Pioneer Elite VSX94TXH and Emotiva UPA-7

nreuck,
A quick search of this forum will tell you that your simple "Will an amp help me?" question has resulted in a lot of passionate answers on both sides of the issue. My ultimate suggestion is let your ears be your guide.

Now with that being said, I have a set-up that close to what you're asking about. I have an Pio Elite VSX-92 and a Emotiva UPA7. They were driving Martin Logan Montages (5 ohm, 89db - these are the cone-drive models, not the more power hungry ESLs). According to my ears, these speakers definitely perked up with the Emotiva. Much more transparent, with subtle details becoming more noticeable. The Pio Elite VSX94 puts out less than 100 wpc with 7 channels driven (Sound & Vision reviewed the unit and printed the 7 channel test results - check their site for specifics). The UPA7 is a definite boost from that. An even better bet may be the XPA3 (200 wpc x 3) and let your receiver drive the surrounds.

While I'm sure there are others in the forum who might disagree, I think the UPA7 (if not the XPA3) will give you a sound quality improvement you'll be able to hear.

My two cents...