Is adding a power amp to an A/V receiver worth it?


Is adding a high-quality power amp to a receiver-based system worth it? I've built my system gradually over the years and the receiver is now one of the weak links in my system relative to my source and speakers. I would like to put a high-quality power amp behind my front three speakers bypassing the receiver's amps, but I'm concerned I won't be getting the full benefit of a dedicated amplifier without a high-end dedicated pre/pro to feed it clean signals.

I'm happy with the receiver's features and would like to continue using it as my preamp/processor. However, I don't want to spend good money on an amp to have it strangled by a (relatively) mid-fi receiver upstream. As you can see from my system below, some components are in different "leagues" than others, but that's what can happen when you build a system over time. Overall, it's a very enjoyable system and I've taken the time to calibrate it properly. I use my system roughly 60/40% music/movies.

Can anyone comment on their experience with this dilemma?

My system:

Arcam FMJ CD23 cd player
Sony DVP-C600D dvd carousel
Technics SL-5 direct-drive turntable with Grado cartridge
RCA Hifi VCR
Sony GA-7ES ProLogic A/V receiver ("5.1 ready" and with preouts for the front 3 channels)
Hales Revelation Two main speakers (front L/R)
Hales Revelation Center (front center)
Snell SR.5 bipolar surrounds
Acoustic Research "high output" 8" sub (downfiring)
Sony KV-34XBR800 34" widescreen monitor
AudioQuest Coral interconnect (cd player)
AudioQuest Video 2 (vcr composite video)
MIT Terninator 5 interconnect (dvd player)
MIT Terminator 5 speaker cable (for fronts)
MIT S-Res S-video interconnect (for DVD)
Monster subwoofer interconnect
Monster HTS-2000 surge protector
Harmony SST-768 remote (great unit!)
Salamander Synergy Twin 30 equipment rack
john_z
Absolutely, I used an Onkyo 919THX receiver to push the B&W Nautilus 803. It was weak and bass was unexceptable without a Sub. Then I purchased the Mcintosh MC352, hugh different. Musics are more alive, details and I no longer need a sub.

Rodney,
Absolutely, I'm using my Top of the line 5 channel Sony ES receiver as preamp/processor and to drive my rear speakers only. I added 3 channel amp to drive the 2 fronts and center and the improvement is huge.
Ditto on the above posts. By using a power amp your sound will be much improved. Also, since you have been patient in building your system, you can look forward to purchasing a quality pre/pro to eventually improve your system even more. I did just that. Bought a three channel B&K to run my fronts and center while using a Yamaha receiver. Eventually purchased a two channel Innersound amp for fronts while shifting the B&K to the rears. Then complimented the entire system by upgrading to a Classe' pre/pro. Viola! a wonderful system for music and movies.

Go for it. You'll be glad you did...
Yes!!!

I use a Denon AVR-4800 for processing & for the fronts a Bryston 4B-ST THX. As I use this system for 2ch listening at times, I feel that this upgrade was worth every cent!
Absolutely. I liked the way my fronts sounded being powered by my Sony DA3ES receiver. I added a Parasound HCA-1500a and all I can say is wow!!!! Can you say bass impact!! Although their are sonic benifits to a dedicated 2 channel Pre-amp, adding the power amp will give you a decent improvement.

good luck