Should I go for a Power Amp or not?

[NewMB]

Some of you may remember my very old "Canton - taken the plunge" thread back in 2013 as I was setting up our system at the new house. Long story short, still run them and still very pleased with them but feel some things could be improved. But as with everything, there are others who know better so the best place to ask? Here!

So here we go.... currently run a 7.2.4 (a bit unsure how my system is actually named as to me its a 9.2 system, but I have no idea!?) system, as follows:

AV Receiver: Onkyo TX-RZ3100 (previously had a TX-RX5010) - a bit unsure of the power this one gives....
Fronts: Canton Vento 890.2 DC (bi-wired with 2-to-4 cables) - Nom./Music Power handling 180/340W 20-40kHz
Center: Canton Vento 858.2 - 120/200W 26-40kHz
Front Heights: Canton Vento 820.2 - 60/100W 32-40kHz
Side and Rear Surrounds: Canton Vento 810.2 (x4) 60/100W 40-40kHz
Subs: Canton SUB 1500R x2 - Active, Bassreflex, 2x 12.2" drivers (one is passive), 18-200Hz

This in turn is hooked up with a Sony KD759005 (75", curved), Apple TV 4K, PS4 etc etc together with "proper" cables etc and while I am quite pleased with the system, I do feel that some things could be improved and one of the things I am considering is a Power Amp to drive the fronts and to help off-load the AVR a bit as it gets seriously hot sometimes. Not sure if I should also hook up the Center to a Power Amp?

I might also change one of the subs to an SVS as although nothing wrong per se with the subs I have, but I wouldn't mind going a bit deeper/lower.

Perhaps there are other areas that would benefit from an upgrade that I simply overlook/don't know about?

Mainly use the system for movies from the Apple Tv unit but also from Blu-Ray as well as Music using "all channel audio". Usage about 70% towards Music and yes, I do like it (very) loud at times.

Don't mind spending a bit to get quality stuff so open for every suggestion

Thank You in advance!

 

[rccarguy3]

If you decide to get poweramp then get a three channel as those are most demanding channels used.

Another option is a stereo integrated amplifier with HT bypass for two channel.

That onkyo is fairly high end do best to borrow ppweramp/ integrated so you can try for yourself

I wouldn't recommend all channel stereo that is part mode so rears still get speech etc it's a buggered up soundfield.

Use something like pro logic music or something like that so speech is on the center channel and rears have atmospheric sound with delay.

I only use all channel stereo when I want to use my Atmos height q acoustic 3010i for two channel music, I only switch that two channel power amp on so it's a good representation of 2.1 system not a 13.2 system with all Amps on buggering it up with all speakers playing the exact signal as left and right. I guess that mode would be useful as stress test, set full range to all, use all channel stereo, play it loud, play heavy metal for hours and if your amp blows up then need better one haha

 

[NewMB]

Oh ok, thank you. Good to know re the 3-channel one. Any particular one that you could recommend?

What is HT bypass? Sorry for the silly question, a bit of a novice

You are absolutely correct, I mainly use the all channel thing when listening to music, but will keep that in mind. After all, the Onkyo do produce some serious sound if used correctly.

 

[rccarguy3]

Cheapest would be emotiva bas X. Others would be emotiva xpa 3.

There's also Nord, ATI that make customisable Ch amps.

HT bypass in a stereo integrated amp allows it to be used as a power amplifier when you're using it in a AV system so the internal pre amp is bypassed. This is recommend. It's not essential but it is desirable

 

[NewMB]

Cheapest would be emotiva bas X. Others would be emotiva xpa 3.

There's also Nord, ATI that make customisable Ch amps.

HT bypass in a stereo integrated amp allows it to be used as a power amplifier when you're using it in a AV system so the internal pre amp is bypassed. This is recommend. It's not essential but it is desirable

Thanks!

Got my eyes on a Rotel RMB-1555 (think the 1585 would be overkill) or possibly go for a Lyngdorf SDA-2400 that both has raving reviews. Granted, the latter has only 2 speaker outputs..