just wondering because I wouldn't have to look around for a used Emotiva since I can get it for under $500 directly from Emotiva.

Also, can you tell a difference between when you had the 200 wpc going to your Rti70's compared to now only having 130 wpc? What was the difference and when did you notice it (ie listening to music, watching movies, etc.)?

glemay · December 2007

I'm curious as to what a-mattison has to say about this seeing as I'm thinking of doing the same thing.

Gerry

dbaldus · December 2007

Early B. wrote: »

I also typically recommend 150 - 200 wpc to newbies for HT (there are many other factors to consider besides watts). However, I have the LPA-1, and I see no need for more power. For the price, it's a no-brainer. Just buy it.

Have you experimented with any higher wpc amps? Did you notice any major differences? What were they? I'm just trying to figure out why you said that you have no need for more power to see if I would potentially feel that way, too.

Also, I already have a HK 247 receiver, so would it be strange to pair it up with an LPA-1 or would it be better to get the LPA-1/LMC-1 combo?

McLoki · December 2007

Here is my $500-$600 recommendation....

BTW - here is another one....

dbaldus · December 2007

McLoki wrote: »

Here is my $500-$600 recommendation....

BTW - here is another one....

Thanks for the recommendation! Is that a well-known/respected amp and brand? Is it a "good" price? Do you have any idea what model that is just by looking at it? I'd like to do a little research on it - I'll contact the seller in the meantime...

Thanks again!

McLoki · December 2007

acurus is a good brand name. It should be an A200 x 3. (3 channel amp)

Here are some user reviews.

AVS thread on it.

It was the amp I was planning to get when I stumbled across my Cinepro. $500-$600 seems to be the going rate. I would say $500 shipped would be a good deal and worth getting.

chrisfinnerty · December 2007

Early B... I have 4 LSI9's and an LSIc, going to add a sub once I pick it out. Will the LPA-1 be enough power for me for HT or should I consider the IPS-1 for $400 more? Have you had any complaints with the fan noise when music is quiet?
Thanks!

acsubie · December 2007

the LPA is a great amp for the price quiet as well and never even gets a bit hot with my RTi10s,CSi5 and RTi4, works great coupled with my onkyo 805....gonna prolly pick up their 200w 5 channel version once its released, even though im running a 7.1 system i just connect the rear back surrounds to the onkyo

dbaldus · December 2007

So one of the guys that is selling his Acurus says this:

"The main reason is because I have a ground loop somewhere in my room and don't have the time or energy to fix it"

What does that mean? Is it a defect on the amp or his room itself? What would this sound like? Is it really noticeable/annoying? How would you fix it?

And finally... will a ground loop effect all amps or just this one?

dbaldus · December 2007

acsubie wrote: »

the LPA is a great amp for the price quiet as well and never even gets a bit hot with my RTi10s,CSi5 and RTi4, works great coupled with my onkyo 805....gonna prolly pick up their 200w 5 channel version once its released, even though im running a 7.1 system i just connect the rear back surrounds to the onkyo

Have you ever had experience with a higher wpc amp on your system? I'm curious to know how a 200 wpc 5 channel amp might sound as compared to the LPA-1's 125 wpc, but no one seems to have any experience with that from what I have seen...

McLoki · December 2007

I will say, that after re-reading some of the reviews on the Acurus, some seem to say it is a bright amp. While that would work out ok with the LSi speakers that I have (since they are laid back anyway) it may not be the best match for your RTi's.

It is supposed to be a very nice amp and you may be very happy with it - but want you to be aware of the potential issue. If you think your speakers are a little on the bright side now - this may push them over the edge. If you consider them neutral to warm (laid back) this may be the perfect amp for you.

Michael

Lowell_M · December 2007

dbaldus wrote: »

Hmmm... the GFA-7000 sounds about right, especially if I can get it for that price. It sounds very similar to the Emotiva LPA-1 as far as wattage is concerned (it is 125 wpc). Do you have any experience with the Emotiva or which do you think would be higher quality between the two? Just wondering because I wouldn't have to look around for a used Emotiva since I can get it for under $500 directly from Emotiva.

Also, can you tell a difference between when you had the 200 wpc going to your Rti70's compared to now only having 130 wpc? What was the difference and when did you notice it (ie listening to music, watching movies, etc.)?

I don't notice any difference between the 7000 and 555 in 2 channel. They sound very similar. When watching a movie, though, the addition of the similarly powered center and rear channels really filled the sound in.

I don't know much about the Emotiva and Acrus amps, but it you found a nice used ADCOM and didn't like it, you can always sell it again and basically you would only be out the shipping.

With the ADCOM's, I'd bet you would be fine anywhere above 100 wpc. They are very solid amps with tons of headroom for the RTi70's.

ruf993turbo · December 2007

Check out the Adcom amps, they are great...I've had a couple in the past and loved them.

NeilGabriel · January 2008

Anybody with specific experience with the Outlaw 750? I'm looking for used and affordable in the 150 wpc range (5 channel). This amp would seem to fit the bill but have never heard any of the Outlaw stuff. Thanks.

Help choosing external amp for my system

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