help me choose an amp - XPA5 or UPA5?

[feesherman]

I am building a new family room which will be 20x22 with 15' cathedral ceiling. Due to WAF, I have to go with in-wall speakers.

I found these Polk in walls in a local liquidation sale. They are (4 ohm, 92 db) for the front center and right:
www.polkaudio.com/customaudio/rts/index.php?s=lcirts105

And the matching surrounds (4 ohm, 88db):
www.polkaudio.com/customaudio/rts/index.php?s=lcirtsfx

Since it's super discounted, I will be gambling to a degree because I cannot demo them. Besides, they are in wall, and that's just what you have to deal (uncertainty) with going doing this road. I can live with that for now.

But beyond that... let's just say that these are my speakers. Is the XPA-5 overkill for in walls? I don't play anything really loud. I'll be getting a UMC1 regardless.

thx

[McD]

If you're not going loud, the UPA5 is plenty.

[eljaycanuck]

Is the XPA-5 overkill for in walls?

In my opinion, yes. The UPA-5 has plenty of power and it can play plenty loud without any issues.

Your in-walls will most likely run out of steam before the UPA-5 does.

[feesherman]

That would be my guess, too (that the in walls will be the limiting factor, not the amp). But this is my first foray into the world of in walls, so it's all new.

I can't wait to hook this all up.

[eljaycanuck]

I can't wait to hook this all up.

Best of luck with the new gear! ;D

[ryan08]

Yeah...since the Polk's are 4 ohm the UPA-5 should do you fine.