INTERACT FORUM

Devices => Sound Cards, DAC's, Receivers, Speakers, and Headphones => Topic started by: thmpi on July 12, 2013, 09:26:41 pm

Title: multi channel amp or integrated receiver ? Advice Needed
Post by: thmpi on July 12, 2013, 09:26:41 pm

this is my first venture into HT - been using MC since v12 for audio only so please excuse the noobiness


I have a silent Windows 7 music server running jriver mc18 which is now surplus so want to place in living room and use as a HT PC. I also have a spare Arcam Rdac.
Am i right in thinking that a possible setup is PC > DAC > 5 channel Amp > Speakers and that jriver will do all the decoding (ie: i dont need to buy a HT receiver)


if so whats a good amp for a entry level/intermediate setup (dont want high end at this stage) 

cheers guys

Title: Re: multi channel amp or integrated receiver ? Advice Needed
Post by: kstich on July 12, 2013, 11:44:00 pm

Check out Emotiva. Good quality amps. I have an XPA-5 and it was a nice step up from a comparably rated Denon AVR.

Title: Re: multi channel amp or integrated receiver ? Advice Needed
Post by: pineim on July 26, 2013, 11:36:44 pm

Another plug for Emotiva, I have a XPA-2 to power my mains and have the Yamaha receiver handle the rears, center and surrounds, the thing is a powerhouse and was very reasonably priced around 1K less than big name stuff. I want to get a XP-3 to drive the mains and the center then use the -2 for the rears let the Yamaha send signal to subs and amp the surrounds.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-xpa-2

check this link out, it's the review that made up my mind to get it and was not disappointed.

Title: Re: multi channel amp or integrated receiver ? Advice Needed
Post by: kiwi on July 30, 2013, 12:46:31 am

I'll also throw in the suggestion of emotiva.

Either the XPA-5, or the UPA-500 or UPA-700
http://shop.emotiva.com/

I'd also checkout them on the used market, they have transferable warranties and you can get some good deals.