hmm just dont be in a rush to finish things.. you have what many would consider a good amount invested so far so no need to forget the main thing.. research research research.

as for yamaha.. i only use older avr's so i am biased and have no experience with separates.. i just dont like yamaha. i know it sounds stupid (my hand is up here) but on all the HT systems/setups i see on youtube using separates etc i rarely see anyone using yamaha. but maybe they just dont know how to use youtube.. or care :-)

3 minutes ago, hopefullguy said:

hmm just dont be in a rush to finish things.. you have what many would consider a good amount invested so far so no need to forget the main thing.. research research research.

as for yamaha.. i only use older avr's so i am biased and have no experience with separates.. i just dont like yamaha. i know it sounds stupid (my hand is up here) but on all the HT systems/setups i see on youtube using separates etc i rarely see anyone using yamaha. but maybe they just dont know how to use youtube.. or care :-)

Oh hell yeah, probably close to $40k so far in gear, plus the room itself. I definitely won't rush in. I have time up my sleeve for now. I know Yamaha, and have yet to have anything that has been a poor performer, but I truly respect everyone's advice here and will take everything on board. 

I'm taking a look at the Marantz model that was mentioned. Their newest top-end models seem quite good.

Also, has anyone used NAD power amps?

I would look into Rotel Power amps. 

For example

http://clefhifi.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=56&products_id=2136

 

I have the old model Rotel RMB-1095, Bloody good amp.

 

 

27 minutes ago, Jamo81503564729 said:

I would look into Rotel Power amps. 

I have the old model Rotel RMB-1095, Bloody good amp.

I did happen to take a look at the Rotel amps the other day. I need 11 channels of amplification. Their 200watt per channel amp may be a little too expensive once I buy three of them! It would be ideal as it would provide 15 channels of power which is enough for all 11 theatre channels and two sets of zones. However they do have a 5 x 120watt RMS (all ch. driven) which seems more at my price point.

If only I could fork out for a couple of these NAD amps: https://nadelectronics.com/product/m27-seven-channel-power-amplifier/

It's pumping 180w RMS into 7 channels, all channels driven with super low THD. 

What about the Emotive 7 ch one? http://klappav.com.au/products/xpa-7-gen3-7-channel-power-amplifier

1 hour ago, scottrichardson said:

I did happen to take a look at the Rotel amps the other day. I need 11 channels of amplification. Their 200watt per channel amp may be a little too expensive once I buy three of them! It would be ideal as it would provide 15 channels of power which is enough for all 11 theatre channels and two sets of zones. However they do have a 5 x 120watt RMS (all ch. driven) which seems more at my price point.

If only I could fork out for a couple of these NAD amps: https://nadelectronics.com/product/m27-seven-channel-power-amplifier/

It's pumping 180w RMS into 7 channels, all channels driven with super low THD. 

What about the Emotive 7 ch one? http://klappav.com.au/products/xpa-7-gen3-7-channel-power-amplifier

Emotiva are releasing their 11ch amp shortly. Power supply to these wouldn't be too much of an issue. They usually run big supplies

16 minutes ago, jutta said:

Emotiva are releasing their 11ch amp shortly. Power supply to these wouldn't be too much of an issue. They usually run big supplies

I also heard that they're introducing modules that have two channels per module, however slightly lower power output than the single channel modules. Assuming their 11ch amp makes use of these dual channel modules?

Has anyone got first hand experience with these amps? What's the quality like?

Scott

26 minutes ago, jutta said:

Emotiva are releasing their 11ch amp shortly. Power supply to these wouldn't be too much of an issue. They usually run big supplies

With 7 channels driven, the Emotiva pumps 200watts per channel. 2 channels is 300 watts. My Power Sound Audio speakers are only rated to 175 watts RMS power handling. Potential issues? Or do you think I'd be pretty hard pressed to over power the speakers before my ears give out?

59 minutes ago, scottrichardson said:

With 7 channels driven, the Emotiva pumps 200watts per channel. 2 channels is 300 watts. My Power Sound Audio speakers are only rated to 175 watts RMS power handling. Potential issues? Or do you think I'd be pretty hard pressed to over power the speakers before my ears give out?

Under powered amps are more likely to damage speakers as they will clip and burn out tweeters (and other drivers if you keep trying).

26 minutes ago, Quark said:

Under powered amps are more likely to damage speakers as they will clip and burn out tweeters (and other drivers if you keep trying).

Yeah totally understand. So you think my speakers would be relatively safe and sound pumping 200+ watts into them? It's unlikely I'd actually be running my amp anywhere near full power.

32 minutes ago, scottrichardson said:

Yeah totally understand. So you think my speakers would be relatively safe and sound pumping 200+ watts into them? It's unlikely I'd actually be running my amp anywhere near full power.

If you put 200W into 175W speakers you're also at risk of speaker damage (and hearing loss given their efficiency). But pushing an underpowered amp into clipping is a more certain way of causing damage.

Note most processors (and many receivers) will let you set a maximum volume limit.

Not sure why the Elektra amps haven't been mentioned as an option. These are fantastic bits of kit.

As for 200w into 175w, I think you'll go deaf before you damage your speakers!

2 minutes ago, GoudaK said:

Not sure why the Elektra amps haven't been mentioned as an option. These are fantastic bits of kit.

As for 200w into 175w, I think you'll go deaf before you damage your speakers!

Actually thanks for reminding me. I'd seen the Elektra amps mentioned around the traps. Where can I get more info?

6 minutes ago, scottrichardson said:

Actually thanks for reminding me. I'd seen the Elektra amps mentioned around the traps. Where can I get more info?

Arthur Rappos doesn't have a website for his Elektra Audio products (very frustrating - he keeps saying a site is coming, but...).

Some specs on the 7 channel version here.

1 hour ago, Quark said:

Arthur Rappos doesn't have a website for his Elektra Audio products (very frustrating - he keeps saying a site is coming, but...).

Some specs on the 7 channel version here.

Well that explains why I cannot find anything online. Maybe I should help him out with a website (I own a Digital Agency) haha! I did take a gander at that page on Melbourne Hifi's website. Assuming you can get a 4 channel version too?

3 hours ago, scottrichardson said:

Well that explains why I cannot find anything online. Maybe I should help him out with a website (I own a Digital Agency) haha! I did take a gander at that page on Melbourne Hifi's website. Assuming you can get a 4 channel version too?

I'm sure Arthur would be happy to do a 4 channel version on request. If you can get Arthur to load up a website I'll be mighty impressed (suspect his heart isn't in it).

AN Elektra would be great. The Emotiva certainly wouldn't be left wanting either that's for sure.

On ‎8‎/‎03‎/‎2017 at 2:12 PM, Quark said:

Arthur Rappos doesn't have a website for his Elektra Audio products (very frustrating - he keeps saying a site is coming, but...).

Some specs on the 7 channel version here.

Ahh that explains it! I thought they may have gone bust...

Had a couple quotes come in today from Melbourne Hi-fi for the Elektra amps. Looking at 7ch + 5ch versions. But the costs are around $7200 just for the amps. Plus minimum $3500 for a processor from Yamaha. The Marantz processor is upwards of double the cost of the Yamaha. Didn't realise Marantz were that good? Are they?

1 minute ago, scottrichardson said:

Had a couple quotes come in today from Melbourne Hi-fi for the Elektra amps. Looking at 7ch + 5ch versions. But the costs are around $7200 just for the amps. Plus minimum $3500 for a processor from Yamaha. The Marantz processor is upwards of double the cost of the Yamaha. Didn't realise Marantz were that good? Are they?

Presume for the Marantz you're talking about the AV8802A, not the AV7702 Mk11. The AV8802A doesn't add much over the AV7702 Mk11 and IMO the price gap is mighty hard to justify. Doesn't help the the local distributor adds a huge markup on all Marantz products.

I may have a contact for better pricing on the Elektra gear (not sure if they are still a dealer). Will PM you some details if that's OK.

22 minutes ago, scottrichardson said:

Had a couple quotes come in today from Melbourne Hi-fi for the Elektra amps. Looking at 7ch + 5ch versions. But the costs are around $7200 just for the amps. Plus minimum $3500 for a processor from Yamaha. The Marantz processor is upwards of double the cost of the Yamaha. Didn't realise Marantz were that good? Are they?

Just noticed a near new Elektra HD2 7 channel over on SNA for $2800, albeit no box if you need shipping.

Yeah you can pick up the hd2 7 channel for $3k. You can also pick up the Marantz for $3k. Id go with Emotiva myself which you can also pick the 7 channel up for $3k. If you also purchased a 5 channel with the 7 channel you could probably save even more. So say 12 channels of emotiva goodness and a marantz prepro for $8500. Paired with your speakers will be pretty hard to beat

The pricing I'd been given was roughly 11.5% off the retail price of $4k for the 7ch Elektra amp. Definitely think I could get it for less. 

Quark sadly I'm in NSW and would prefer new in-box item. But do PM me the details of your guy if you think of it. Of course no pressure. Appreciate any and all help and advice.

HTPC Guru, Emotiva also look good. Tough one to pick between the Emotiva and Elektra.

And yes Quark, I was referring to the 8802 Marantz unit. I'd read on Avsforums that the 8802 has superior jitter reduction and better DACs. I'm intrigued as to how it compares to the Yamaha pre-pro.

PM sent with contact.

The AV7701 and predecessors were not well regarded, but the AV7702 was a big step up (and gained HDCP 2.2 with the Mk11). The AV8802 (with or without the A upgrade to HDCP 2.2) is a step up for music, but I suspect you would be hard pressed to hear the difference in HT duties.

Thanks Quark. Made contact and have got myself sorted with two Elektra amps. Very excited.

Still leaning towards the Yamaha CX-A5100 preprocessor. I feel comfy with Yamaha as that's what I have always owned. Never had problems. 

Now to find a decent price on it!

17 minutes ago, scottrichardson said:

Thanks Quark. Made contact and have got myself sorted with two Elektra amps. Very excited.

Still leaning towards the Yamaha CX-A5100 preprocessor. I feel comfy with Yamaha as that's what I have always owned. Never had problems. 

Now to find a decent price on it!

Glad that worked out for you.

Yamaha's YPAO only equalises down to 40Hz if I recall correctly, Audyssey XT32 goes much lower, but if you're comfortable with Yamaha sound all's good.