Is a Power Amp the Answer?
Hi Everyone…
I want to adjust my stereo system to sound extremely clear, virtually distortion-free, strong across all frequencies and loud, without having to turn the volume on my integrated receiver to 70. (More than that, distortion starts becoming apparent.) Plus, I’d like it to be louder, but I loose audiophile sound quality at louder levels with my current line-up.
I’m thinking that adding a power amp and hooking it up to my integrated amp might be the answer. I’ve never done this, don’t know how, and need your guys’ and gals’ input, please.
My current equipment:
Rotel RA-1570 integrated amp. 120/watts/channel; 80 db S/N ratio, phono stage, 100 db S/N ratio, Digital and LL. http://www.rotel.com/product/ra-1570
GoldenEar Triton Five loudspeakers. 90 db efficiency, 8 ohms, recommended amplification, 15-400 wpc. https://www.goldenear.com/products/triton-series?gktab=3
(Also, for the record, Oppo BDP-105, Pioneer PL-550 turntable with Denon DL-110 cartridge, and V-LPS phono stage.)
Three questions, please:
Are my Rotel integrated amp and GoldenEar Triton Fives properly matched, in the sense of this: am I maximizing the features of both products, given their respective specifications. (I don’t know; I don’t understand this part of putting together a system whose synergies are maximized.)
I think I can use the Rotel as a preamp and match a 300-watt power amp to it to sound extremely clear, virtually distortion-free, strong across all frequencies and loud, without having to turn the volume on my integrated receiver to 70.
If the answer to question 2 is “yes,” what 300-watt power amp would any of you suggest up to $2,000. (I looked at the reviews of the Emotiva XPA Gen3, but my it was priced at only $800. Of course, as an American, I’m thinking something must be wrong, since all the other power amps in that wattage class are significantly more expensive. Am I right, or is the Emotiva audiophile class?) https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/xpa-gen3
Thank you, everyone. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. So happy to be a part of this group.
Mark
I don't know (or think) the Rotel RA-1570 allows for the hooking up of a subwoofer to it, and I don't know how to determine if it does or not. Would you mind checking, please? Here's the link to the amp's spec page: http://www.rotel.com/product/ra-1570 Thank you so very much. Mark |
Thank you cedargrover. I don't understand your last paragraph . Are you saying purchasing one or two GoldenEar Forcefield 3 subs (which I am now highly considering, after reading all of these posts...but I don't know if the Rotel will let me connect 2 subs vs. one) will solve my initial problem, but then cause other issues? Thank you. |
My listening room is actually pretty small...10 feet deep by 12 feet wide. When I sit on my couch in the sweet spot, I am about 5 feet from the middle point of the speakers, which are about 8 feet apart. I wish I could send you a picture of my listening room. Thank you. I look forward to your response. Mark |
