To amp or not to amp...

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dephinistr8
dephinistr8 Posts: 61
edited February 2008 in Electronics
Hi all. I'll save myself some typing and let you see the setup I have for my home theater in my sig. My question is, should I bother with and amp? The Denon 3808 seems to do a fine job of powering everything, and I'm happy with it, although I'm wondering if I'm missing anything.
:)
Thanks!
The Home Theater Setup:

Fronts: Polk RTi6
Center: Polk CSi5
Surrounds: Polk FXi3
Rears: Polk FXi3
Sub: Polk PSW125
AVR: Denon 3808CI
TV: Mitsubishi 65" Diamond DLP (WD-65833)
Game Console: Xbox360
Game Console/Blu-Ray: PS3
Satellite: DirecTV HD-DVR (HR21)
HD-DVD: Toshiba HD-A35
Remote: Logitech Harmony 890 Pro

2 Channel Setup

AVR: Pioneer VSA-910
Speakers: Klipsch KG4 (from 1985)
Post edited by dephinistr8 on
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited February 2008
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    I owned the Rti series at one point and added a Rotel 2CH amp (the 1080) with the Yamaha Receiver (RX-v1500). I did notice an improvement with the amp. I would see if you could borrow an amp and experiment to see if you notice a difference before purchasing one.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,634
    edited February 2008
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    I have the 3808 powering RTi8's, CSi5 and four small surrounds. Those 130 WPC might be overrated, but they are more than enough to drive these speakers. You have smaller fronts so I don't think an amp would make a difference. In the RTi line, IMO once you hit to the RTi10 or 12 you will need an amp to drive those woofers.
    Borrowing an amp might be a good idea, but I would not recommend you to buy one...use that money for a good subwoofer and you'll be set.
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  • dephinistr8
    dephinistr8 Posts: 61
    edited February 2008
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    Thanks for the quick replies.

    I think I'll probably just stick with the receiver as it is for now. Now onto the next question..what's wrong with my sub? :)
    I think it sounds ok, although I am fairly new to the home theater world. Any suggestions there?
    The Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Polk RTi6
    Center: Polk CSi5
    Surrounds: Polk FXi3
    Rears: Polk FXi3
    Sub: Polk PSW125
    AVR: Denon 3808CI
    TV: Mitsubishi 65" Diamond DLP (WD-65833)
    Game Console: Xbox360
    Game Console/Blu-Ray: PS3
    Satellite: DirecTV HD-DVR (HR21)
    HD-DVD: Toshiba HD-A35
    Remote: Logitech Harmony 890 Pro

    2 Channel Setup

    AVR: Pioneer VSA-910
    Speakers: Klipsch KG4 (from 1985)
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited February 2008
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    Not too sure about the sub you have, but I own a SVS sub. I could not be happier. Amazing depth for HT.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,634
    edited February 2008
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    You won't know what you are missing until you hear (I should really say feel...) a powerful-low hitting sub. Nothing wrong with that one..it will do what it was designed for. It will reach down to 32 Hz. Action movies have lots of info that goes well below that, so a sub that reaches closer to 20 Hz will make a huge difference.
    If you are thinking of buying an amp, you have money to spend. We love helping others spend their money :)

    I would look into the new Polk DSW PRO line, or SVS. Buy the best sub you can afford and you won't regret it.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • Frank840
    Frank840 Posts: 262
    edited February 2008
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    dont buy a Sub fromt tweeter I cant beleive that store what a ripoff. The PSW505 is Is Very nice too that 125 wouldnt stand a chance.
    - This your Bush?
    Pioneer Elite Sc-25
    Polk Lsic,15's,9's, PSW1000
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  • dephinistr8
    dephinistr8 Posts: 61
    edited February 2008
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    Thanks for the info. I am happy with my 125 as of now, and since I recently bought it (november) I doubt I can justify upgrading yet.
    The Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Polk RTi6
    Center: Polk CSi5
    Surrounds: Polk FXi3
    Rears: Polk FXi3
    Sub: Polk PSW125
    AVR: Denon 3808CI
    TV: Mitsubishi 65" Diamond DLP (WD-65833)
    Game Console: Xbox360
    Game Console/Blu-Ray: PS3
    Satellite: DirecTV HD-DVR (HR21)
    HD-DVD: Toshiba HD-A35
    Remote: Logitech Harmony 890 Pro

    2 Channel Setup

    AVR: Pioneer VSA-910
    Speakers: Klipsch KG4 (from 1985)
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,339
    edited February 2008
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    let's just say, you can't and won't go wrong by adding external amps, but if it's worth the exra $$, only you can decide.
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,577
    edited February 2008
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    I'm running all RTi Series Polks with the 3808CI and an Outlaw 7700 amplifier. Before getting my 7700 back from repair I roughly ran the 3808 two weeks with the internal amplification and it did a fine job, got a little warm but did a fine job. Once I got my 7700 back and got everything hooked up, I DID notice an improvement, mainly in alot more head room and much cleaner sound. I don't feel you can go wrong with adding an external amplifier but the 3808 also does a fine job of powering the RTi Series.
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • dephinistr8
    dephinistr8 Posts: 61
    edited February 2008
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    Thanks Grim,
    BTW...I'll hook up w/you on COD4 sometime....I'm working on the campaign so when I go online I won't get shredded so quick
    The Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Polk RTi6
    Center: Polk CSi5
    Surrounds: Polk FXi3
    Rears: Polk FXi3
    Sub: Polk PSW125
    AVR: Denon 3808CI
    TV: Mitsubishi 65" Diamond DLP (WD-65833)
    Game Console: Xbox360
    Game Console/Blu-Ray: PS3
    Satellite: DirecTV HD-DVR (HR21)
    HD-DVD: Toshiba HD-A35
    Remote: Logitech Harmony 890 Pro

    2 Channel Setup

    AVR: Pioneer VSA-910
    Speakers: Klipsch KG4 (from 1985)
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited February 2008
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    If you are happy with your system now, then I saw keep it the way it is. If you add an amp, you will then wonder what a dedicated pre-amp will sound like, then a Dac, cables, etc... Save yourself, it is too late for the rest of us.
    Venom
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited February 2008
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    venomclan wrote: »
    If you are happy with your system now, then I saw keep it the way it is. If you add an amp, you will then wonder what a dedicated pre-amp will sound like, then a Dac, cables, etc... Save yourself, it is too late for the rest of us.
    Venom

    You are so right, thats exactly how it went down for me. At least I can smile when I turn everything on, but the pockets have dents in them now.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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