Which Speakers Should You Power With an External Amplifier?

[@Youthman]

Which Speakers Should You Power With an External Amplifier? 9.4ch Denon AVR-4800H - bit.ly/Denon_AVR-X4800H OSD Audio HTD4150 - amzn.to/41QyhbN OSD Audio HTD6150 - amzn.to/3BBe1Ad OSD Audio HTD8150 - amzn.to/3BMu0eD Anthem AVM70 - bit.ly/Anthem_AVM70_8K Buckeye Amps - bit.ly/buckeyeamp This video is sponsored by Arendal Sound - bit.ly/Arendal_Sound Shop for Your Next Upgrade - obsessedhometheater.com/ OHT Merch - bit.ly/Obsessed_Home_Theater_Merch Expand Your Home Theater Knowledge - bit.ly/Home_Theater_Seminars Platinum Channel Sponsor: Arendal Sound - bit.ly/Arendal_Sound Subwoofers - bit.ly/Arendal_Subwoofers 1723 Speakers - bit.ly/Arendal_1723_Series 1723 THX Monitor - bit.ly/Arendal_1723_Monitor 1723 Subwoofer 2V - bit.ly/1723_Subwoofer_2V 1723 Subwoofer 1S - bit.ly/1723_Subwoofer_1S Use the affiliate links below and help support the channel with no cost to you. TV's (98" and larger) - shop.howl.me/youthman/collections/5383 Audio Advice - bit.ly/Audio_Advice Best Buy - howl.me/clwC9rCV7qx Amazon - www.amazon.com/shop/youthman Weekly and monthly Zooms on Patreon - www.patreon.com/youthman FREE Home Theater Design Tool - bit.ly/Home-Theater-Design-Tool Recommended Home Theater Gear - www.amazon.com/shop/youthman Submit your Home Theater - hometheatertours.com. Ways You Can Support: Patreon: www.patreon.com/youthman Youthman Merch - teespring.com/stores/youthman/ ____ Disclosure: Affiliate Links are used in the description of this video. I earn from qualifying purchases. Valencia Bespoke Series Theater Seats: Monza Carbon Fiber (NEW) - bit.ly/Valencia_Monza Tuscany Ultimate Luxury - bit.ly/valencia-tuscany-ultimate-luxury Oslo Ultimate Luxury - bit.ly/valencia-oslo-ultimate-luxury Naples - bit.ly/Valencia_Naples Valencia Cinema Series Theater Seats: Venice - bit.ly/valencia_venice Budapest - bit.ly/valencia_budapest Piacenza - bit.ly/valencia_piacenza Piacenza Powered Headrest - bit.ly/valencia_piacenza_powered_headrest Verona - bit.ly/valencia_verona Verona - Powered Headrest - bit.ly/valencia_verona Valencia Premier Series Theater Seats: Oslo - bit.ly/valenciaoslo Oslo XL - bit.ly/valenciaosloxl Zurich - bit.ly/valenciazurich Tuscany - bit.ly/valencia_tuscany Bern - bit.ly/valencia_bern All Valencia Seating - bit.ly/valencia_all

[@johnsisneros5135]

Every time you open that screen!!! Such greatness with that JTR front stage!!! 😊😊😊😊 man it’s awesome!

[@Youthman]

Thank you for the kind words. It has been 18 years in the making but I absolutely love my setup where it’s at.

[@Hometheaterdenmark]

I totally hear you and agree. Just imagine opening that in your own room and just sit all day and look at it. There is just something magical about a beautiful front stage such as Youthmans. And the lights make it even better. Huge thumps up.

[@dawidlelito]

anthem avm90 + 2x Arcam PA720

[@xTremeSequences]

Buckeye definitely makes a 3-channel amplifier. I'm using it for my LCR. It is very quiet, stays cool, and provides 700w per channel.

[@joekool5676]

How does it sound? Notice a difference

[@TheNLHAZE]

Yep don't like it just saying that's just my opinion..❤ class A/B.

[@xTremeSequences]

@joekool5676 It sounds great on my speakers. My measurements are really good in my room.

[@TheLkdude]

Three channel Purifi buckeye is way to go for you LCR!!! you dont need to worry about it after that! The Nx500 Hypex will do as well , no personal exprience though ..

[@xTremeSequences]

@@TheLkdude I have the Hypex NCx500 3-Channel 700W as well as the Hypex NC252MP 8-Channel 250W. So far, I'm liking both a lot.

[@michaelslocumbsr.2286]

Power all your speakers... Obviously, the LCRs depending on the speakers will take more power, However applying power to surrounds, rear and ATMOS speakers will complete the experience...

[@chriscontreras5526]

I'm going with an emotiva basx3 with Onkyo rz-50 with Polk r-700,200, 400 Svs subs. 11.2.4

[@gsanchez922]

The RZ50 have 11 channels processing how did you get the extra 4 channels

[@reese373]

All these years watching you starting off with $150 LG soundbar and sub thinking it was the best sound to pioneer lx 103 and with klipsch 5.”2” set up to Lx 505 with added front up firing and SVS Pb 16’s. Saw ur vid on Emotiva BasX so I get amp for LCR to now Anthem AVM 70 with 4 height added to ceiling, OSD HTA 7200 and 5200 for a 5.2.4. lol now I’m looking to adding 2 more surrounds and JTR subs. It never stops but I love it. Gaming and movies just sound so good. Such a different experience with more power and separates.

[@jamesguinn5303]

My Denon 6015 only gives me an option for all channels to preamp out on the amp assign in Audyssey. Can you just power the left center right speakers on a 9.1 setting?

[@rodstawaa]

Treated myself to a basx a3 & a4 for Christmas 😉 letting the Aventage power the bed layer surround’s. Massive difference to headroom & clarity, harshness is gone 👍🏼

[@brianschulz6462]

If I have a spare channel unused, would it improve my center to bi amp it and leave the Left and Right as single amped? Example LCR wattage would Be L150 C300 R150… I have no clue if this makes sense or not. Just speculation and unsure how to research it

[@Youthman]

I’ve personally never heard a difference when bi-amping speakers.

[@RJArrayCPA]

If all I have is 3 channels (LCR), and I decide to add an external amp, would I then be able to get a less expensive/robust AVR (assuming it has pre outs)? Or, since I’m only using a 3 channel system, would a good AVR be good enough? Like a Onkyo RZ30 or Anthem MRX540 for example? Also assuming my LCR speakers are less than 6 grand in total. Thanks!

[@Youthman]

Most AVR’s will have no problem powering an LCR

[@Victor-i4g4u]

Power 3 front speakers leave surround and Atmos speakers to the receiver

[@voiceofreason9238]

I'm with you. You put that simply and more elegantly than I could have. When leaving future comments of my wisdom for others to consider, mind if I steal that? 👍😎

[@scruffkingman]

I do the same I explain to people head room is needed so more draw less headroom

[@brianclass1988]

I understand that the Monoprice Monolith provides enough power to drive your JTR speakers. However, do you think using higher-end audiophile amps from brands like McIntosh, Hegel, Trinnov, or Parasound, and using them for your main speakers while keeping the Monoprice for your surrounds and Atmos channels, would offer noticeable sonic improvements? Like such as a wider soundstage, greater detail retrieval, or a more "musical" presentation-especially for music? Or do you feel that the Monoprice Monolith is sufficient for your setup, eliminating the need for separate high-end amps, since JTR speakers are sensitive enough to perform well with simpler amplification, allowing a single 11-channel Monolith to achieve optimal sound.

[@remcotj640]

So it doesn't matter if i use 4 ohm and 8 ohm speakers on the same amplifier?? It is better to separate them right ?? I have a denon x6700h and i want to offload the mains But i want to change the klipsch in the near future for 4 ohm speakers (kef meta) so kef is 4 ohms and others are 8

[@Youthman]

Absolutely not. You’ll notice your speakers are typically rated as 8 ohm nominal or 4 ohm nominal. When playing music or watching a movie, you’re a speakers do not remain at eight ohms the entire time but fluctuate with varied frequencies. AVR’s and external amps are capable of handling 8 and 4 ohm loads.

[@Youthman]

Just keep in mind 4 ohm speakers are more difficult to drive so it will be more taxing on your AVR if you go from efficient 8ohm speakers to less efficient 4 ohm speakers.

[@craigforeman903]

I purchased an Emotiva 3 channel amplifier to power my front stage. I love the increased sound quality and punch the external amp provides over the AVR.

[@rmkep]

I wonder why Denon describse the AVR-4800H as a 9 channel AVR when it has 11 channels (plus sub) speaker and pre-outs? Is it internal amp limited?

[@Youthman]

If you look at the owners manual, you’ll see you would need a separate amplifier for your front left and right channels if you want to run 11 speakers.

[@Wes23Sut]

So informative…keep’m coming, these are great. 1 question…if your avr put out 100w/channel…are you wasting your time with any amp that is only 100W/channel? Should you run an external amp that’s twice the power of the avr? I’m only talking about front, right, center , sub….nothing else.

[@Hometheaterdenmark]

100 watts pr channel in 2 channel is ok but when adding more speakers. The power will go down alot. Remember they always measure 2 channels. So example. My marantz is 9 channel 125watts but when i play movies the power will be around maybe 75watss pr channel. So an amp for your front stage will do wonders. Thats why i got Crown 2502 for all my bedlayer speakers. Again my speakers are 4ohm and very power hungry and as Youthman said. When the sensetivity is below 90. It would be wise to add some more power. Hopefully my comment came out right.

[@welderfixer]

Call me crazy, I'm good with that! I am blessed with 2 separate amps in my 7.2.4 system in my 14'x14'x8' living room. The L&R are powered with a 470wpc @ 4ohm NAD 218. It weighs 50 pounds. My 2nd amp powers all other speakers. It is an ELAN D12 amp with 12 channels, 100wpc all channels driven into 4 ohms. It weighs about 45 pounds. Yeah, I gave up on wattage and moved into tonnage. Hahaha! My friends and family think I've gone overboard with 11 speakers and 2 subs. I'm thinking NO WAY! The clarity and immersion is the best I've ever had and beats every commercial theater I've been in. And, I only play movies around 75 SPL average.

[@JohnLee-vj9lh]

Great video and info mate well done thanks for sharing 👍🔈🔉

[@Classicman.43]

Hah I clicked in just for the gee-whiz knowledge. Come to find out that’s basically my AVR! I have the 3800

[@ChrisUlrich]

Buckeye makes 3 channels. Both Hypex and Purify.

[@KjetilAndre-h1f]

Hello. Well, i started with Harman Kardon avr 635, with cheap audiovectors, that sounded very good at the time. About 3 years ago, i decided i wanted RF83's. That didnt work well at all. Found a Emotiva xpa2 gen2, after looking at your channel, Youthman. That worked well at RF83's. Then i got a deal on RC64 center, and rf82 for my rears. That didnt work well, on my avr. So last year, i got a package deal on xpa3, with Umc-200, that im using now. But center came alive with that xpa 3, and same as rears on my harman kardon avr 635. Last winter (still 2024), i got my second xp2 gen 2. Now i use on for each RF83 speaker, as mono blocks. I also got 4 subwoofers. 2x r115sw, and 2x sw115. Feel that sw115 makes me feel more of thw rumbling sound. For me, external amplifiers is a must.

[@HomeCinemaEnthusiast]

Great upload , in the process of sorting out new gear for my Dedicated Home Theatre Room I’m building in my new home .

[@djparra41]

Short answer, technically yes. Long answer, it’s fine if you’re not listening at reference levels because it causes the preamp to clip way before it normally would and this is true even on the most current/best receivers. Which begs the question why would you externally amp if you didn’t want more volume? So my best suggestion would be to externally amp all channels and turn your receiver into your preamp only mode.

[@fishis14]

Don't buy a receiver if you're not going to use the internal amps. Just pay the extra money and get an AV processor.

[@djparra41]

@@fishis14 this is true, however, if you're building your system in stages a receiver isn't a bad option. Second, a quality, bug-free processor is considerably more than a Denon 4800 or Marantz Cinema 50. Which get you 95% of the way with internal amps to start. However, if you've experience a few setups and plan for separates in the future. You have the right answer my friend.

[@fishis14]

@@djparra41 I'm using an old Yamaha stereo receiver. It has 100w per channel and a subwoofer out. Unfortunately it sounds better than any affordable 4k surround sound receiver. I'd rather buy a used Anthem AVM60 than spend the money on a receiver with pre outs as only the premium models have it.

[@djparra41]

@@fishis14 agreed, I did that exact same thing for years before buying separates. I'm cheap so I have to be patience for deals to pop up in the secondhand market 😂

[@jsclayton]

Loving this series! I had been planning an amp for the bed layer and another for heights, but now I’m thinking maybe one for LCR and another for everything else. 🤔 Wondering about over-powering speakers. My surrounds and heights are Chane 740s - 92dB, 4 ohm, “suggested amp” 20-80W. The smallest Buckeye amp provides 250W into 4 ohms, and most other amps are easily 100+ W into 4 ohms. I usually watch movies at -10dB…what’s the risk of damaging the speakers? I feel like I’ve read that too much is rarely bad, just gives you the power when needed?

[@soundguy71.]

So, I ordered Emotiva mono blocks for my R-7000 Polk speakers, RZ-50, and I am looking forward to finding out the difference between the two amps, vr's, the RZ50 What do you think?

[@JoshuaWilliams-ux3jr]

Kilpsch rf7 your thoughts?

[@voiceofreason9238]

Fantastic speaker, Ive had lots of Klipsch. I've never owned the RF-7 but I've listened to them. I own the Klipsch RC-64 III, the matching center to the RF-7. It's great as well. I wonder if Michael has anything from Obsessed Audio that competes in that price range?

[@gowthamk5392]

How do u power with two channels.?? Like bi amping?? For centre then with one set of ports??

[@ThomsonVarghese22]

@@gowthamk5392 you can biwire at the speaker end

[@thefather414]

The amp is bridgeable. Which is different than bi amping. Bridging an amp combines 2 channels into one and doubles the power for that one channel. Bi amping is using two channels to power one speaker cabinet that separates the woofer from the tweeter.

[@Echo-jg8is]

"Which speakers should I amplifier first?" 🔊...Almost all AVRs have Flatline amplifiers inside them, which will handicap any 4 ohm speaker by 3db in sensitivity and cause power starvation and heat within the AVR, so in theory, if you have a 88db sensitivity speaker with a 4 ohm resistance coupled to an AVR, then you will have 85db sensitivity, not 88db...On the other hand If you have an 88db speaker at 8 ohms, then you will still have an 88db sensitive speaker, hence amplifier the 4 ohm speaker ( if any ) First...

[@donjaun540]

Looking forward to hearing what you think 🤔 about OSD. How you compare it to your Monolith❓

[@kennethhartshorn2689]

I LOVE this series on amplifiers! Looking at the Buckeye 3 channel Hypex NCx500 3-Channel. It has some serious wattage. If I used that to power my LCRs could I: Potentially damage my LCRs? Also would my LCRs be powered to the point where they would drown out the other 8 speakers in my theater?

[@voiceofreason9238]

Although that combination of providing really strong amplification to power hungry L/C/R could overpower the other speakers, if they are calibrated using the AVR's room correction algorithm such as Audyssey it will make them all play nicely together. I know Michael is a fan of manually calibrating each speaker to 75 db using a high quality microphone. I haven't used the manual method because I'm lazy but this seems like a really good idea.

[@kennethhartshorn2689]

@@voiceofreason9238 Ah! That makes sense. Thanks

[@ben23a31]

In my experience with high end power amplifiers (Meridian, Krell etc.) bridging is usually only recommended while doing so with 8ohm speakers. Can you confirm this OSD 6 channel amp is stable in bridge mode with 4ohm speakers?

[@TheNLHAZE]

Will you please give your opinion on Emotiva amplifiers I heard the older model were a beast but not so much with the New xpa gen 3. Thanks in advance..

[@trevorhawk2000]

Recently added a Basx 3 to power the front stage, leaving the rest to the X4700H

[@calebcjordan]

What if the AVR has better power ratings than your amps? I'm using a Sony 7000es receiver for my LCR and 2x Emotiva BasX A5 for my surround/Atmos. Plan on getting the XPA3 at some point but doing this saved me money on the front end as the BasX line was cheaper

[@Totalplonker]

There's nothing wrong with that. Should have experimented, though (just like me, a lazy bastard) Now you've got the xpa3 coming, it'll fit into place perfectly. Some things are worth waiting for. Personally, I think out of all the Japanese AVR"s (the four I've lived with anyway), Sonys 2 channel stereo sounded the best. In fact, for an improved 2 channel stereo sound upgrade, I had to leave the Japanese brands by the wayside. The sound of Sony will always have a place in my heart ❤ 75-25% Music Lover

[@SVGNATION]

I have a Pioneer Elite SC-LX701 receiver with a pair of Martin Logan ESL-X up front with Martin Logan Motion 8i as the center and a pair of Martin Logan Motion SLM as my rear surround hooked up wirelessly with a RocketFish which is only 5 watts. What amplifier do you recommend to push the Motion SLM’s and any other suggestions?

[@SVGNATION]

If wondering what sub it’s a Martin Logan Dynamo 700

[@SVGNATION]

I’m thinking of replacing the rocketfish with a ProAudio WSA-5RP-PLUS which will feed each speaker w 100w. Speakers are rated to 140w

[@juanpablodiaz5392]

Muchas gracias por enseñarme lo que estoy buscando. Un amplificador que alimente los parlantes frontales y el central. Saludos desde Argentina!!!! Thank you very much for showing me what I'm looking for. An amplifier that powers the front and center speakers. Greetings from Argentina!!!!

[@Gassten]

The onkyo RZ 70 got at lot of nice pwr tbh. 170w 2ch stereo is ok for alot of speakers

[@claudiofrancisco9278]

Michael, thank you so much I have learned so much since I subscribed to your channel, I'm trying to build my home theater, I would like to know what your recommendations between an av receiver or an AV processor I have read a lot good stuff about the anthem AVM 90 and thank you for all the great video happy new year for you and your family

[@hj8607]

Perfect syncing of audio and visual is most important with LCR speakers. The more the sound is ambient/secondary the synchronization is less critical. Height speakers are not a part of every movie sound track and require a less synced responce. I have a nine amp Marantz so to complete the Dolby I added a stereo (2 channel amp, of equal specs) to power the rear height speakers.

[@Music.Movies.67]

I have a 5.1 setup in the living room with my Marantz Cinema 70s AV Receiver connected to a Emotiva Basx A3 power amp driving front LCR speakers and then the Marantz Cinema 70s just powers two surround Left & Right Speakers, sounding Great to my ears, through Monitor Audio Silver Speakers and a SVS Subwoofer

[@tyhome1]

I have 7.2.4 setup. I power front stage Focal 301 and 302 c with Emototia Basx 3 amp and focalm301 with Emotiva Basx 4 amp. Power 4 KEF atmos speakers with Marantz CINEMA 50. 2 SVS pb 2000 pro subs.

[@jluis5188]

😅😅 Don't use different power to lcr. You end up with level match negative and others extreme positive in tuning. 😂😂 just amplify with similar power or amplify all with same power. End up with a nice even level matching in tuning! Fyi i power 100 watts to large LCR and all other smaller speakers and no issues with too much power for the smaller speakers. 🎉

[@SirGaryArthur]

Had my entry level system, and entering the realm of Complete upgrade....LCR, I'm going to look up the definition now. As well, I'm going to look up the power rating of each, 6 & 8ch amplifier...yet you're saying don't mimic him because Why? For beginners please... Finished video Monolyth spelling my be wrong...don't add 4ohm & 8ohm loads from one Amplifier?

[@LifeofBliss]

This is absolutely inaccurate. You can add an amp for your LCR with a different max power rating than all of your other speakers with zero negative effects. Your AVR or processor tuning with adjust the levels appropriately. Speakers have different sensitivities and need to be level matched according to that and distance from the listening position. LCR are usually larger speakers than surrounds and can take more power. Sensitivity may be lower as well, requiring more power to get the same volume as other speakers. Using a higher power amp will have no negative effects, just tune your speakers correctly.

[@SirGaryArthur]

@@LifeofBliss hahaah LCR left center right...hey noobs...okay, now I'll read your reply. Hope I comprehend! ***update don't use the Monoltlyth but one LCR amp then use the AVR for surrounds/rears/atoms, or another amp? If I asked the right question...follow?? Sorry

[@LEMON48]

​@@LifeofBlissYes , that absolutely right

[@bradlewis813]

Looking to add an anthem 325 to my rf7iii/rc64iii front stage. My question is, being as I sit 12 feet away would I be able to tell a difference? My current avr is a yamaha a4a rated @ 110watts x 2 channel. My listening ranges from -20dbs through -12dbs off the front of the avr. The speakers sound fantastic all ready, I’m just scared I’m underpowering them and breaking something. My speakers are crossed over at 60, and currently only doing 5.1 total. Anyone have experience with the rf7’s that could give me recommendations? Thanks

[@voiceofreason9238]

Michael, your setup uses three hundred watts per channel available to the front three, then let the AVR with 100 wpc power everything else? That should satisfy all but the most power hungry amongst us. Even if a person doesn't have that much power available, I really like that idea of a 3-1 ratio when figuring out how to distribute the power. 👍

[@thefather414]

He doesn't use an AVR. He has a processor feeding an 11 channel amp. He uses separates. Your power numbers are correct though.

[@voiceofreason9238]

@@thefather414 "He who corrects my error giveth me a gold coin." Thanks T Father.

[@voiceofreason9238]

@@thefather414 I went back and watched the video again to see where I went wrong, You are absolutely right, of course. 👍

[@mynameisrobbie2702]

I was hoping some of you home theater guys could give me advice.I'm a newbe. I understand that this hobby can get expensive. I have klipsch 8000f ii as my towers. klipsch rp center channel klipsch rp bookshelf. Monoprice monolith m12 v2 subwoofer. And sonance atmos ceiling speakers. I asked google ai about could I benefit from and amp and it said yes. I'm looking at the osd nero hta 5200 new or a used parasound 2205a that's older but in good condition. My avr is a pioneer elite 505. Trying to decide between the two. Thank you for taking the time to read this i know it was long. My budget is around 800.00

[@Totalplonker]

They say if you can't explain it as if you were explaining it to a 10-year-old, it's probably because you can't explain it. I would just like to say you've passed with flying colours! When adding a poweramp to an AVR, the idea is to try to keep things evenly balanced. For example, if one was to add a $10,000 power amp to a $2,000 AVR, one would still be hearing the $2,000 AVR. A poweramps only job is to boost an output signal! Whereas with an AVR, is responsible for receiving & processing the signal. Even if an AVR is using external amplification, it's still the components within the AVR that will be responsible for quality the signal. Boosting an already established signal is basically giving one more of what ones already got. Hence, try to keep the set-up evenly balance

[@D.L.W.]

My 7.3.4 sound system consists of 6 SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers (2 for the mains, 2 for the side channels, and 2 for the rears), an SVS Ultra Center speaker, 4 SVS Prime Elevation speakers ceiling mounted for Dolby Atmos, an SVS SB16-Ultra subwoofer in the rear and 2 SVS SB-3000 subwoofers up front. The system is powered by a Parasound Halo A52+ 5 channel amplifier powering the 5 bedlayer speakers and a Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A AVR powering the rear speakers and the 4 Prime Elevation speakers for Dolby Atmos.

[@neodeane3327]

I would like to ask a question about subwoofers. Since they have their own amplifier, does it mean they can be used with any receiver? i have an Onkyo TX NR6100 and I would like to add a Klipsch RP1200 but I don't know if it would be a good match... Great videos as always. Neo from Klerksoord in Pretoria, South Africa

[@335i101]

Yes. To answer your question about mixing and matching, yes you can definitely do that. You will be the one to decide if they work well together.

[@fishis14]

Please look anywhere else for a subwoofer. Klipsch is not known for good subwoofers.

[@theoisaac9948]

👍 👍

[@michaelburton5198]

Yeah.. Michael Lol, Which Speakers Please!!! ( Perlisten Or JTR Speakers???) OR THE NEW ARENDAL SPEAKERS???

[@michaelslocumbsr.2286]

Lol! I know, right!!!

[@Foxhound11]

If you going with aesthetic and looks I say either Perlisten or the Arendal. Perlisten are beautiful though

[@filmses]

Perlisten is 10 fold better than JTRs. It s a bit better than new Arendals also 😊

[@Youthman]

@@filmses I am a huge fan of Perlisten. But you are WAY off in your assessment. Where in the world did you pull that 10X from? Apart from aesthetics, a JTR system performs as well, if not better in some areas than Perlisten. Both JTR and Perlisten measure extremely well. JTR subs will definitely dig much deeper than Perlisten.