Now, this is a great response. I'm currently using a Marantz SR 7013 AVR without any external amplification. I'm not in a boat saying PA doesn't do anything at all. But, adding a PA that too under 50-1l with his speaker setup, I felt it wouldn't be a great value to his chain. His speakers were Dali Zensors and matching Centers and surrounds. He was already very happy with his listening levels and his room doesn't seem that big or he isn't going to put more money in the PA. Thus, I suggested if dynamic range is what he is craving, getting a speaker that is dynamic or getting the top of the line AVR should just suffice for convenience and double the power.. I know double the power just adds 3db to the volume level. The PA also delivers cleaner power than the AVR. But, if the speakers are already playing its best, why not change the speakers if dynamic range is what one seeks.
I'm too concerned about clean power that's why I went from SR 5009 to SR 7013.i could have went with the 6013, I chose 7013 for that slightly bigger power supply and able to play with less distortion. I didn't choose 7013 for its fancy front screen or Auro 3D support. PA definitely makes a very good sense, if one is driving a speaker that's meant to be designed to cater in a stereo setup. Yes. PA does definitely make the speaker sing without tapering at higher levels. But, if one is happy at the listening levels just with the AVR,i felt the PA wouldn't add more value to the chain.
It will add value definitely . Considering the speakers can handle power of more than 150 -200 watts.
These days speakers are coming up with excellent specs, But finding a matching AVR is not easy and cheap.
Also Unfortunately even high end AVR provides power till 200 watts / 2 channel driven , u will get roughly 70 to 80 watts RMS per speaker in average in 11.1 setup ).
Anyday Power is the main fuel for speakers , where other specs are for the purity and refinement of the fuel .
That's where These Power Amp shines in purity ,refinement and quantity . Power amps brings the dynamics in sound where no AVR can bring out such dynamics.
Its true that high sensitivity speakers can be driven by low wattage AVRS and it gives decent sound. But it works best when you feed the demanded power.
I noted many benefits of adding power amps.
Good Sound dynamics and great sound stage
Crystal Clear Vocals
Good mid punch (i never got such mids with AVR) / Looks like Now only my mid bass speakers working on my towers after adding Power Amp.
Less Noice level
Good for AVR/ since power distributed to Power Amp
Listening on High volumes are great and sweet / it does not hurt the ears . (With direct AVR out , the same volume level is not bearable).
If someone look for next upgrade in their HT setup , they should consider adding Power Amp and check with existing speaker setup , then later upgrade speakers if needed.
Any day power Amp is going to add great value to any speaker setup.
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