Seeking advice - adding integrated amp

[thebillymac]

Hi all, 

Novice here, seeking some advice. Currently running 5.1 off Denon X3500H with Polk R700 fronts, R350 center (space constraints), R900 surrounds and SVS SB4000 Sub.  

I've owned this setup for about 8 months now and while I've been enjoying it, I can't help but feel like the front stage, or at least the R700's, are underpowered. I'm basing this off of higher volume 2-channel music listening and movies that are dynamic with big transients, again at higher reference or near-reference volumes. 

The listening area is not doing me any favors either--large open concept, vaulted ceilings, etc. It's a pretty big open space. I'm seeking more detail, clean sound at higher volumes and hoping to minimizing clipping/distortion with more headroom and hopefully a little more dynamic range if possible. 

That said, and knowing there is a point of diminishing returns, should I look to add either a Basx A3, or a XPA-3 3-Channel to drive my front 3 channels? 

FWIW, I did read of one R700 owner who paired the A3 with his setup, but ran into issues with the A3 going into protection mode. I believe because the R700's can dip below 4 Ohm in some cases. He traded up for the XPA3 and has been happy. 

Any advice or guidance is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[ttocs]

Welcome!

Well, if your budget allows for getting the XPA-3, do it. You won't need to upgrade the amp again.

Going with the BasX A3, it may or may not be what you need, although you'd have a 30 day trial to decide this, but it's likely you'd probably upgrade from the A3 at some point in the future.

So, with the A3 I would have doubts, but with the XPA-3 I wouldn't.

[creimes]

I have an Outlaw 7000X, amazing amp for a price that hasn't changed in over two years, run all your speakers off it, it's 7 channels, there is also a 5000X for $230 less, or go with three of the M2220 monoblocks for $999

outlawaudio.com/shop/11-power_amplifiers