Just heard about Emotiva andnewby needs a lot of help!!!

[sunnybono]

First off, I think it's best to let you know of my current set up (in my basement):

Denon X4000
5.1 set up : KEF Q900 Fronts; Q600c Centre; SVS PSB12 Sub; Q300 Rear
2 x KEF's Ci160CSds Dual Stereo Square Ceiling Speakers
Samsung 75" LED 6300series TV


Here is my problem that I'm hoping you can guys can help me with.

I mainly use the 5.1 KEFS Q series for watching movies inside my theatre area (16x14 open area). However, from time to time, I use the same system for when I throw parties in the basement. Therefore, about 8 feet behind my rear speakers, is my bar and just in front of my bar I installed a single KEF Ci160CSds ceiling speaker (80W) which I use as zone 2 from the Denon receiver. Another 8 feet further I installed the second KEF Ci160CSds ceiling speaker which I wanted to use as zone 3. After talking to Denon, I found out that in order to run zone 3 I need to hook up a 2 channel amp because the x4000 is only 7.1 (you learn something new everyday!!!)

Q1. So my question to you is what do you recommend for a 2 channel amp or greater??

Q2. If I wanted to increase the existing number of ceiling speakers in the basement to include my washroom & laundry room, what do you recommend.

Q3. I'm also thinking of building a Karaoke system with professional mic's, mixer board, amp and PA speakers. Whatever you recommend, will I be able to incorporate all of this plus the above into a single amp that you recommend or do I need to buy a separate amp??

Your advice is greatly appreciated and please go gentle with me as I'm not too tech savvy but I'm eager to listen and learn!!!

Thanks for those that reply and I truly look forward to your answers....

sk

[garbulky]

For a simple ceiling speaker a Emotiva mini-x would be a really nice start imo.
Sherbourn (emotiva's sister company which is now discotninued) had really nice multichannel amps which you could use for your purpose of expanding the speakers. I'm talking many channels, about 45 watts per channel etc. Maybe somebody could help you out with those.
Otherwise you could just add on some mini-x amps.

[vcautokid]

I would get a bunch of mini x amps. They are small, the right price, and made just about any multi channel application you can imagine. Works great as a zone amp too!

[sunnybono]

Thanks guys for your response. So if I understood this correctly, the mini x amps are only 2 channels and this will drive my zone 3 speakers only. However, if I want to add 2 more sets of speakers (in total that would be my 5.1 + ceiling speaker #1 + Ceiling speaker #2 + ceiling speaker #3 + ceiling speaker #4) then I will need a 6 channel amp like the XPA-7 as each ceiling speakers requires both left and right (4 wires)? Or alternatively 3 x mini amps?

[garbulky]

Yeah more mini amps they have a daisy chain capability so you can connect the amps together. Or you can get those sherbourn multichannel amps. They are designed for use as zone amps and power many speakers - I think it was like 12 or something. Unfortunately the model escapes me, but you could probably find somebody willing to sell you one for decently cheap.

[sunnybono]

Hey Garbulky, thanks for the heads up on sherbourn's multi channel amp. I like what I have read so far. A couple of things I forgot to mention is that the KEF ceiling speakers are rated at 80watts and I'm using in wall 12 gauge wires.

As for the P12-45 I like the concept, although 12 channel might be too much for my needs (6 or 8 will do), but don't you think that 45w/channel will be too undersized for 80 watt speakers?

[garbulky]

Dec 20, 2014 11:05:10 GMT -5 sunnybono said:

Hey Garbulky, thanks for the heads up on sherbourn's multi channel amp. I like what I have read so far. A couple of things I forgot to mention is that the KEF ceiling speakers are rated at 80watts and I'm using in wall 12 gauge wires.

As for the P12-45 I like the concept, although 12 channel might be too much for my needs (6 or 8 will do), but don't you think that 45w/channel will be too undersized for 80 watt speakers?

Depends on your needs. A mini-x may provide a slightly higher power. To amplify ceiling speakers like in a kitchen or bathroom doesn't usually take tons of power. But once again, depends on your needs.
Now that I think of it, 3 mini-x's isn't a whole lot more expensive than the sherbourn version so you may like it better.

[bootman]

Don't worry about speaker wattage ratings vs amp ratings.
That Sherbourne unit will work perfect for ceiling speakers.

If Emotiva had the UPA-700 still available I would have recommended that.
As a matter of fact, call them to see if any b-stock upa-700 are left.
They will still give you full warranty and you will have enough power for all of your needs.

hometheaterreview.com/emotiva-upa-700-seven-channel-amplifier-reviewed/

[knucklehead]

I think a single amp would be better than having 2 or more amps scattered all over the place. I'd get the Sherbourn 4Z-75 amp.

[Porscheguy]

If I was getting a two channel amp I'd either get:

XPR-2
or
XPA-2
or
XPA-200
or
UPA-200
or
2 Fusion Flex1
or
2 XPR-1
or
2 XPA-1
or
2 XPA-1L

I think that covers it

[garbulky]

Dec 20, 2014 12:07:54 GMT -5 knucklehead said:

I think a single amp would be better than having 2 or more amps scattered all over the place. I'd get the Sherbourn 4Z-75 amp.

Just keep in mind that the 4Z is a two channel amp which can handle more speakers but one has to pay attention to the imepdance load. Not sure if that would be the best choice.

[bootman]

The PA 2-50 is identical to the new flex and at that site $20 less and double the warranty.

[sunnybono]

Dec 20, 2014 12:07:54 GMT -5 knucklehead said:

I think a single amp would be better than having 2 or more amps scattered all over the place. I'd get the Sherbourn 4Z-75 amp.

Dec 20, 2014 12:18:28 GMT -5 garbulky said:

Dec 20, 2014 12:07:54 GMT -5 knucklehead said:

I think a single amp would be better than having 2 or more amps scattered all over the place. I'd get the Sherbourn 4Z-75 amp.

Just keep in mind that the 4Z is a two channel amp which can handle more speakers but one has to pay attention to the imepdance load. Not sure if that would be the best choice.

[sunnybono]

Dec 20, 2014 12:07:54 GMT -5 knucklehead said:

I think a single amp would be better than having 2 or more amps scattered all over the place. I'd get the Sherbourn 4Z-75 amp.

Dec 20, 2014 12:18:28 GMT -5 garbulky said:

Dec 20, 2014 12:07:54 GMT -5 knucklehead said:

I think a single amp would be better than having 2 or more amps scattered all over the place. I'd get the Sherbourn 4Z-75 amp.

Just keep in mind that the 4Z is a two channel amp which can handle more speakers but one has to pay attention to the imepdance load. Not sure if that would be the best choice.

Great advice!!!  I like what I see in the Sherbourn 4z-75.  Do you know if each speaker volume can be individually controlled?  How does one pay attention to the inpedance load??

There are 2 ceiling speakers above my bar (each one takes both L&R wires) and when I throw house parties, most people gather around the free booze!!! Therefore around the bar, I would like to play it somewhat loud.  The other 2 I want to install in my bathroom and laundry room, so I would like to control the volume in these 2 latter rooms.

Does anyone see a problem with the Sherbourn accepting 12 gauge speaker wires?  When I started this research journey, the amps that I read up on all disclosed that they accept up to 14 gauge wires.

Thanks once again for all the great advice.  You guys have really put a smile on my face as I was getting confused.

[garbulky]

Dec 20, 2014 12:36:53 GMT -5 sunnybono said:

Dec 20, 2014 12:07:54 GMT -5 knucklehead said:

I think a single amp would be better than having 2 or more amps scattered all over the place. I'd get the Sherbourn 4Z-75 amp.

Dec 20, 2014 12:18:28 GMT -5 garbulky said:

Just keep in mind that the 4Z is a two channel amp which can handle more speakers but one has to pay attention to the imepdance load. Not sure if that would be the best choice.

Great advice!!!  I like what I see in the Sherbourn 4z-75.  Do you know if each speaker volume can be individually controlled?  How does one pay attention to the inpedance load??

There are 2 ceiling speakers above my bar (each one takes both L&R wires) and when I throw house parties, most people gather around the free booze!!! Therefore around the bar, I would like to play it somewhat loud.  The other 2 I want to install in my bathroom and laundry room, so I would like to control the volume in these 2 latter rooms.

Does anyone see a problem with the Sherbourn accepting 12 gauge speaker wires?  When I started this research journey, the amps that I read up on all disclosed that they accept up to 14 gauge wires.

Thanks once again for all the great advice.  You guys have really put a smile on my face as I was getting confused.

This amp will not do what you want with the volume. It looks like you should be looking for the mini-x's.

[ribbonking]

I use a 4Z-75 for my whole house system.

12 gauge speaker wire is no problem with bare wire or with banana jacks.

No individual zone volume control - just a single volume knob. You can select what zone(s) is (are) playing from the front panel with four separate push buttons

I have volume controls installed in-wall in each room.

[sunnybono]

Thank you everyone. It has been very educational for me!!!!

[sunnybono]

So I'm thinking of getting 3 of the mini's. Two more quick questions. Is it safe to stack them up on top of each other and 12 gauge speaker wire is not an issue?

I like the fact that I can control the volume of each zone....

sk

[garbulky]

yes

[sunnybono]

Just thought of something else as I'm about to pull the trigger. The UPA-700 is a 7 channel amp. Does this unit allow for different volume levels in each zone??