Would a UPA-500 do a decent job with ERT 8.3?

[redemption3]

Might inquire into a used set of ERT 8.3. Was also looking at getting a UPA-500 regardless of the speaker purchase. Will this amp do a good job at driving the ERT speakers, or is there a noticeable difference to move up to the XPA series? I am looking to use it to drive the front three only. MY center channel is a XRC 6.2, and am I looking at getting the amp anyways because it feels underpowered with my Yamaha RX-A800 receiver. (looking at mixed music/home theater use).
Any comments on your thoughts on these speakers for those who have heard them/own them would be appreciated. (Not many reviews out there).

[stads77]

Will it be decent? Yes, but I believe most people here would say get the xpa-3. The speakers are 4 ohm nominal and the upa-500 does not offer much at lower impedance. I would suggest either an xpa-200 or xpa-3 since it looks like you are on a budget.

[twism]

Decent, yes.

I run an XPA-5 for my Emtoiva 8.3s and it more than satisfies my needs, like stads77 stated they are rated at 4 ohm so I think you would really benefit from have the extra power/headroom the XPA would provide.

[roadrunner]

It depends on the size of your room and your listening habits. If you have a fairly small room the UPA-500 will likely meet your needs, if you don't listen at very loud volume levels. Without more information, I would have to say I would feel more comfortable recommending one of the XPA series amps.

[redemption3]

Thanks for the replies. My room is about 1600 cubic feet, so not large. I think I need some kind of amp, as I was saying, the XRC 6.2 sounds worse than my other cheaper towers, so i am thinking that is underpowered. I came into a little extra money, so I will be looking at the XPA-3. It sounds like the ERT 8.3 works even better with more power?

Does moving up to a XPA-5 offer any benefits for the surrounds? I would think a middle level receiver should be able to more than power almost any speaker most would use with power to spare.

[creimes]

For only $170 more I personally would grab a XPA-5, cheap for an extra 2 channels, and IMO real power helps on all channels.

My 2 currently unused channels on my UPA-500 will either run a set of speakers upstairs or a set of outdoor speakers on my second zone, so never hurts to have room to build on.

[roadrunner]

Dec 4, 2012 1:50:32 GMT -5 redemption3 said:

Thanks for the replies. My room is about 1600 cubic feet, so not large. I think I need some kind of amp, as I was saying, the XRC 6.2 sounds worse than my other cheaper towers, so i am thinking that is underpowered. I came into a little extra money, so I will be looking at the XPA-3. It sounds like the ERT 8.3 works even better with more power?

Does moving up to a XPA-5 offer any benefits for the surrounds? I would think a middle level receiver should be able to more than power almost any speaker most would use with power to spare.

With this additional information, I suggest you go with the XPA-5. The ERT-8.3 Towers will sound superb with the XPA Series amps. Get ready to experience audio bliss.