2. amps-preamps
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In need of some Amplifier advice. Is therereally any point in it with my current setup?

Hello. I have posted in the past, but have since learned a little bit more from reading audio forums, and doing some research and have come to somewhat of a juncture. 

I figure I could "stair step" up on my own and enjoy the ride, or, ask those who have most likely been where i am before and skip a few steps =). 

My current setup consists of a Yamaha adventage-A3070 AV receiver (150wattsx8ohms 2chd), and 2 Polk LSIM707 towers. 

I've been looking at used Classe amps here on audiogon, or possibly a new parasound Halo A21 power aplifier,  and have thought about purchasing them. 

My question is, would my Yamaha advantage 3070 even be a sufficient pre-amp? It has pre-outs for all channels, and it also has an ess sabre DAC for my digital flac files. Or would using the Yamaha as a pre completely destroy the sound of the power amplifier? Essentially wasting $1,000-$3,000. 

My other question is pretty obvious. Should I trade up, just spend the $1,000-$3,000 on better set of speakers I've been eye balling like  the EMT-LFT8s, and stick with the Yamaha receiver's power for now. 

If it were you. What would you do? 


moskaudio
moskaudio OP
27 posts
 
@helomech I kind of assumed the power coming out of the Yamaha was  pretty meh and that as a pre it would probably be....decent. 

I'm thinking the Halo 21 or comparable would probably be the most logical first step, since I would need to acquire one eventually regardless. 

I'm not really going for a full blown system of separates. I have looked into two mono blocks as opposed to a two channel amp. 

But all this being said, Eminent tech does offer a 30 day trial for the LFT8s. But I know once I purchase them I'd have a hard time sending them back ;). 

I may just up my budget (which I can do), and go with both hah! 


audiothesis
128 posts
 
Hey Mosk, where are you located?

I'm quite familiar with the Polk series and can say if you stick with that, the Halo A21 would be excellent.  The Yamaha will always have its flavor added to the sound, but adding the amp will still yield some major gains. The LSiM are some solid speakers and a far cry from what Polk is known for.  With that said, at their retail price, there are/were better options IMO.

Is this a home theater, 2 channel, or multi-purpose system?  If you went with the EMT, would you have room to actually get them off the back wall several feet? 
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
414 posts
 
Take it one step at a time.  Get the Classe, Parasound or another higher end amp and use the Yamaha for it's preamp (realizing that's most likely the weak link) and see how you like it with your speakers.  I would then look to a higher end preamp, possibly tube preamp.  (I know very little about 7.1 surround since I'm a 2 channel person).  Once you change preamps, then see how much you like your current Polk tower speakers.  If the rest of your speakers are all Polk in your surround sound, then the LFT8's might not match your other speakers, so make one change at a time and give yourself time to get used to the change you made.
moskaudio OP
27 posts
 
But yes, the Polk's mid range is fairly weak. When playing piano tracks and solo acoustic guitar tracks, it's quite apparent that they are lacking. 
moskaudio OP
27 posts
 
@audiothesis, Oh don't worry. I acquired 2 new polk LSIM707s, 2 new polk 703s, a polk lsi706c, AND a new Yamaha adventage 3070a receiver for $2,800 on a deal earlier this year from Adorama. 

I know they definitely aren't worth their MSRP and wouldn't pay anything close to it. 

I use the 703s in my office with a rotel receiver. the 706c is still sitting in its box new, I will probably sell it as I don't have an interest in 5.1 or 7.1 audio. 

And yes, My living room is roughly 20'x18'. I've got plenty of space for positioning. 
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