Component Upgrade Help

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post #1 of 3

6/15/11 at 6:54pm

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1 Post. Joined 6/2011
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Hello All,

I am hoping that someone can help me with my basement theatre upgrade. My Theatre consists of the following:

Onkyo TX-SR805
Monster Power Line Conditioner
Oppo Blu Ray Player
HD PVR Digital Cable
50" Panasonic Plasma
Apple TV

Front: Polk Audio LSi15
Center: Polk Audio LSiC
Surr: Polk Audio LSiFX
Rear: Polk Audio LSi9
Sub: PSW1000

Now...here is my dilemma. I recently had the opportunity to demo a Cinenova Grande 7 Power amplifier in my theatre and was blown away with the improvement in the sound quality. I never would have thought my Polks could sound that good!!! BUT i do not have $6500 to shell out on an amp right now. So after some investigating i have found the following options that would keep me within budget. I would appreciate your expert opinions / experiences on the sound quality differences between them:

Option 1: $850
Emotiva XPA 5 with my 805

Option 2: $3200
Marantz AV7005 & MM8003

Option 3: $2650
NAD T975 with my 805

Option 4: $2300
Outlaw Audio 7700 with my 805

Questions:
will the Marantz rated at 140 watts (8 ohms) be enough for the LSi's?

Thanks in advance for any help

post #2 of 3

6/15/11 at 8:30pm

1,328 Posts. Joined 6/2006
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given how marantz short change their amp section, i would tend avoid their amp, 140watts is most likely total capacity in bridge mode for 8 ohms, i would say 140 watt as the base for 4-6 ohms most likely.. i wouldn't trust any stated fact's they state for wattage capacity..

8 ohms realistically will likely 70-105/115watts per channel if that...

just looking at the current draw, 800watts makes me wonder if 980 watts is even possible with 8 channels going ..

post #3 of 3

6/15/11 at 9:23pm