Power amplifier or waste of money?

[KariJr]

I really don't know if I need a power amplifier but it's on my mind and I can't rest until I get one. I live in Europe and I'm interested in Apollon Audio's product and I would like you experts to comment on whether I should order the right one.
So I'm interested in the cheaper round-edged case model.
Hypex NCOREx NCx500
Channel Configuration: Core 3(channel) with OPA 1656
Output Connection: Apollon Pure OFC Binding posts
Input Voltage: EU 180-264V
Would this be a good match for my Yamaha A6A amplifier?
I have Arendal 1528 bookshelves + a smaller 1528 center and 1528 slim surround speakers and 1961 height speakers as atmos.
I live in an apartment building and I can't listen at high volumes so is this all a waste of money?

 

[voodooless]

Does your Yamaha go loud enough? If so, you probably don’t need an external amp.

As to the ones on your list. They should be excellent. Audiophonics of Boxem makes similar amps available in Europe.

 

[staticV3]

I live in an apartment building and I can't listen at high volumes so is this all a waste of money?

Get a multimeter and you can easily measure appr. output power to all of your speakers and make educated purchases based thereon.

But yeah if your current Amp is playing loud enough and there's no audible distortion from it, then upgrading it is almost certainly pointless.

 

[KariJr]

Get a multimeter and you can easily measure appr. output power to all of your speakers and make educated purchases based thereon.

But yeah if your current Amp is playing loud enough and there's no audible distortion from it, then upgrading it is almost certainly pointless.

This has probably been asked a million times but is there any difference in listening with just the Yamaha or the Yamaha + power amp if the total volume is the same. I hope you understood my question because English is not my language and I am using a translator.

 

[staticV3]

This has probably been asked a million times but is there any difference in listening with just the Yamaha or the Yamaha + power amp if the total volume is the same. I hope you understood my question because English is not my language and I am using a translator.

No difference, if:

-both Amps are playing at the same volume,

-both within their intended operating window (not clipping),

-neither has meaningful load dependency (the two in question don't),

-neither has noise floor (hiss) loud enough to be audible.

So if you're looking for soundstage, dynamics, "realism" etc, look elsewhere but not the Amp.

 

[Ruediger]

One upside could be efficiency and keeping the Yamaha cool(er).

I wouldn't want to miss the poweramp with my Denon. But I use a good amount of power.

My previous big Yamaha AVRs were good heating appliances too. I once put a fan to a 3010 because it didn't feel right in the rack.

 

[sam_adams]

I live in an apartment building and I can't listen at high volumes so is this all a waste of money?

Yes.

 

[Roland68]

I really don't know if I need a power amplifier but it's on my mind and I can't rest until I get one. I live in Europe and I'm interested in Apollon Audio's product and I would like you experts to comment on whether I should order the right one.
So I'm interested in the cheaper round-edged case model.
Hypex NCOREx NCx500
Channel Configuration: Core 3(channel) with OPA 1656
Output Connection: Apollon Pure OFC Binding posts
Input Voltage: EU 180-264V
Would this be a good match for my Yamaha A6A amplifier?
I have Arendal 1528 bookshelves + a smaller 1528 center and 1528 slim surround speakers and 1961 height speakers as atmos.
I live in an apartment building and I can't listen at high volumes so is this all a waste of money?

Do you have a subwoofer, or do the bass frequencies play through the main speakers?

 

[KariJr]

Do you have a subwoofer, or do the bass frequencies play through the main speakers?

I have an Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2S. Thanks to all the other respondents who are trying to turn my stubborn head on the right path. However, if I order an amplifier and don't get any use out of it, I can always sell it.

 

[Drengur]

We've all been there, you want to make your system better and a power-amp fits nicely. There are even connectors for it. Why would they be there if not for an upgrade? It can be beneficial in certain circumstances, but your use case does not seem to be one of those circumstances.

Beware of confirmation bias, your mind will want to play tricks on you.

The sad truth is that room-treatment, DSP and speakers is where the gains are to be found. None of those are both easy and inexpensive at the same time.

 

[Redacted]

Yes.

+1

I'm guessing what most people call 'normal listening levels' could, in your situation, annoy your neighbours.
You don't need 500W amps.

 

[Thighsofsteel]

I have an Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2S. Thanks to all the other respondents who are trying to turn my stubborn head on the right path. However, if I order an amplifier and don't get any use out of it, I can always sell it.

I think you just want to buy something.?
I have been like that with my bikes. I didn’t need some new wheels as I have 4 pairs across 2 of my summer bikes, but I bought them anyway.

 

[Thighsofsteel]

+1

I'm guessing what most people call 'normal listening levels' could, in your situation, annoy your neighbours.
You don't need 500W amps.

This isn’t about need! It’s about desire.

 

[Marc v E]

Do you have a subwoofer, or do the bass frequencies play through the main speakers?

1+

This ime is where the great gains are.
Results are deeper bass, but also clearer instruments and voices.
Looks like you can connect upto 2 subwoofers.

One other thing that came to mind: @KariJr have you done calibration?

 

[KariJr]

1+

This ime is where the great gains are.
Results are deeper bass, but also clearer instruments and voices.
Looks like you can connect upto 2 subwoofers.

View attachment 537896

One other thing that came to mind: @KariJr have you done calibration?

View attachment 537895

I have two subwoofers and an Anti-Mode room equalizer for them. Yes, the calibrations have been done and there is nothing wrong with the sound. My room has GIK acoustic treatment on the walls and ceiling. There was a good comment earlier that I seem to just have a desire to buy something I don't need.

 

[Thighsofsteel]

I have two subwoofers and an Anti-Mode room equalizer for them. Yes, the calibrations have been done and there is nothing wrong with the sound. My room has GIK acoustic treatment on the walls and ceiling. There was a good comment earlier that I seem to just have a desire to buy something I don't need.

There is nothing wrong with just buying something as long as you have spare money of course.

 

[sam_adams]

There is nothing wrong with just buying something as long as you have spare money of course.

 

[pablolie]

The advantages of power amplifiers:

1. Single-purposed but will outlive all the separates that feed into it, most likely.
2. With many of today's options, far more power than you'll ever need with negligible distortion etc.

If you buy the right power amp, you'd keep it until something dramatic changes, like going for active speakers.

I went the power amplifier route 12 years ago or so (NAD M22 after evaluating against Benchmark AHB2), but then simplified my system again and went back to an integrated amplifier.

 

[Marc v E]

Just a thought...would upgrading to an avr with dirac ART be an upgrade ?

 

[Sal1950]

I live in an apartment building and I can't listen at high volumes so is this all a waste of money?

As many have already mentioned, yea maybe a waste, depending on loudness desired. BUT the A6A isn't a powerhouse of a AV to begin with and at some point on the SPL curve, using it to drive all channels may begin to reveal it's limitations. Your Arendal 1528 speakers are great but their 4ohm rating and low 84db sensitivity can be quite demanding of power. A dedicated L&R amp sure couldn't hurt?
If the cost isn't a major deal for you, and seeing it on your shelf makes you smile, then I'd say go for it!.

Just a thought...would upgrading to an avr with dirac ART be an upgrade ?

Depends on how much he likes tweaking things.
ART can be highly demanding of time spent on the learning curve and setup but when well done might give a net improvement over Yamaha DRC app?