Stand alone amp suggestions?

[ls7z06]

I have never had a separate amp in my life. But I am thinking about getting one. My front speakers are Polk RTi A7's rated to 300 watts. My receiver is rated at 140 watts. So... I am now thinking I might need a 2 channel amp to add power to the front speakers. Couple of questions...
1) What are good brands? Seems like Emotiva and Rotel pop up a lot in signatures.
2) What would the max power be I should get in an amp to run my 300 watt speakers? 250watts?

[mdabb]

What interests you more, movies or music ??? Also what would your maximum budget be for this ???

[ls7z06]

I am probably 75% movies and 25% music. Budget is ???? I guess I don't have a budget limit in mind, but I am always interested in getting the best bang for the buck. I have no idea what a good 2 channel amp costs. Under a grand?? But if I could get a good one for $500, that would be better. I sure don't want to chase a low price only to have problems with it later.

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by ls7z06

I am probably 75% movies and 25% music. Budget is ???? I guess I don't have a budget limit in mind, but I am always interested in getting the best bang for the buck. I have no idea what a good 2 channel amp costs. Under a grand?? But if I could get a good one for $500, that would be better. I sure don't want to chase a low price only to have problems with it later.

Not sure if you will be able to find an amp for $500 that will trump the amp already in your receiver ..............

Not sure, but I don't even think you can get an Emotiva amp in the $500 dollar range ???? If you are thinking about something from them I would check with the guys in the "Emotiva Thread". They will be able to guide you in the realm of Emotiva.

I would say that you would have to invest more than what your receiver costs to get a good multi-channel amp. Just depends on whether or not you want to look at it as an investment in sound quality rather than looking to add raw horse power. Sure headroom is great, but you don't want headroom with distortion or loss of sound quality.

Perhaps define your over all goals..........

[ls7z06]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Not sure if you will be able to find an amp for $500 that will trump the amp already in your receiver ..............

Not sure, but I don't even think you can get an Emotiva amp in the $500 dollar range ???? If you are thinking about something from them I would check with the guys in the "Emotiva Thread". They will be able to guide you in the realm of Emotiva.

I would say that you would have to invest more than what your receiver costs to get a good multi-channel amp. Just depends on whether or not you want to look at it as an investment in sound quality rather than looking to add raw horse power. Sure headroom is great, but you don't want headroom with distortion or loss of sound quality.

Perhaps define your over all goals..........

When I say my goal is to add power, I am not necessarily talking about volume. Sure, volume is good, but the real quest here is to get the best quality of sound from my existing front speakers.

[picture_shooter]

get the emotiva 2-channel XPA-2. That amp with hump those two speakers of yours!!
http://emotiva.com/xpa2.shtm

if it was me, I go with the XPA-5, its cheaper and also it will give more power then just the front two mains.

[solarrdadd]

Originally Posted by ls7z06

When I say my goal is to add power, I am not necessarily talking about volume. Sure, volume is good, but the real quest here is to get the best quality of sound from my existing front speakers.

If I were you, i'd go for the Emotiva XPA-5 and connect it to your front 3 & your two surrounds. I'd let the two surround backs you have stay connected to the receiver. I have this amp and that is how i have it connected let me tell you, your polks will open up like they have not. Oh yeah, I also have an all polk setup so, i think i can really speak to this with true understanding. Also, get yourself 5 sweet interconnects from emo when you order this and your set!

trust me, listen to your uncle Solarrdadd!