2. amps-preamps
  3. 135018-107005

In need of some Amplifier advice. Is therereally any point in it with my current setup?

Hello. I have posted in the past, but have since learned a little bit more from reading audio forums, and doing some research and have come to somewhat of a juncture. 

I figure I could "stair step" up on my own and enjoy the ride, or, ask those who have most likely been where i am before and skip a few steps =). 

My current setup consists of a Yamaha adventage-A3070 AV receiver (150wattsx8ohms 2chd), and 2 Polk LSIM707 towers. 

I've been looking at used Classe amps here on audiogon, or possibly a new parasound Halo A21 power aplifier,  and have thought about purchasing them. 

My question is, would my Yamaha advantage 3070 even be a sufficient pre-amp? It has pre-outs for all channels, and it also has an ess sabre DAC for my digital flac files. Or would using the Yamaha as a pre completely destroy the sound of the power amplifier? Essentially wasting $1,000-$3,000. 

My other question is pretty obvious. Should I trade up, just spend the $1,000-$3,000 on better set of speakers I've been eye balling like  the EMT-LFT8s, and stick with the Yamaha receiver's power for now. 

If it were you. What would you do? 


moskaudio

Showing 5 responses by audiothesis

audiothesis
168 posts
 
I sent you a PM through the marketplace.  I'm in Arlington, TX, so not too far away.  I've got some ideas/advice, but I have many questions that would simply be easier via phone.
audiothesis
168 posts
 
Hey Mosk, where are you located?

I'm quite familiar with the Polk series and can say if you stick with that, the Halo A21 would be excellent.  The Yamaha will always have its flavor added to the sound, but adding the amp will still yield some major gains. The LSiM are some solid speakers and a far cry from what Polk is known for.  With that said, at their retail price, there are/were better options IMO.

Is this a home theater, 2 channel, or multi-purpose system?  If you went with the EMT, would you have room to actually get them off the back wall several feet? 
audiothesis
168 posts
 
gdnrbob - its less about the power and more about control and noise floor.  IMO no receiver should ever be at the helm of a 2 channel system, though I completely understand why it is in this situation and can't fault it at all.  The package was a stellar deal.
audiothesis
168 posts
 
I don't doubt that bdp, but mrdecibel's points are just some of the questions I wanted to ask.  While the ET might sound better with proper placement, without the right space/setup abilities, you're going to get worse sound.
audiothesis
168 posts
 
Those Polk LSiM are actually good speakers and can take you pretty far on your journey - especially for what you paid.  My favorite is the 703.  While its technically not a 'correct' speaker, its a blast to listen to.  I've almost jumped on a pair about a dozen times, but I've managed to stay away.  Honestly, the 707 is my least favorite but your room might be a good place for them. I always felt that line needed a 20-25% reduction in MSRP to really get competitive.  $4,000 for the 707 was just too much money as you start competing with diamond tweeters and the like at that point.

Those adorama packages are impossible to beat for the money, unless you catch a unicorn on the used market.

Make it down to Dallas like someone mentioned above.  Come visit my 'shop' and a few other dealers.  We have a few really good ones down here that I can recommend.  Like I told you in the PM: I'm an enthusiast first and a dealer second.  I want to see you get where you want to go and help you any way I can.
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