 seperate amp
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Joined: Sep 2005
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OP
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I'm considering adding a seperate amp to my system. My question to you all is, would a 2-channel amp challenge the integrity of the sound for my 5.1 system or would a 5-channel amp be the way to go? In other words if I add power to my M-80's only and not to the other speakers would this be a mistake.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,349
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Oct 2003
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I have a similar concern. I will be watching this one!
M80v2 | VP150v2 | QS8v2
SVS Pci+ 20-39
Emotiva UMC-1 & LPA-1
M22ti + T-Amp, in the Office
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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N, keep in mind that an amplifier doesn't force its power upon a speaker; the speaker draws only as much as it needs at the moment for a particular sound level, regardless of what the maximum capability of the amplifier may be. For a typical comfortably loud level for M80s this would be in the area of 1 watt, with split-second peaks drawing possibly 100 watts or more. You also calibrate the level of all the speakers to be equal, and again this is regardless of what the maximum power capacity of the amplifiers might be.
So, there's no basis for concern about sonic "integrity" if amplifiers with different ratings are used. Also, however, consider simply continuing to use a receiver to power everything, which is the cost-effective way to go in most cases; there's no special magic that a separate amplifier adds if the receiver amplifiers are doing the job already.
-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Apr 2003
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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You're forgetting that the point to all this is the acquisition of MORE.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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I think the others kind of missed your question. You can use a 2 channel amp just fine with a receiver to only power certain speakers (say, your fronts...). You just need to recalibrate in order to level match between the speakers.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,840 Likes: 13
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Posts: 13,840 Likes: 13 |
I can now say that there clearly IS a difference in seperates versus AVR's no matter what Blind articles seem to state. I have been experimenting with various music and going back/forth between my Denon and Emotiva. At louder levels, say 95dB or more the music is more vibrant, fuller, and the soundstage seems to have more depth. Also, I've noticed that when I have the Denon at the same levels, I can't listen as long, almost like ear fatique or whatever. Not sure if this is contributed to distortion, less headroom, or whatever. I think I've decided to go with what my perceptions are noticing, versus some article or white paper. Even at lower levels I can detect a richer sound and I'm sticking to that. 
M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350
AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Jun 2003
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axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
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Another convert 
Rick
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Apr 2005
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Quote:
I think I've decided to go with what my perceptions are noticing, versus some article or white paper. Even at lower levels I can detect a richer sound and I'm sticking to that.
Amen!
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Posts: 2,102 |
hmmm.. Mabey I should get some monoblocks for my M22s? ...Actually, scratch that...I DO want to live to see tommorrow as my wife would certainly KILL me.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 552
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 552 |
Quote:
I can now say that there clearly IS a difference in seperates versus AVR's no matter what Blind articles seem to state.
People are seeing the light...
Axiom M60s, QS4s, VP100 Onkyo TX-SR804 Oppo 970HD
Rotel RB-1080/RCD-1072 REL Q150E sub, PS 3
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,488
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Quote:
Quote:
I can now say that there clearly IS a difference in seperates versus AVR's no matter what Blind articles seem to state.
People are seeing the light...
I know, Talk about a breath of fresh air. I am constantly seeing folks mention that all cd players and amps sound the same. I really wonder if they have ever had the chance to compare for themselves. And even then, Just because one amp sounds the same as another doesnt mean they ALL do.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,210
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2005
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Brandon I was just cruising through your website, you have a gorgeous system and your photos are extremely nice ... great job! I won't be trading my amp in for a receiver any time soon. 
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Sep 2002
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connoisseur
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Quote:
Brandon I was just cruising through your website, you have a gorgeous system and your photos are extremely nice ... great job!
I won't be trading my amp in for a receiver any time soon.
Thanks
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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With talk like this, 2x6 is going to feel comfortable posting again.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Dec 2005
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connoisseur
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I'll have to put myself in with the amp camp, and I'll also throw in, when I upgraded from my Denon 1803 to my 3805 there was a noticeable difference in overall sound quality. Makes me wonder about the guys talking about expensive speaker wire and cables 
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Now, I'm curious--are you guys seeing these differences at lower volumes, such as 75dB or so? Or is it just in the high volume stuff? Because that makes more sense.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Jan 2006
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aficionado
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Having gone from the Denon 3805 to Outlaw monoblocks (for the M80's), I can say that most of the difference is at higher output. The sound is definitely cleaner at 90 - 100db's. I was expecting no difference at lower volume levels, but was surprised by my 1st impression of the monos, which was a somewhat of a 'fuller' sound in the lower frequencies, say 100hz down.
Epic 80 / SVS PB13 Ultra
Denon 3805 / M2200 Outlaw Monos /
Sammy 55" LED
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Dec 2005
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connoisseur
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I would agree with what Spoiler said. Everything is cleaner at louder levels, and the additional power seems to expand the soundstage.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Ah, avoidance of the question... What about lower levels? I almost never go above 80-85dB. (Yes, the M80s still sound good at those levels...)
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Jul 2006
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connoisseur
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Quote:
Ah, avoidance of the question...
What about lower levels? I almost never go above 80-85dB. (Yes, the M80s still sound good at those levels...)
You know,
In your unique room, with your unique acoustics (everyones room is unique), you will never know unless you order some separates
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: May 2003
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Ain't happening. Next!
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Quote:
What about lower levels?
I can't honestly say about the lower levels, I really didn't compare and don't listen to low levels often.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28
hobbyist
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OP
hobbyist
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28 |
Even at lower levels I can detect a richer sound and I'm sticking to that. It seems to be mostly unanimous that seperates add a nice dimension to the overall sound vs.an AVR. If thats the case my current conclusion would be that if a 5-channel was used for HT there also would be pleasurable difference. Wow - you all seem to listen at very high levels - I rarely go beyond 75db
Last edited by N24color; 01/19/07 07:52 PM.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Apr 2005
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aficionado
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aficionado
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Quote:
Even at lower levels I can detect a richer sound and I'm sticking to that.
I second that. Again, this is for stereo only, don't have HT.
Axiom M60s, QS4s, VP100 Onkyo TX-SR804 Oppo 970HD
Rotel RB-1080/RCD-1072 REL Q150E sub, PS 3
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Dec 2003
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connoisseur
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Quote:
It seems to be mostly unanimous
On AVS, yes. Here, not so much.
Bren R.
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Jun 2003
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axiomite
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axiomite
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There is a growing number of folks here that are using seperate amps also.
Rick
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
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Re: seperate amp
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,602
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connoisseur
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Quote:
There is a growing number of folks here that are using seperate amps also.
True, but I was refering to the "near unanimous" feeling that seperates add "a nice dimension" over any other form of amplifier circuit.
Bren R.
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