Landry P's Upgraded Set-Up

[landry_p2000]

Originally Posted by phansson

Are you not using the XPA-3 for the front L/C/R?

Yeah I am now, but I was thinking about using the XPA-3 to power the center and side surrounds, and the XPA-2 for the front L/R speakers. I like the way it sounds, but I am greedy for even more. I can put 300w RMS through my fronts, and that is the same power rating on the XPA-2. I think for music, it would open up the RTi10s even more. Do you think I should stay where I am, or add UPA-2s to all 4 rears?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by landry_p2000

Yeah I am now, but I was thinking about using the XPA-3 to power the center and side surrounds, and the XPA-2 for the front L/R speakers. I like the way it sounds, but I am greedy for even more. I can put 300w RMS through my fronts, and that is the same power rating on the XPA-2. I think for music, it would open up the RTi10s even more. Do you think I should stay where I am, or add UPA-2s to all 4 rears?

I personally prefer to use a stereo amp (or monoblocks) if I listen to stereo music. It/they are usually the better amp(s) with greater power than those used for the center and the side surrounds. That way you are not using the third channel for the center channel all of the time. I did that some years back when my best amp was my Krell KAV-250a/3. Now that I have the Aragon Palladium 1k Monoblocks I am happier using them for the front L and R channels and have retired the 3 channel amp to the rear 2 channels (that is because I now also have 3 additional Palladiums for the the center and side surrounds though).

Rich

[phansson]

You are going to get more bang for your buck on the front 3 speakers with more power than your smaller sides and rears. That being said, if you considering going to a true processor (not a receiver) you will all ways be able to use amps. Unless you are using full range speakers all the way around in your 7.1 setup, I doubt that you are going to need the extra power for your surrounds. I am not familiar with the emotiva line though....

If you look at my setup, I have two A21's for the front L/R/C (each put out 2x250w, I am only using 3 channels). I then have two A23's for the sides and rears (2 x 125w). Originally I had planned on moving the A21'd to power the sides and rears but changed my mind after using the system like this. I felt that the 125w amps were plenty of punch for the surround speakers.

[phansson]

I just looked at the website, they are about to release a monoblock series this month. They are rated at 200w x 1. You could get two of those for the L/R. That would be a pretty neat option. But then you would be short one channel for the surrounds.

I would like to go to some kind of monoblock for the front 3 speakers, but I am going to have to wait on that.

[landry_p2000]

Wow! You two guys have some amazing systems! I am a rookie, and this is my first amp. I want to expand my system to it's full potential, but I'm gonna take small steps along the way. I am sure that cables, placement, and imaging have alot to do with the systems sound and performance. It will be a good while before I get to your levels. (lol) I crave knowledge and I appreciate your input. As far as going to a pre, that would be a later step for me. I want to get the amps first. I like my avr for now, but the amplified sound is so much better. My speakers are rated at 300w RMS and I want to give them what they are worth.

[callas01]

Nice setup Landry.... I rated it and I can't believe that I haven't seen this yet. Very Nice.

[landry_p2000]

Originally Posted by callas01

Nice setup Landry.... I rated it and I can't believe that I haven't seen this yet. Very Nice.

Thanks for the rating.

[landry_p2000]

I am really looking at that XPA-2. I can only imagine what that would sound like in stereo mode for my music! By the way, phannson, where can I find the best deal on the VTI audio racks that you have in your set-up. I been thinking about replacing my old modular stand with something nicer.

[landry_p2000]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

I personally prefer to use a stereo amp (or monoblocks) if I listen to stereo music. It/they are usually the better amp(s) with greater power than those used for the center and the side surrounds. That way you are not using the third channel for the center channel all of the time. I did that some years back when my best amp was my Krell KAV-250a/3. Now that I have the Aragon Palladium 1k Monoblocks I am happier using them for the front L and R channels and have retired the 3 channel amp to the rear 2 channels (that is because I now also have 3 additional Palladiums for the the center and side surrounds though).

Rich

When the space is available, I do plan on starting a dedicated 2-channel set-up with sacd, ipod dock, etc. A set of monoblocks and a nice pre would do the trick. I am looking for something more that I can blend into my curent set-up for now. You have a nice set-up!

[phansson]

Originally Posted by landry_p2000

I am really looking at that XPA-2. I can only imagine what that would sound like in stereo mode for my music! By the way, phannson, where can I find the best deal on the VTI audio racks that you have in your set-up. I been thinking about replacing my old modular stand with something nicer.

Upgraditis is such a problem, isn't it????

I purchased all of my VTI racks from http://www.racksandstands.com. They are not cheap, but if you buy a 5 piece tower the price is pretty reasonable. Don't forget that they are modular.

[talstarone]

Good Morning,Landry P,my Friend.
I Hope You Are Enjoying Your Thursday Morning.

I will be 100% Honest;I Don't Know Where To Begin...

The Upgrades and Additions are Beyond Amazing.Looking at Your System Now,I Am Extremely Thrilled,Excited,and Happy for You,buddy.

Love the Emotiva XPA-3 Amp.
I Imagine the Added Clarity,Detail,and Additional HeadRoom from using the Amp,Has Made The Front Soundstage of Your HT,Sound As Good As What You Hear In Your Commercial Cinema.

It Should Bring Out Every Inch of Performance Your Polk RTi Front Speakers are Capable Of(As well as the CSi 5 Center Speaker).

The Racks You Created Using the Lowes "Real Organized" System,Look Exceptional.I Love that at Lowes.I cant take a trip into any of their stores,without giving them a look.

And just the detail of adding the Blu-Ray Case Holder with LED Lighting,goes a long way in making your Over-All Set-Up,Exceptional and Stand-Out From the Rest of the Crowd.

The 55 inch Wall Mounted FlatScreen looks Beautiful,Incredible,and Enormous.
I Know it has helped make your whole Movie Experience, seem Much More Theater Like.(And also,Thanks for the pic letting me see Mark Martin is on the Pole for the Daytona 500 )
You did an Excellent Job on the wiring to the 55 inch.With the Raceway it looks invisible and appears as if the TV is completely wireless.

I have to say you are Very Talented in Photography.To capture the Entire System(including the curio)in one shot with such Clarity,Sharpness,and Color Balance is Very Impressive.

Then the Screen Shots are as Detailed as any I have seen.Its as if I am watching 1080p thru my laptop screen,Excellent Focus and Outstanding Images.

The Beast of Sub(from SVS)You Have Blends in Well.While at the Same Time Making its Presence Known and Giving a Look That Just Implies Earth Shaking Bass that would rattle Your Internal Organs.

Everything,Just Blends In So Seemlessly,It Gives the Overall Look of Your System As One of the Finest I Have Seen,as Well as a Goal For Myself and Others To Look Towards.

Its An Inspiration To Not Only See the Amazing Componets,Gear,Blu-Rays,Wire Management(Which Truly Looks As Good or Better then Many Professional Jobs I Have Seen),and Every Detail You Have Included in Your Home Theater.

Its an Inspiration to see the Work,the Heart,the Soul,the Planning,the Saving,and the Dream You Had and Put Forward Into This Awe-Inspiring,Home Theater.
For That I Have To Say Job Extremely Well Done.

Congratulations,Landry P,my Friend.You Have Earned the Praise and Performance You Have Received From Your Home Theater.(And I Really Love The Thrones and their Ottomans)

Its Everything and More then I Ever Imagined When You First Listed Your Planned Upgrades.

Certainly,A Set-Up and System,I Would Be Honored and Excited To Watch a Movie On.

[landry_p2000]

Thanks a million Todd. My family thinks I am nuts when I watch a blu. lol I don't really get to enjoy it until Friday and Saturday, because when the kids go to bed, it will definetly wake them. Also, I went to Lowe's, and they are discontinuing the modular shelving systems. I use them alot for different things in my home. My wire management is going to get alot better. Thanks for stopping by.

[Bizdady]

Really nice n clean. What raceways are you using around the door frame? It looks round.

[landry_p2000]

Thanks alot Bizdady. I am using raceways from Home Depot, and they are flat on one side and round on the other like a half circle. That part of the set-up was not fun. Rate me if you get the time. Thanks for stopping by.....

[Bizdady]

Originally Posted by landry_p2000

Thanks alot Bizdady. I am using raceways from Home Depot, and they are flat on one side and round on the other like a half circle. That part of the set-up was not fun. Rate me if you get the time. Thanks for stopping by.....

Cool I might get those. I like how they arent to blocky and noticeable. I will be moving soon and will be needing to run wires to the back.

[landry_p2000]

Originally Posted by Bizdady

Cool I might get those. I like how they arent to blocky and noticeable. I will be moving soon and will be needing to run wires to the back.

Yeah they work great for wire management. They come in single 5ft. lengths or a pack of 3, and they are 3 ft. each (9ft) total

[landry_p2000]

Looking into the Great Gramma for my sub and maybe clean up the wires on my front stage.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by landry_p2000

Thanks a million Todd. My family thinks I am nuts when I watch a blu. lol I don't really get to enjoy it until Friday and Saturday, because when the kids go to bed, it will definetly wake them. Also, I went to Lowe's, and they are discontinuing the modular shelving systems. I use them alot for different things in my home. My wire management is going to get alot better. Thanks for stopping by.

I can't even do that because my kids are such light sleepers. For me to watch a movie, the only time I can turn it up like I want to is when both kids are at their grandmothers visiting during the day....my 11 month old hasn't had a sleep over yet, so I haven't watched a blu at night in almost a year......

[landry_p2000]

Originally Posted by Fors*

I can't even do that because my kids are such light sleepers. For me to watch a movie, the only time I can turn it up like I want to is when both kids are at their grandmothers visiting during the day....my 11 month old hasn't had a sleep over yet, so I haven't watched a blu at night in almost a year......

Wow! Sorry to hear that Fors. Those little ones don't like that noise. My youngest is 7 years old and I still have to be careful with the volume, even when we watch Kung Fu Panda or Monsters vs. Aliens. He loves those movies, but at louder volumes he will cringe at some scenes. Tonight they will stay up late and play their Xbox 360, so it will be perfect for me. They keep the door to the bedroom closed at movie time anyway.

[landry_p2000]

By the way, you sure are up early. You feeling better Fors?