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Best Amplifier/Receiver and speaker configuration. Denon 4311CI/3310CI, possible a Emotiva XPA-5.

Poll Results: Best use of amplification, Choose only 1 option from EACH scenario, please read first post for more information.

This is a multiple choice poll
  • 0% (0)
    Scenario 1: Continue Powering Heights with 3310, everything else on 4311
  • 0% (0)
    Scenario 1: Bi-Amp Fronts on 3310, power all surrounds with 4311
  • 0% (0)
    Scenario 1: Other use with 3310/4311
  • 0% (0)
    Scenario 2: Power Right Left Mains, Center, Right Left Wides with XPA-5 all others on AVR-4311
  • 0% (0)
    Scenario 2: Power Right Left Mains, Center, Right Left Heights with XPA-5 all others on AVR-4311
  • 80% (4)
    Scenario 2: Power Right Left Mains, Center, Right Left Surrounds with XPA-5 all others on AVR-4311
  • 20% (1)
    Scenario 2: Bi-Amp Right Left Mains, Center with XPA-5 all others on AVR-4311
  • 0% (0)
    Scenario 2: Other use with XPA-5/4311
5 Total Votes  
post #1 of 6
1/25/13 at 9:19am
Thread Starter 
The XPA-5/XPA-3 is no longer an option. Trying now to figure out how to best utilize the power between my two Denon AVR's.

Current Speakers
Boston VR2: Right Left Mains (Bi-Amp capable)(Recommended Amp Power: 15-150 watts, 93dB sensitivity)
Boston VR20: Center (Recommended Amp Power: 15-250 watts, 91dB sensitivity)
Boston CR77: Wides, Heights Surrounds: (Recommended Amp Power: 15-150 watts, 89dB sensitivity)
Boston CR67: Surround Back: (Recommended Amp Power: 15-150 watts, 89dB sensitivity)

Current Power
Denon AVR-4311CI (140 watt / channel, .05 THD) - Powering everything but heights
Denon AVR-3310CI (130 watt / channel, .05 THD) - Powering heights
No dedicated processing or crossovers

Purpose
To choose the speaker configuration option that provide the best Sound Quality by maximizing available power.

Situation
I intended on selling the 3310 for a used XPA-5 which is no longer available. I do not have the funds to get a new XPA-3/5 and will be keeping the 3310. I may be getting the 4520 to replace the 4311 which will bump output to 150 watt / channel.

My Theory
The thought process behind utilizing the 3310 more is to reduce the load on the 4311(/Possible 4520) by not requiring it to power all 9 channels by itself; with the intent to increase the total usable output of the total system.

Options
A) Continue Powering Heights with 3310, everything else on 4311(/Possible 4520)
B) Bi-Amp Fronts on 3310, power all surrounds with 4311(/Possible 4520)
C) Fronts on 3310 (not bi-amped), power all surrounds with 4311(/Possible 4520)
D) Surrounds & Surround Backs on 3310, rest on 4311(/Possible 4520)
E) Other

Knowing I have to work with the equipment I have, which option would you choose?

Thanks! cool.gif
Edited by Dreamliner - 1/27/13 at 3:30am
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post #2 of 6
1/25/13 at 11:20am
Thread Starter 
I don't know if I can get this XPA-5...the owner is being a bit sketchy...
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post #3 of 6
1/25/13 at 2:31pm
I'd definitely go with the 4311 + XPA-5 combo. I chose Option 2 w/ XPA-5 powering FL/FR/C/LS/RS but you could go with powering the front 5 as well. At any rate, the 4311ci would thank you for taking the load off of its amps.

Emotiva will continue the warranty on any amps purchased secondhand. Find out how long the original owner has had the amp. I don't know of many folks getting rid of their XPA-5 unless they are upgrading to the XPR-5 or getting monoblocks. Emotiva do 10% discounts on a regular basis and usually do 15% to 20% on their Summer sales.
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post #4 of 6
1/25/13 at 2:56pm
Thread Starter 
The used XPA-5 will have warranty through April 2014....but I may not be able to get it.

I'd like a XPA-5, but it may not be in the cards...

I have the 3310 now and it may stay for awhile. I'm really wondering now what would be my best choice in 'Scenario 1':

A) Continue Powering Heights with 3310, everything else on 4311
B) Bi-Amp Fronts on 3310, power all surrounds with 4311
C) Other
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post #5 of 6
1/27/13 at 3:29am
Thread Starter 
I intended on selling the 3310 for a used XPA-5 which is no longer available. I do not have the funds to get a new XPA-3/XPA-5 and will be keeping the 3310. I may be getting the 4520 to replace the 4311 which will bump output to 150 watt / channel.

Purpose
To choose the speaker configuration option that provide the best Sound Quality by maximizing available power.

My Theory
The thought process behind utilizing the 3310 more is to reduce the load on the 4311(/Possible 4520) by not requiring it to power all 9 channels by itself; with the intent to increase the total usable output of the total system.

Options
A) Continue Powering Heights with 3310, everything else on 4311(/Possible 4520)
B) Bi-Amp Fronts on 3310, power all surrounds with 4311(/Possible 4520)
C) Fronts on 3310 (not bi-amped), power all surrounds with 4311(/Possible 4520)
D) Surrounds & Surround Backs on 3310, rest on 4311(/Possible 4520)
E) Other

Thoughts?
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post #6 of 6
1/27/13 at 6:40pm
Thread Starter 
Well I just realized I can only offload the Fronts or Heights from the 4311 to the 3310, so I'll probably leave it as is with the heights external. Even if I get a 4520, I think I'll probably still be best doing the same thing.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Best Amplifier/Receiver and speaker configuration. Denon 4311CI/3310CI, possible a Emotiva XPA-5.