Fixing to buy a new amp

[gadgtfreek]

Need a 5 channel, and the one I have had on my dedicated HT spreadsheet is the Outlaw Model 7500. Thing is a beast, and my 7125 was a great amp, so I know they (ATI in California actually) build great stuff.

200w x 5 at 8 ohms
80 lbs
5 year warranty

Has two large transformers, the smaller one is for 2 channels, and the larger handles the other 3 to balance things. This is designed almost like 5 monoblocks, or the modular amps I guess, so crosstalk should be nonexistent. 12 output devices and 30k uf capacitance per channel (Two 15k uf caps).

I figure this will be the only power amp I need as long as it is working.

Looking at that image, the smaller transformer runs L and SL, while the large transformer runs the other 3. Bench tests show it outputs more (Outlaw and ATI usually do) than the rated 200w all channels driven with 0.03% rated distortion, which was about 240w. Was about 289w at 0.1% distortion.

Good ol made in the USA power.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Other part of this dilemma is whether to get amp first or dedicated preamp. Part of me says to get the AV8801 from marantz first... I gotta think the XPA-3 is pushing the Klipsch fine, so maybe the preamp is a good move. These things drive me crazy.

 

[teachsac]

Are you only driving the 3 fronts + sub still?

S~

 

[jevans64]

The Denon 4520ci in your sig should be fine for driving the additional amp... unless you want a dedicated pre-amp. I'd get the AV8802 from Marantz unless you don't care about going beyond DTS Neo:X. Of course, you also have the AT 2005 directly from ATI or the XPA-5 ( or 7 ) from Emotiva since you are already familiar with their products from having the XPA-3. I think the Denon is actually rated at around 60w/channel with 7 channels driven, so putting more channels on 200w would be noticeable.

I'm getting ready for an upgrade myself. Probably selling the Denon AVR-5308ci and getting the X7200 since I want to run a couple channels off the AVR. Also debating on selling the Emotiva XPR-5 and going Class D. Looking at a D-Sonic 7-channel amp with 800w into L,C,R and 400w into the four surrounds. That would leave me running four additional channels in an Atmos/DTS X setup from the AVR.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Are you only driving the 3 fronts + sub still?

S~

Yes. The more I look today the more scenarios I present. I am part of the Emotiva e-club, so I can swap my XPA-3 for an XPA-5 (200w x 5) for cheap, and that still leaves me enough money for two choices:

1) Upgrade to RC-64II center channel from Klipsch

2) AC4L Refurb 8801

Both are $1400. I think the beastly center offers me the most chance at SQ improvement, just gotta keep reading... And the XPA-5 solves my future 5 channel amp issue for very little $$$.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Other option is $1400 for a pair of RF-7 fronts.... I know those are badass

Basically I can spend $2000, and once the amp is updated I have $1400 left over.

 

[dfergie]

Waiting on the April 9th announcement from dts:X then will decide ... want Atmos also.

 

[teachsac]

Yep. The scenarios are always endless. Just when you think you're done, you come up with another.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Since I won't be doing atmos any time soon, and have to plan around 3.2 and 5.2 setups, I think upgrading to a 200w x 5 amp and getting the RF7 Klipsch towers for the front is the best move. I can then save my RF82 fronts for surround speakers later... Or a living room...

All of that would be about $2000.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Just ordered this pair

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klipsch-RF-...305?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f9d303b9

Should change the front sound a little

Helluva deal since they are $1600 each new. I actually bought my original Klipsch from this guy on ebay (auth retailer) 3-4 years ago. Gave me good customer service. Next move is amp trade in to the Emotiva XPA-5.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Just a little update. RF7ii's will be here tuesday, Outlaw Model 7500 the following week.

 

[teachsac]

Nice!

 

[gadgtfreek]

I've read the RF7's, even though having a high eff rating, can experience ohm dips when pushed. The 7500, with 238w/channel at 0.03% and 260w at 0.1%, should have plenty of headroom.

Seller also got back to me, he is shipping the 7500 this morning before he takes a flight out for the week so I should get it this week.

 

[gadgtfreek]

First toys are here.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Well, we had a little snafu. One of the tower boxes marked black was actually cherry. I opened the cherry one first because the box was dinged pretty good (these were discounted scratch and dent), and I found the booboo. After looking at it for a bit, and noticing how flawless it was, I told him id keep the cherry and send the black back. He is working out the return with the freight company and will ship me a cherry tower tomorrow.

 

[mike123abc]

It is hard to tell without seeing them side by side, but in that picture with both speakers in it, they do not look like the same model. The cherry one looks larger.

 

[gadgtfreek]

They are, the other black one is still boxed. That is what an RF-7ii looks like compared to it's little brother the RF82ii (my fronts right now).

 

[gadgtfreek]

Update on my situation. UPS freight called today, will pick up black RF7ii tomorrow, cherry RF7ii is shipping from dealer today. Pretty cool, regardless of the mixup.

 

[gadgtfreek]

Got one of these coming too. Figure it fits with the amp and speaker upgrades.

 

[mike123abc]

Update on my situation. UPS freight called today, will pick up black RF7ii tomorrow, cherry RF7ii is shipping from dealer today. Pretty cool, regardless of the mixup.

It was a plot to get you to upgrade to the cherry finish... They knew you could not resist once you saw it in your house... When you get the replacement speaker you will also "accidentally" receive a new receiver that will also look great in your house....