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Should I buy a power amp.

I have a Anthem mrx 540 8k paired w klipsch 8000 f lls and a pair of klipsch 502 s lls. I also have an svs sb 5000 revolution. Im so new to all this and am learning as I go and ive already wasted a few thousand buying the svs soundbase pro w an svs pb 2000 pro and klipsch rp 600m lls which I sold for the anthem and new klipsch speakers and new sub. I feel I just want to buy a power amp bc I love the way they look and think they will make my system sound even better than it does. Hell it sounds great already but I have naive ears bc I haven't heard alot of different speakers at all. My klipsch speakers are very sensitive so ive read that they dont need much power and the anthem is 100w per channel 2 channels driven although ive read its 100w all channels driven at .1% thd. 

    My question is to people who know and have expierenced way more listening, should I invest in a power amp or buy a center channel or both. Idk what to do and im obsessed w these power amps but like I said my system sounds really good to me which ive also heard is all that matters. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

weazy365
faustuss's avatar
faustuss
829 posts
 

@weazy365 

"Is your priority HT or 2 channel music?"

As for @soix’s question above you could do both. This may seem a little bit pricy but considering the Anthem equipment you have to use as leverage as a trade in you might be able to swing it. Authorized McIntosh Dealers are running trade up promotions right now and this might actually work for you - https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/home-theater-processors/MHT300.

I’m sure it will play deafeningly loud if that’s what you’re into but with restraint it’ll provide all the dynamic range you will ever need plus all the inputs and possible DSP facilities you can think of. It'll also still be worth something several years from now.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
6,005 posts
 

My two cents: 

What is your use case? Are you primarily watching movies or listening to music? Because that changes everything.

For movies, a center channel is the move. Something like 70-80% of dialogue and on-screen action runs through it, so if voices feel like they're coming from somewhere vague rather than locked to the screen, that's your answer.

I think you've already figure out the power amp. Your system sounds great, you just love the way power amps look. That's a legitimate reason to buy something, but it's an aesthetic decision, not a sonic one. With 98dB-sensitive Klipsch towers and 100 watts already driving them, you are not power-limited in any meaningful sense. You could run those speakers with a modest receiver and they'd sing.

So the question to sit with is: Do I actually hear a problem anywhere, or do I just want something new? Nothing wrong with wanting something new. But if there's a real gap in your system right now, it's almost certainly the center channel.

weazy365 OP
4 posts
 

Music mainly but I do want a full set up for movies. Ive spent quite a bit of money for my budget. Thats why I dont have a center channel. That and one won't fit as my t.v sets on the t.v stand. Its a long piece of furniture but ill have to get a t.v riser.

     I would love a McIntosh processor but those are expensive as hell.

 

weazy365 OP
4 posts
 

No more than 5.2.2

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,713 posts
 

Two points

 

1) Your Klipsch speakers probably won’t sound better with more power. But they might sound better with better power. So it’s quality over quantity in this instance.

2) A better amp won't sing without a better preamp. HT and surround processors need not apply if it's quality two channel for music you seek.

 

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