Jamos/pio avr 9040 +XPA-5?

[sputter]

Currently i'm using the following.
Jamo C-807s fronts 6 ohm 180w/360w sensitivity 89
Jamo C-80 surrs 6 ohm 160w/320w sensitivity 87
Jamo E-8 cen 6 ohm 140x/200w sensitivity 88
Mirage omni S10 sub

I think buying the XPA-5 would fit this setup nicely while sticking with the pio 9040 (same as the elite 21 model) as the processor.
The UPA-5 is less expensive but the XPA-5 seems to be a better fit on paper for my above speakers.

Does that seem like a good choice?

thanks, Jim

[NorthStar]

Hi Jim and Welcome to the Lounge!

I'd say YES. But the UPA-5 would probably be also a good match.
And if you like to turn up the volume, and have those extra dynamic peaks, the XPA-5 have those in spade.

Plus, if ever in the future you upgrade your speakers for some more demanding ones, you'll be well covered with the XPA-5.
That's my way of thinking, therefore my recommendation to you.

Cheers,
Bob

[pczach]

I have Jamo C809s up front, C80 center, and C803 for surrounds. I currently run the MMC-1 with the XPA-5, but the unit the MMC-1 replaced was a Yamaha RX-V995 receiver. I used the Yamaha to power the system, then used the pre outs to add the XPA-5 to power the speakers. When I upgraded to the XPA-5, there was a significant upgrade in sound over the receiver's amplifier. I haven't heard the Pioneer amps to compare, but a quality seperate amp will always outperform whatever they put in any receiver I've ever heard. However, I would recommend an XPA-2 for the fronts and an XPA-3 for the center and surrounds. I think having the XPA-2 on the fronts is the best solution for powering big floorstanding speakers, with superior sound quality. I didn't have room on my rack for both amps, but I will probably be adding an XPA-2 to my system down the road.

By the way, the Jamo C80 series are a very underrated speaker. They are a beautiful speaker, and can be had at terrific prices if you can find them. They were discontinued, but are one of the best affordable speakers I have ever heard. Like most quality speakers, they perform best with lots of clean power. Have fun with your Jamos!

[sputter]

I love my Jamo's and if I listened to more music I would have gone for the 809's.
Long term goal is to make a 7.1 setup with another pair of speakers from the C80's
I don't have the room for a pair of amps either so the XPA-5 is a better fit spacewise. Down the road a XPA-2 to drive the fronts and the XPA-5 will do center/surround duty.

thanks for the comments guys.

Sept 27, 2010 17:52:29 GMT -5 pczach said:

I have Jamo C809s up front, C80 center, and C803 for surrounds. I currently run the MMC-1 with the XPA-5, but the unit the MMC-1 replaced was a Yamaha RX-V995 receiver. I used the Yamaha to power the system, then used the pre outs to add the XPA-5 to power the speakers. When I upgraded to the XPA-5, there was a significant upgrade in sound over the receiver's amplifier. I haven't heard the Pioneer amps to compare, but a quality seperate amp will always outperform whatever they put in any receiver I've ever heard. However, I would recommend an XPA-2 for the fronts and an XPA-3 for the center and surrounds. I think having the XPA-2 on the fronts is the best solution for powering big floorstanding speakers, with superior sound quality. I didn't have room on my rack for both amps, but I will probably be adding an XPA-2 to my system down the road.

By the way, the Jamo C80 series are a very underrated speaker. They are a beautiful speaker, and can be had at terrific prices if you can find them. They were discontinued, but are one of the best affordable speakers I have ever heard. Like most quality speakers, they perform best with lots of clean power. Have fun with your Jamos!

[sputter]

It looks like i'll run with the xpa-5. I'll place my order on Monday.
I liked pczach's thoughts but due to space constraints I only have room (comfortably) for one amp.

[sputter]

Order placed. ;D
I'll do a break down of my setup and review when I recieve it and set it up.

[pczach]

Oct 4, 2010 13:46:04 GMT -5 sputter said:

Order placed. ;D
I'll do a break down of my setup and review when I recieve it and set it up.

Congrats on pulling the trigger. I think you'll like the XPA-5 a lot. I look forward to your review of the new amp in your setup.

[sputter]

The amp came today and it's darn heavy. 66 pounds wasn't that heavy when I was younger. lol.

I'm looking forward to the setup tonight.