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Center and Mains

I "feel " the need to apply more power to my front speakers. One because, I'm not using half of their capabilities (wattage) plus I'm hoping the added power will clean up / reveal those little hidden jewels within a recording / sound track. 
My question is can I add power and find those nuggets or should I forget the power and find the right processor?
front mains: Def-Tech 7000 Sc1000 watts
http://www.definitivetech.com/products/bp7000sc
Center McIntosh XCS200 600 watts
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=speakers&ProductId=XCS20...
Processor: Denon 4308CI http://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/avreceiversht/avr4308ci
Amp: 7 Channel MC8207 http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=amplifiers&ProductId=MC8...  
Another motivation, (putting it all out there) I have a 12.3 channel speakers setup in place ready to go, but without the amp channels or processor to push it all  - it would allow me to use the MC8207 to power all the surrounds nicely.
jsigle

Showing 4 responses by elevick

elevick
2,638 posts
 
You have a 7 channel amp, try bi-amping your mains and see if it helps.  Personally, I think you will see the most improvement in clarity by matching your front three speakers.  I'm not knocking mac or def tech, they all sound better by matching all 3 fronts.
Don't bi-amp mixing the Denon and Mac.  I would try using the Mac just to power your front 3 speakers.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Mac's are not known for having great speakers.  You really should consider a new center.  USAM has multiple pairs of Def Tech speakers listed that will match the sound of yours.  You don't even need a powered sub in the center so something like a 450 might work for not much money.  Buy a pair and only use 1. Or, if you want to go crazy, there is a pair of 7004's listed...

Otherwise I totally agree with comments above about going "phantom" for the center.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Jsigle,  
Michaela says it best.  If you tell us what city you are in, maybe another member can stop by with a nice pre/pro and let you play?
The other option is to buy on-line from a retailer with a money back guarantee.  Emotiva & Outlaw do that.  Even better, skip the pre and try an Oppo.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Oppo is a DVD player that plays almost every format on disc.  It has a nice built in volume control, great quality, nice DAC and tons of features.  Go to oppodigital.com
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