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First Separate Setup...Need some guidance...

post #1 of 13
2/1/07 at 8:11am
Thread Starter 
I am in the military and do not have much money to shell out for components at this point. I have never used a "separates" setup and I am ready to get into it as I do have some extra cash that finally allows me to step into this realm. From all of the research and looking I have done, I have come to 2 conclusions with my budget: Used or something inexpensive that is brand new (ie Emotiva LPA-1). I have right around $800 MAX to spend...all I want is a 7 channel amp as I can use my Rotel RSX 1056 as the pre/pro (i will upgrade to a processor once the new sound formats come out on some models as well as HDMI switching)...I have narrowed it down to two choices but I am open to more suggestions and ideas as I do have a difficult budget amount:

-B&K 125.7 (used off the Gon)
-Emotiva LPA-1 (new)
-Others in my price range?

Here is my audio gear:

-Rotel RSX-1056 AVR
-B&W 604, LCR600, 601
-HSU VTF3-MKii Sub

What amp should I go with that is big bang/$ and is great for entry level as I have only done AVR setups for years and years?

Would I even benefit from separates with my equipment?

Thanks a bunch brethren!
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post #2 of 13
2/1/07 at 8:42am
Thread Starter 
No love eh?
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post #3 of 13
2/1/07 at 8:47am
I can only personally recommend Sherbourn, as that is the only external amp that I have owned. But if were in the market for something new, I would be all over the Emotiva. I would also consider Outlaw. I would try to get something with 200 wpc. Not sure if 125 wpc would be justified as enough difference over your current receiver.
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post #4 of 13
2/1/07 at 8:54am
Thread Starter 
Ok. The Rotel is 75W max @ 8ohm...my 604s are rated to 200w and the lcr600 is rated to 150w...
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post #5 of 13
2/1/07 at 9:35am
My buddy just received his lpa-1, the amp is sweet and it's price should be higher. I have an adcom 7807, and his lpa-1 for 500.00 is the real deal! G0 for the emo and do not look back, it'll surprise you for the money!
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post #6 of 13
2/1/07 at 9:57am
I'm curious here as to why you need an add'l amp.Yes more power is always better,but you have a really good reciever in the rotel which i'm pretty sure runs your speakers fine.Is there something else ? Reason i ask is i also have the rsx1056 but with the 603s3's and it does a fantastic job.
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post #7 of 13
2/1/07 at 11:22am
Thread Starter 
Separates sound better...The rating on the receiver is not even near what my 604s are capable of...I just want to see if it will open them up some more. ALSO: I am trying to slowly expand to 7.2 for when i get my new house and maybe upgrade the speakers (I was thinking Dynaudio). So either way, an amp would be ideal...But keep the advice and input coming...Thanks.
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post #8 of 13
2/1/07 at 11:30am
The Emotiva units are well regarded as excellent values, but I'm not all that keen on an asymmetrical configuration myself (the LPA-1 is 125x5+50x2 rather than 125x7 like the B&K 125.7 or Outlaw 7125). I would think the B&K unit should do very nicely, but not sure even used if you can get it down to under $800 delivered. You might simply consider where you are in the order of things and go with the LPA-1, save the cash, and focus on the reason your getting an outboard amp in the first place, to be able to use a pre/pro. But you're going to be waiting a long time for next gen formats and complete HDMI support in the pre/pro world, so why not save some more and get the B&K. Round and round it goes.
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post #9 of 13
2/1/07 at 12:38pm
Thread Starter 
I have been leaning towards the Emotiva just because of all the praise I have read in this forum as well as reviews...I am just not sure if I should go for it or not. As my original post says, I want to make it to where I can do 7.2 eventually while at the same time (right now) maximize the performance I can get out of my current setup. Does that make sense? Is this a logical approach and or reason?
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post #10 of 13
2/1/07 at 2:51pm
I've got the LPA-1 and highly recommend it. It's powering the tops of my NHT VT-2s, a VS-2a, and a pair of SB-1. The bottom end of my VT-2s are each powered by an NHT SA-3 so I'm not sure how well the LPA-1 powers the always hungry bottom end of the spectrum but for my use the LPA-1 has been excellent.

YMMV

SCG
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post #11 of 13
2/1/07 at 3:01pm
I suggest you save the money for your house. Even when played loudly, your speakers are probably drawing 20 watts. This forum is rife with misinformation about the impact of high power amplification. It's your money of course, just be realistic about what you get.

Nick
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post #12 of 13
2/1/07 at 3:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick250 View Post

I suggest you save the money for your house. Even when played loudly, your speakers are probably drawing 20 watts. This forum is rife with misinformation about the impact of high power amplification. It's your money of course, just be realistic about what you get.

Nick

Exactly, hence my dilemma...


For $499 for a brand new highly praised amp though, it isnt breaking the bank as far as amps go...and it is something that can be used in the future...Then again, the more and longer I save, the more ill have later...Oh what to do! lol.
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post #13 of 13
2/1/07 at 4:28pm
If you've got the bug and want to buy something, look at speakers. You'll get a much more dramatic improvement by upgrading speakers than by adding juice that may only increase your output by a few dBs.
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