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Amplification question
#221626 09/19/08 10:15 PM
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Hi, I am planning to go with the M80/7.1 system with an EP600 sub for a 7400 cu sq foot room and am trying to decide about amplification between the following options.

1) Yamaha rxv3900

2) Yamaha rxv3900 with an Emotiva XPA-3 for the front and center channels

3) Yamaha RXV663 with Emotiva MPS-2.

Benefits of option 1) rxv3900 would be it includes Rhapsody, which I love listening to on my computer, however, I have never been able to listen to compressed music channels on Directv, they sound horrible, so I'm not sure it actually be a useful feature or not. This option would also be the cheapest and there is a thread on Amazon in which an rxv3800 owner reports good stable sound running the m80/7.1 ep 500 configuration. The main question is whether 140 watts X 7 (980 total) would be sufficient given room size and not having to crank the amp in order to get clean sound.

Benefits of option 2 would be to supplement the amplification for the M80s and center and still have the Rhapsody included in the rxv3900. Not sure if this would be a pain to balance volume levels between the 2 amps though, is there some sort of master/slave setting that can be implemented with this type of arrangement so when you turn up the rxv3900 the volume automatically goes up in tandem on the XPA-3?

Benefits of option 3 would be sound closer to true audiophile, costs about the same as option 2 but would cost more overall if I run audiophile cables, which I definitely would, between the receiver and the amp. Downside might be that the rxv663 only has 2 hdmi inputs, 1 output.

Actually option 4 would be to look at the Sherwood receivers or amp on this site, haven't heard anything about them.

I guess the main question is whether I need more power than the rxv3900 to comfortably power the speakers in my living room of 7400 cu ft.

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
SK

Re: Amplification question
SatKartr #221651 09/20/08 02:05 AM
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Sat, welcome. I wouldn't be able to analyze your option three since I have no idea what you mean by sound that's "true audiophile" or what "audiophile cables" are. As to the other two options, I'd suggest that you definitely try option one first with the 3900. Whether a particular amplifier would be adequate for your use would depend on the average listening level that you use and the dynamic range of the material that you play. The 3900 is a quite powerful amplifier and it's entirely possible that it would be plenty for you. In any case, there's no good reason to assume that it wouldn't be until you give it a full trial. You'd always retain the option to add a separate amplifier later.


-----------------------------------

Enjoy the music, not the equipment.


Re: Amplification question
JohnK #221659 09/20/08 02:26 AM
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1) Do not buy "audiophile" cables. Go to http://www.monoprice.com.
2) You have a big room. I would suggest changing the EP600 to 2 EP500s (Using the advice from recommendation 1 will pay for the difference)
3) I agree with John on the amp selection.


LFR1100 Actives,QS10HPx2,QS8x2,EP800,M3x4,M3x2 (Wood),M5HPx2 (Wood),AxiomAir,ADA1500-8,ADA1500-7
Re: Amplification question
SRoode #221669 09/20/08 02:47 AM
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I would take a look at the Sherwood Newcastle unit. You could also look at the Denon 3808, it is a proven performer from members here on the forum.


Rick


"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

Re: Amplification question
Wid #221715 09/20/08 08:52 AM
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I second Steve's suggestion of dual EP500's. It will even out the bass through out the room better and allow for a few more SPL.

I also second JohnK's thought of trying out the 3900 and then go from there.

As wid mentioned the 3808 from Denon is proven performer(I have one with M80s) and you might be able to get one quite cheap, as the 3809's are on their way. 6ave.com was selling the 3808 for ~$1100 IF you called them and asked for the special pricing. I have heard rumors of the 3808 for as low as $800 from various sources.


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
Re: Amplification question
jakewash #221887 09/21/08 08:04 PM
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Thanks for the feedback everyone, getting the 3900 and then adding additional amplification from there if necessary was my first thought, and it's good to hear that the available onboard power will probably be sufficient.

I must admit I'm still on the fence though, especially reading about the planned outlaw 997 processor with onboard Trinnov Optimizer, I'm still tempted to get something like the rxv663 which has the lossless audio formats and sells right now for $399 from an amazon reseller and then upgrade to something better next year, in other words go the separates route with a separate power amplifier.

Also I was thinking about starting with one ep600 and then adding another sub later, why don't you all recommend 2 ep600s, or one ep500 and one ep600? The reviews seem to suggest that the ep600 goes down farther in Hz and has more impact, which seems like fun, this setup will be mostly for movies/home theatre so that seems to fit. I am hopefully going to audition the m80/600 7.1 system this Wednesday, perhaps I should attempt to hear the ep500 too? The ep600 looks a little goofy to me and I worry that my wife may not love the look but sound rules, if you know what I mean, the whole deep reference bass thing could be sweet.


"If you try to turn toward it, you go against it."
Re: Amplification question
SatKartr #221897 09/21/08 08:50 PM
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 Originally Posted By: SatKartr
Also I was thinking about starting with one ep600 and then adding another sub later, why don't you all recommend 2 ep600s, or one ep500 and one ep600?
Simply due to costs. If you want to spend more money to go a little bit lower in the bass range by all means go for it.


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
Re: Amplification question
SatKartr #221899 09/21/08 08:53 PM
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Simply... Cost. Two EP600's cost alot. However...

They're so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one (or 2) up.


LFR1100 Actives,QS10HPx2,QS8x2,EP800,M3x4,M3x2 (Wood),M5HPx2 (Wood),AxiomAir,ADA1500-8,ADA1500-7
Re: Amplification question
SRoode #221909 09/22/08 12:40 AM
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Because one 600 will lift your house off of its foundation, 2 will lift your neighbors off.


M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350
AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85


Re: Amplification question
SirQuack #221912 09/22/08 12:43 AM
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Randy I think you missed the true point, let me help...Because one 600 will lift your house off of its foundation, 2 will lift piss your neighbors off.


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
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