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Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
#406967 09/04/14 12:21 AM
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I right now have an Anthem MCA5 amp that gives me 5 channels. I had thought that this would be a perfect solution for my HT and music listening. But when I upgraded my speakers to a newer Omnidirectional LFR1100 speaker that bumps the front amp requirement from 2 channels to 4 channels. So the 5 channel amp now can only power my front and center speakers.

I don't mind the sound of the MCA, but if I could get a more sweeter sound from upgrading to a better class of amp then I would consider it. I would be happy to move the MCA to power the center and the rear channels giving me a better 7.1 up from the 5.1 I had been using. The conundrum is that I need 4 more channels with this solution.

Now I could get a multi channel amp as there are multiple options out there, both in the pre-owned or going new. I could also get two - dual channel amps and have a stand alone amp to power each front speaker (like running a regular speaker off it's own monoblock). Going used is a bit harder as finding two identical 2 channel amps might be a bit more to find.

I would like to spend around $3000 for the solution, but if a bit more money would make me smile from ear to ear then I would consider it. What suggestions are out there?


Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
Re: Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
MMM #406981 09/04/14 01:33 PM
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I've been using a Rotel RB-1080 for about ten years. That thing has worked flawlessly. Never one hiccup and it's used just about every single day..... I don't know if they even make them anymore, but I'd think about buying a couple of them.

Re: Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
MMM #406989 09/04/14 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted By: oakvillematt

I don't mind the sound of the MCA, but if I could get a more sweeter sound from upgrading to a better class of amp then I would consider it.

Having done an instantaneous A/B test of a few amps and receivers in my past, including Parasound Halo, Onkyo AVR, a Robertson tube and a Coda (about $4k retail new), this concept of massive sound differences let alone 'improvement' between amps is seriously overstated. If you ever have the chance to do such a matched, blind comparison, it is unlikely you would ever hear a sound difference between two quality amps with all other variables the same (e.g. SPL matching as amp output to signal ratio may vary).

If you like to turn up the sound more than what the MCA can offer, then a beefier amp may be necessary, certainly. In the $3k range you will find TONS of possibilities and no, mono amps are not required unless you are going for a feng shui look in the room and want to balance left and right visually without placing a single unit/amp in the centre.
Anthem also sells their Statement line which are far more beefy than the MCA series.
http://www.anthemav.com/products-current/collection=statement/model=p2/page=specs


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
Re: Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
MMM #406993 09/04/14 04:31 PM
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you want beefy! (Watts plus solid build)
at a surprising price!
with sensitivity controls! (for flexibility in calibration)
with clipping indicators!

take a look at pro amps like QSC, Crown Audio and other reputable makers.

Re: Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
MMM #406995 09/04/14 04:44 PM
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And Blue LEDs!


::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
Re: Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
MMM #406998 09/04/14 05:48 PM
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blue LEDs;
i toned them down by applying some cd marker ink on them;
now all's fine.

it even made the sound better! ;-)

Re: Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
MMM #407003 09/04/14 08:50 PM
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Well, my thought pattern went on for a bit beyond when I posted.

Right now I have a Pioneer SC1227 receiver. it has it's class D amps built in, and I can personally hear the difference between the receiver and the sound that I get from my Anthem.

I understand that the anthem is about 100 watts more power, and probably much better built considering it's got a bigger power supply, capacitors and power delivery circuitry..

So effectively, I have paid for a receiver that say 60% of the cost went into putting in a Class D amp that I am not using at all.

So why not just sell the reciever as it's new and I could probably get back what I paid for it (I got a sweet deal on it) and put that towards getting a REAL pre-amp like say, the Merantz AV8801. Match that up with say an Outlaw 7700 to cover the front speakers and the MCA for the rear.


Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
Re: Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
MMM #407005 09/04/14 09:49 PM
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Ignore if you've already done this....

If possible, can you post a pic of your mains position. It might pay dividends to look at changing their position slightly. Speaker setup is king.

An error of even a couple of degrees when toeing in speakers can make a huge difference in timing, coherence, spatial imaging and percieved treble smoothness (sweetness).

Buy a line laser and set up your mains pefectly matching in distance and angle to your mlp. Best upgrade you can do for about $100. Period. A measuring tape, line laser, level and masking tape will get you there.

Then, pour more money into finer components. (If need be of course. smile )

Re: Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
MMM #407006 09/04/14 11:16 PM
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I'm very happy with my ADA-1000.
If I was (I am) purchasing another 4 channel amp I'd go with the ADA 1500, maybe even from the outlet for $2,907.00, a $300.00 savings.



Re: Getting a new amp solution for my LFR1100's
AAAA #407007 09/04/14 11:21 PM
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At hand is not that the speakers sound bad.. it's just they sound much better when I run them through the powered amp. And with the LFR's hooked up, my 5 channel amp doesn't have enough channels to do 5.1 or more as 4 of those channels are taken up by the front left and right.

The amp on my Pioneer SC1227 receiver is pretty good, but it just doesn't sound as open and good on the surround as when I run it through the power amp that I have. I know it really shouldn't have that big of a difference, but for some reason I hear one. (psychosomatic??)

So do I add another 4 channels to my current amp collection? Or my thinking is getting another 7 channels and getting ready for 11.1

I could get two of those Crown XLS1000's for about $800

I was looking at the deal on Outlaw's web site for the AVR8801+7700 amp for $4900
I could get the Yamaha CXA5000 for $2600 + used cheep 6 channel amp @ 450-500

oh, how money can slip through your fingers like water to get closer to that perfection.


Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
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