UPA-700 for my Yamaha configuration?

[cdub1955]

Hello,

I am working on upgrading my surround system.  i will keep my current AVR and use it as a preamp.  Also i will be installing inwall and in ceiling surrounds to complete a 7.1 system.  Here is my current configuration:

1. AVR is Yamaha RX-V663 (95 per channel, 2 channels driven).
2. Front left/right speakers are Definitive BP8 towers.
3.  Center speaker is a Definitive CR1
4. Surrounds Front are Klipsch KS-7800-THX In Wall speakers.
5. Surround Back are Klipsch KL-7502-THX speakers.

The room is large and open, but he dimentions of the living room are 19 x 18 x 11 feet.  Well over 3500 cubic feet if my calculations are correct.  the total space is larger, as htis living room is open to the back into a large kitchen/eating area, and open to one side into a formal dining area.

I have been looking at upgrading the system with an amplifier, such as the UPA-700, but also have looked at the XPA-5.  Can you make a recommendation. 

Thanks,
Chris

[hemster]

Hey Chris, Welcome to the lounge!

As you know, UPA-700 and XPA-5 are at different price points. Considering your speakers, if your budget allows, spring for the XPA-5 and you will not get amp upgraditis anytime soon. The UPA-7 is a capable amp too - however, in a room of your size, the XPA-5 will not break sweat and have oodles of power reserve.

Good luck with your quest and keep us posted!

[cdub1955]

thanks, that was my thought as well, and i did NOT want to be power hungry.  However my thought was to use the XPA 5 to drive the front 3 speakers and the front surrounds...then just let the yamaha drive the rear surrounds.  If necessary I can later add a 2 channel amp...for the rears...since i likely will look at replacing the yamaha AVR soon.  

Interesting product line you have here...and affordable.  Keep up the good work please, the industry needs affordable solutions.

Regards,
Chris

[novisnick]

Sept 17, 2013 16:01:17 GMT -5 cdub1955 said:

Hello,

I am working on upgrading my surround system.  i will keep my current AVR and use it as a preamp.  Also i will be installing inwall and in ceiling surrounds to complete a 7.1 system.  Here is my current configuration:

1. AVR is Yamaha RX-V663 (95 per channel, 2 channels driven).
2. Front left/right speakers are Definitive BP8 towers.
3.  Center speaker is a Definitive CR1
4. Surrounds Front are Klipsch KS-7800-THX In Wall speakers.
5. Surround Back are Klipsch KL-7502-THX speakers.

The room is large and open, but he dimentions of the living room are 19 x 18 x 11 feet.  Well over 3500 cubic feet if my calculations are correct.  the total space is larger, as htis living room is open to the back into a large kitchen/eating area, and open to one side into a formal dining area.

I have been looking at upgrading the system with an amplifier, such as the UPA-700, but also have looked at the XPA-5.  Can you make a recommendation. 

Thanks,
Chris

[novisnick]

Yamy has pre-outs?

[novisnick]

I see that it does, my bad. Welcome to the forum, glad to have a fellow Yamaha lover.

[novisnick]

The XPA-5 should be your first step IMHO, My Yamaha just love the 200wpc all driven, make a significant difference in sq.

[repeetavx]

You can start with an XPA-5. Your BP-8s will really shine with it. Later you will probably want to add an XPA-2 for the BP-8s and let the XPA-5 run your surrounds.

[Dark Ranger]

I'll throw out another option: get a XPA-3 for your front left, center, and front right speakers. Use the Yammy for the four surrounds. The AVR will easily handle the relatively sensitive Klipsch surrounds. This will get you a power upgrade where you need it most--the front stage.

However, if you want to eventually move everything to external amplifiers, then I'd suggest an XPA-5 (4 surrounds and center) + XPA-2 (mains). Get the XPA-5 first, then upgrade the mains to XPA-2 later.

[novisnick]

Sept 17, 2013 16:42:14 GMT -5 Dark Ranger said:

I'll throw out another option: get a XPA-3 for your front left, center, and front right speakers. Use the Yammy for the four surrounds. The AVR will easily handle the relatively sensitive Klipsch surrounds. This will get you a power upgrade where you need it most--the front stage.

However, if you want to eventually move everything to external amplifiers, then I'd suggest an XPA-5 (4 surrounds and center) + XPA-2 (mains). Get the XPA-5 first, then upgrade the mains to XPA-2 later.

Ok, try this. I did it for awhile. Bi-amp the front L/R and use last channel of XPA-5 for center and let your Yamaha run the surrounds. They won't be as demanding on your AVR.

later you can upgrade the fronts L/R to somting with more power, XPA-1 , XPA-1L , XPR-1 v . The XPA-2 will not be significant above the power to the fronts when you change your surrounds to the XPA-5.

This at least is how I'm Rollin. What do ya think now?

[cdub1955]

Novisnick, I do like the yamaha, however it is older, and has only 2 HDMI in, 1 HDMI out, so it has some limitations that I am already experiencing in the processor arena.  maybe a UMC-200 in the future.  it never ends does it.....

[novisnick]

No it does not. I have a 773 in my great room and the 3020 in Manca e. sold a 671 and still have a 1050 ( what's a HDMI CABLE ) He. He. Just got the 3020 befor I found Emotiva, but I'm happy. I'll get an XMC-2 someday.

Listen to everyone the XPA-5 is a no brainer

[novisnick]

Oppo 103 or 105 gives you 2 out or I have a Samsung e6500 3 D blue ray player with 2 in an 1 out . It really NEVER ends, our disease though!