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
OP 1st choice as he has Klipsch Mains, or anyone if OP uninterested (unable to send OP a private message) I will list my Klipsch R-34C Center Channel Speaker for sale here if anyone wants, it is in excellent condition, fits under a riser, and has no rear port. 96 db sensitivity, 5.2" h; 6.2" d; 26" wide, 13 lbs. $429. new, I would want only half of that, I just checked USPS shipping, double boxed, to Kansas from NJ, around $47. including $200. insurance. Double boxed is required for insurance.
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@weazy365 I’ve lived through the journey you are embarking on. I set up a HT space in a finished basement, 120 inch screen / native 4k projector, 5.2.2 atmos set up. Initially, Home Theater was the priority, wasn’t even thinking about 2 channel use. I was happy with the set up, happy with how 2 channel sounded until I started to then focus more on 2 Channel, once I went down the 2 channel rabbit hole… first came an amp for the fronts, then came a dedicated streamer, DAC. Then came new Front Speakers, then came a separate pre for 2 channel and then… various front speakers, amps, digital front end set ups. Currently I’ve got an Anthem MRX-1140, 4 k version. What I found along the way, AVR’s can really limit your 2 channel performance, some are better than others as a pre for 2 channel but non I’ve had perform anywhere close to a Pre that is designed with 2 channel as the priority. An AVR that has the ability to pass through analogue signals directly though for 2 channel do a better job, some AVRMs will shut down the rest of the receiver, that helps performance. Unfortunately, Anthem AVR’s in the MRX series process all incoming signals, even analogue for 2 channel. It can be really limiting in maximizing your 2 channel performance. If you really like the sound now, I’d add the center channel and call it a day. If you add an amp, you’ll likely then add a pre, you then will start to look at your speakers…. And want to upgrade those. Another lesson I learned is you’ll be far less critical of sound when you are using your set up for watching movies, once you start focusing on 2 channel, you’ll be far more critical of the sound, the impact of each component on the sound. It can be a fun and rewarding journey and you absolutely can have a great 2 channel and HT set up that share the same space, gear, but delving into 2 channel gets way more expensive. |
you are all over the map. If you want a good 2 channel system for music, the SVS SB-5000 is a good start. The rest are not so much. None of your speakers are musical, with detail and soundstage. The Anthem is OK. I myself went down the integrated amp and vintage, quality speakers path, the total is under a grand (plus DAC and sources) If you are happy with the sound, of course ignore me. It's very subjective. |
Generally speaking, HT focused on supporting movie content: surround effects, high energy, clear dialog. High-end audio 2-channel recognizes audio components have unique sonic profiles: amps sound different, speakers sound different, DACs…and so on. We each build our audio chains based on our individual subjective sonic preferences within budget, often swapping components in and out to move towards better sonic engagement. Can get to the level of excellent 3d soundstage and fool you it’s real sound. Voices can sound warm and engaging Ideally, but maybe not practical, it’s best to try a component in one’s own audio chain. Next best is to go out to demo the component like at audio stores and audio shows. Sometimes we only have reviews available then we just have to roll the dice and purchase to try. Buying and selling used makes it a lot more affordable, but one must be wise buying used - the component is in good working order. @weazy365 - if you are satisfied with the 2-channel performance of Anthem, maybe best to stop there. Otherwise, you might be going down building 2-channel rabbit hole - yes better sound but to get above box store Sonics …$$ |
