AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Should I add an XPA-5 to my Denon 4311Ci + CM9s?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Should I add an XPA-5 to my Denon 4311Ci + CM9s?

post #1 of 5
12/4/12 at 3:26pm
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone!

Long time reader but first time poster. This is sort of an age old question of should I add an amp (more specifically the XPA-5) to what I have:

Receiver: Denon 4311ci
Fronts: 2 x B&W CM9's
Center: B&W CMC2
Surrounds: 2 x SpeakerCraft AIM8 FIVE WIDE (Dipoles)
Surround Back: 2 x SpeakerCraft AIM8 FIVE
Sub: HSU VTF-15h
Projector: DLA-X3 and Carrada 107" screen
BluRay - Panasonic BDT300 + Sony PS3

I am really happy with what I currently have. The question is, will adding the XPA-5 (or XPA-3) make me even happier smile.gif Would this have a big impact on the sound quality that a newbie like me can notice? My primary use is for Movies and Games (90%) but I do listen to music occasionally. I never really turn it up to the max (leave it around -8db or so when watching movies) so I am not really concerned with the loudness. However does adding an amp help with the clarity and detail of the sound or does the 4311ci already is doing a great job for me? Greatly appreciate your advice on this. Thanks!
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #2 of 5
12/4/12 at 5:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by awesome+ View Post

I am really happy with what I currently have.

Welcome to AVS.

If everything is sounding fine to you then I see no reason to add an external amp. I push my 4311 pretty hard at times (often higher than -8) and since I don't notice any straining I don't worry about an external. I say kick your feet up and enjoy it wink.gif.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 5
12/4/12 at 5:50pm
Doesn't Emotiva have a no-risk policy?

Try it out in your home and see. If you don't like it, send it back within 30 days.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 5
12/5/12 at 3:15am
+1

This issue has proponents on both sides, although given your current configuration, not likely to add anything. However, if it's worth the $75 or so to ship it back if you decide not to keep it, then go for it. The placebo effect can be a powerful one though. smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 5
12/5/12 at 3:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by awesome+ View Post

However does adding an amp help with the clarity and detail of the sound or does the 4311ci already is doing a great job for me? Greatly appreciate your advice on this. Thanks!

As an Emotiva amp owner I would say you don't need it. No it won't add "clarity" or "detail" to the sound. If your 4311 were clipping or you had 4ohm speakers then I'd say get it but it doesn't seem as if it is. Speakers and room treatments make much more of a real improvement than does a different amp. From all accounts the 4311CI's amps are quite robust apart from being unable to drive more than two channels with four ohm speakers.
Edited by Theresa - 12/5/12 at 4:33am
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Receivers, Amps, and Processors

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Should I add an XPA-5 to my Denon 4311Ci + CM9s?