2. amps-preamps
  3. 1251249761

How do I know if I need an amp?

My system is as follows:

Marantz SR8200 AV Receiver
Totem Mites bookshelf speakers
Totem storm subwoofer
Onkyo DX-C330 Analog ouput disc changer

I've got the speakers wired directly into the sub and treat the bookshelfs and sub as "large main, left and right" in the receiver's output setup.

My living room is quite small, I listen to the system from about 8 feet away on the couch.

What kind of changes to listening quality could I expect from buying an amplifier for the system at this stage? I don't plan on buying new speakers anytime soon, so I am more interested in the incremental clarity that I could achieve over a need for any additional power.

I'm not an avid movie watcher, so I wonder if a 2 channel amp would make more sense, though the marantz PM5003 I saw ($600 is about my price range) only puts out 40watts, whereas my speakers are rated up to 80 watts, and the receiver I have now puts out 120watts.

Is there a big quality difference between the SR8200's 120w per channel and a stand alone amplifier's 40watts? Would a 120w amp, used in a stereo set up, make a big difference?

Thanks
manbehindthcurtain
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manbehindthcurtain OP
5 posts
 
Bob, Can you explain what you mean by "high passing" the Mites (from an execution stand point). I assume you mean to reduce the frequency levels they play - can this be done via my receiver?

I am gathering you recommend that I hook the sub directly up to the receiver as a "sub", and do the same with the fronts. How do I "high pass" the mites?

I want to also thank everyone for their help. I have a lot of fun with this, there is so much to learn, and this site is a great resource especially for us newbies. Thanks!
gonglee3
304 posts
 
What cables are you using ?

If you are using thin ones that came with the receiver, you might want to upgrade the cables first - and then see if you like what you are hearing.

You can get Ixos gamma RCA cables and Ixos gamma speaker cables at accessories4less.com That's what I use, and I like them. They got good reviews on hifi magazines.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sensational-IXOS-Gamma-1002-Encore-Audio-Cable-2-Meter_W0QQitemZ140337596201QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item20acc5c729&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Also, you can add this inexpensive power surge protector - improves the sound, and protects your electric gears :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370249463085&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Your present setup is not bad - should sound pretty good, with the right cables.

I would go with a different amp than the MM8003 - there are better sounding ones out there for the same money.

I just listen to 2 channel set up even for movies - I don't miss other speakers. Since you are trying to improve the sound of music, I would consider getting the adcom preamp and adcom power amp.

They would improve the sound in a noticeable way. Also, the culprit might be your source - amp can't improve the sound a lot if the source is not good.

I would upgrade the wires (if you haven't already), then the CD player (or DVD/CD player), and then add a 2 channel adcom amps to your Marantz SR8200 for the fronts.

You can connect the adcoms to your present Marantz receiver, to power the fronts. That would be better than getting MM8003 - I would consider other brands than Marantz.

gonglee3
304 posts
 
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/IXOSXHS606S/IXOS/XHS606-15-AWG-GAMMA-GEOMETRY-SPEAKER-WIRE-SILVER-PER-FOOT/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/IXOSXHA5162M/IXOS/XHA516-PC-OFC-Gamma-Geometry-Audio-Cable-2m/1.html
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