Quote Originally Posted by photony83 View Post
Hello guys, I could use some help. I have 3 Sierra 2's LCR, 2 HTM 200 for rears, and 1 SVS PB-2000 sub. I upgraded from a Yamaha RX-V671 receiver to a Yamaha RX-A2080 recently. Sound was a drastic change for me. The sound was much more alive, more clearer voices at low level listening, and less fatigue at longer listening times. I ran YPAO and noticed an improvement.

Since going to the higher power receiver improved the sound drastically, I am wondering if going to a separate amplifier will improve my overall sound. Specifically, I have been thinking about upgrading to Parasound A23 or the Outlaw 5000 amp. I am fully open to other suggestions and willing to spend more if I need to.

1) Has anyone made the switch from AVR to an Amp for 2.1 music listening and noticed a significant difference?

2) Specifically which Class A/B amps work well with Sierra 2's?

3) I understand the max continuous WPC is 150 but does that mean I shouldn't ever buy an amp that has higher WPC even though I set a max volume of +5db on my receiver?
I use similar speaker set up as you, although sub is a Rythmik E15 and HTM200 for ATMOS heights as well.

If the amps (AVR versus separate), it probably won't make a big difference for music. I looked at the Parasound A23... it may be a little "warmer" than the amps in your AVR.

Amps should be neutral, so any good quality amp should work well.

As per other post, I currently use an older UPA2 from Emotiva for L&R. I am looking to possible change it out and am considering either a solid state (either ATI or Monoprice Monolith - made by ATI) or used Rogue tube (either the Atlas Magnum II or Stereo 90).

Outlaw are also made by ATI, as I understand, except for the 5000 which is made in China. From the looks of it, I wonder if it is from the same company in China that made the old Emotiva UPAs.

No problems buying an amp higher WPC...