3 Channel Amplification for LCR

[wien0305]

I want to amplify three Sierra-1 NRTs for a home theater LCR. I am considering Outlaw mono blocks, Emotiva's XPA-3 and used Marantz MA-500s (inexpensive solution but seems a good fit). I wanted to bridge the Rotel RMB 1066 but it seems that may be less than ideal considering the Ohms load, but I am not very savvy with the technical side of things so I could be wrong. My listening is 85% music.

Currently I have a Rotel RSP 1098 as the processor and run an RMB 1050 for stereo so this will be an expansion for me into HT. Which would you recommend? I can spend up to a 1000 USD so if there are other options out there I would love the recommendation.

Thanks.

[Mag_Neato]

You've listed some good options within your budget. If it were me I'd get the Emotiva XPA-3 as I've been eyeing the Emo's for a while now, and it would eliminate 2 power cords vs. monoblocks.

Another option would be to try and locate a used Proceed 3 channel amp on Audiogon if there are any floating around.

Here's one: http://www.socalhifi.com/amp-3.php

[rtrose]

I have the Sierra Towers/Center paired with an Emotiva XPA-3 and absolutely love it and I'm not left wanting for anything extra. That combo will not disappoint you at all.

Regards,

RTROSE

[wien0305]

Thanks for the feedback. That Proceed amp looks interesting--I have never heard of them. The Emotiva looks like a good safe bet as well--if it can drive the Sierra Tower than it should be no problem in my set-up. I've seen the Emotiva get good reviews around different forums so I may just go that route.

Of course, if I can get the Marants for a song on eBay I can plug that money into a better TV!

[curtis]

The Tower is not difficult to drive, in fact, easier than the Sierra-1/NrT.

Another quality amp brand is ATI. Should not be too difficult to find on the used market.

[merrymaid520]

Thanks for the feedback. That Proceed amp looks interesting--I have never heard of them. The Emotiva looks like a good safe bet as well--if it can drive the Sierra Tower than it should be no problem in my set-up. I've seen the Emotiva get good reviews around different forums so I may just go that route.

Of course, if I can get the Marants for a song on eBay I can plug that money into a better TV!

I had the proceed AMP3 with my Sierras earlier and its a very well built amp (by Mark Levinson group). They were created to be the HT arm of Mark Levinson amps and were discontinued a few years back.

[Dark Ranger]

+1 for the XPA-3. If you don't mind the higher "bling" factor, it's definitely got the chops to wake up your Sierra-1s.

Looks like Emotiva is running a sale on most of their products (ends July 16, 2012). The XPA-3 is currently 10% off.

[Mag_Neato]

Sounds like the XPA-3 is the way to go! Brand new, full warranty, etc.

I am running my Sierra-1 NrT's in a 2.1 setup with Rythmik 12" sub. Currently using a Marantz SR6003 AVR, which sounds very good, but I've been eyeing the UPA-200 to add to it, then eventually replacing the Marantz with a separate preamp such as a Parasound or similar.

For $314.10 on sale my trigger finger is twitching!

(But I may hold off since Dave has some Sierra-1/NrT magic brewing)

[wien0305]

You may also want to consider the Rotel RMB 1050 if you are only driving two channels. I use that now for the Sierra 1 NRT and it sounds really nice. They are usually easy to find on Audiogon and eBay for reasonable prices. I plan on moving mine to drive the rear channels once I complete the HT set-up sometime this fall.

________________
Jerry

[DaveHo]

Aragon 8008x3 or Acurus 200x3. Have had both. Still own the Aragon.

[MichaelG]

+1 for the XPA-3. I have 3 Sierra1-NRTs in a large room and seated 15+ feet away. Love it. It is big though and wouldn't fit in my stand so I had to mount the TV on the wall and place it on top! Good luck in your choice!