Re: Adding a power amp to HT

Would adding a 5 channel power amp improve the sound of a reciver? The reason I ask is that I am considering purchasing a receiver with lots of features and then add a power amp to improve the sound quality. What I have found is that there are many receivers out there packed with features but don''''t sound as good as the more expensive models which don''''t necessarily have all the features. I am looking for the best of both worlds and perhaps similar cost.

[Hot_Monkey]

Absolutely yes.<p>That is a great way to get the performace of a seperate power amp into a reasonable budget. I have said it before and I''ll say it again... The Monkey would rather have a $500 receiver and a $1000 power amp than a $1500 receiver any day of the week. What is the real difference between a good $500-$1000 receiver and receivers that cost twice as much or more? Not much by way of modes or features.. usually just a bit more power. But it''s still a receiver... not seperates. There is nothing like the improvement in fidelity that a seperate power amp and it''s massive dedicated power supply can bring to the table. I would argue that this improvement is more significant than the difference between the performance of a modest receiver and a "top-of-the-line" receiver.<p>Do it man. The Monkey supports you all the way.<p> tongue.gif border=0 <p>Monkey<p><br />PS. What amps (and receivers) are you considering? Monkey has owned many many (a dozen at least) different multi-channel home theater amplifiers, and would be happy to share his thoughts on them for you.

I have also been looking for a power amp to add to my system. I have not had much luck in finding a good combination. I currently have a slightly older sony es reciever (w/preamps). What brands would you recommend? Would be willing to spend around $1000 for amp (NO OUTLAWS tongue.gif border=0 ) and wouldn''t mind replacing reciever for around $500. I am not overly thrilled with the reciever so...<p>Any ideas... <br />Thank you!

What is wrong with Outlaw?<br />I have had nothing but joy from my 1050 receiver and 750 5 channel amp. <p>m-mmeyer rolleyes.gif border=0

[jstwong]

As far as stand alone amps around the $1000 mark, I would take a look at Rotel, Adcom, and B&K... You can go to their websites via:<p>Rotel:<br /><a href="http://www.rotel.com/" target="_blank">http://www.rotel.com/</a><p>Adcom:<br /><a href="http://www.adcom.com/main/" target="_blank">http://www.adcom.com/main/</a><p>B&K:<br /><a href="http://www.bkcomp.com/pcindex.html" target="_blank">http://www.bkcomp.com/pcindex.html</a>

no offense to outlaw, i just like to have a company with a proven track record. <p>Maybe in a few years, i''ll buy an outlaw<p>Thanks for the recommendations!

[Hot_Monkey]

Rotel RMB1075 THX 5X120 watts... the little brother of my RMB1095. The 1075 has been Stereophile Guide to Home Theater''s "budget" amp product of the year a few years running. It is a great amp, and a great buy. I think it sells for around $1200. Read the reviews on Rotel amps, they are pretty glowing. Or just ask the Monkey for performance review... Monkey will also glow when prodded.<p>Monkey

[h2lentino]

Glow monkey glow. I''m with you on this one.

[randy]

jsc,<br />Just a thought...<br />I just found ATI''s 5x150 amp for @ $1200.00 online through an authorized ATI dealer. I have never heard them but read several great reviews on their products. One reviewer said it sounded like his Dennon power amp on steroids. They are reported to have a very warm sound so if you have bright sounding speakers this may be the hot ticket. What speakers will you be using?<br />Good Luck,<br />randy

Thanks for the great feedback. <p>I am currently using JAMO D570 (150W RMS) fronts and D5CEN centre and Surround 200 rears. My SR680 Marantz receiver fails dismally to power them. I too have been looking at the ROTEL RMB-1075. It might be worth my while to upgrade with this and keep my current receiver and basically use it as a preamp.

Same companies for a preamp?

[Hot_Monkey]

jsc,<p>Randy''s comments on the ATI are spot on... it has a much warmer sound (like a Denon on steroids indeed) than the Rotel. I wouldn''t call a Rotel "bright"... but the ATI is definately warmer, with a lot of muscle, but a rolled off top end. The ATI would be a great match for brightish speakers. They have a nice seven year warranty, and a cool modular design that makes repair a snap... just unplug a channel to have it repaired, and you can actually run on the remaining channels while you are waiting for a fix. This happened to a friend of mine. ATI is a fairly new company, but I believe they have been in the HIFI business for quite a while and may have had something to do with an older now defunct company that was big some years ago... I think it was SAE, but I''m not 100% sure.<p>I chose the Rotel over the ATI for various reasons... long previous personal history with the brand and rave reviews... but a head-to-head with the ATI revealed a dynamic sound and snap to the top end (without bass compromise to bass response at all) in the Rotel that I just wasn''t hearing with the ATI. The ATI had all the muscle... but the highs sounded a little to squashed for my tastes. Please keep in mind that this is only one Monkey''s opinion based entirely on a very specific comparison involving only one speaker line (B&W Nautilus and CDMNT series), and that the ATI was otherwise a great amp... if as said... it were to be matched up with brighter speakers... say M&K 750''s or Def Tech''s.<p>Keep us posted on your progress.<p>Monkey <p>PS. Blue Star... Rotel (and ATI) are best known for their amplifiers. Rotel does make a pretty nice home theater pre-amp for about $1200. I think the angle on this post was to combine a more modestly priced receiver with a good power amp as a low cost alternative to a seperate pre-amp... which tends to cost more. Not to talk you out of that option... you should post a question looking for suggestions on good home theater pre-amps and I would be happy to go on and on about it. I tend to do that. Off the top of my head... the best name in pre-amps in Monkey''s mind starts with L for Lexicon. They are pretty expensive, but there are currently deals all over the place due to a recent trade in program that Lexicon ran for their fancy new MC12. You can get your hands on a MC1 (original MSRP $6000) for $3000 or even much less these days. It is a fantastic pre-amp, and a bargain at the prices it is going for these days.

Ok. I have narrowed it down to two options. I either purchase the ROTEL RSX-1065 integrated or go for the DENON 3802 with the ROTEL RMB-1075. <p>What do you think?<p>John<p>PS. The RSX-1065 is not released here until March 2002. I might have to be patient!

[Hot_Monkey]

Is the Rotel RSX1065 the new flagship receiver I have read about? Sorry, I forgot the model number. If so, that would be a tough call... that sounds like it will be a very nice unit, but I would still lean towards the "seperate" approach. If anything dramatic changes in surround sound processing, the seperate amp can always remain in your system, and you can upgrade the receiver. Plus you will retain all of the performance advantages we have already gone over.<p>I vote for the amp/receiver combo. But if you are really in love with the new Rotel receiver, buy it and run with it for a year or two, and add a meg power amp down the line. I''m sure it will sound as good as any flagship receiver on it''s own.<p>Monkey

Why are you going to go with a Denon 3802 over a 2802? I have looked and the biggest diffrence is the output watts which would no matter if you are connecting to an amp. <p>Just curious

[Hot_Monkey]

Blue Star,<p>Good point.<p>Monkey

Blue Star<p>You make a good point. I suppose it comes down to a few extra features like 8.1 input and a better remote. Having the extra power also means I have it in case I ever want to change the configuration and utilise the receiver to also drive speakers. <p>Another option I am now considering is the Marantz SR8200. Hot Monkey gives it a good review in a recent post. I believe it is made in Japan which gives me more confidence in it. I had written off Marantz given the feedback out there for the SR7200 which was an early consideration for me.