600 Series Setup - Amp Upgrade

[marginwalker]

My setup for HT & music is DM604/LCR600/DM602 Main/Center/Surrounds, with AS6 subwoofer.

My amplifiers are (3) stereo B&K ST-140's from late 80's/early 90's. Lately, I find myself wondering if I would do better with more power, and am thinking of going to a 5x200W product, also to get down to one chassis instead of 3 and add 12V trigger capability.

Is 105WPC enough with these speakers? Lots of people talk about how power-hungry the 700 & 800 series, but not so much 600 series. Am I likely to hear any benefits?

[CarlosM]

MarginWalker:

I cant speak for the 604's, because I have 602's in the front w/ a hsu sub taking care of the bass, but i just finished home auditioning 2 Parasound amps -> HCA-750A (75 watts stereo), HCA-1500A (205 watts stereo), and could not defend the upgrades WHATSOEVER. I was severly shocked. I heard virtually 0 difference between the 750A and my Harman Kardon's AVR-230 power (65 watts stereo). I had Nordost interconnects and good enough wiring. For shits and giggles the store let me take home the larger 205 watt amp, and while there was a difference (vocals opened up, everything increased in clarity) there was no way i could justify $1000 for that small improvement. Mind you, I have a small room (16x11) and do not use listen at very loud levels. I'd have been better to trade in my 602's and go to the 700 series instead, than buy a new amp.

I suggest you home demo (with no/small penality for return) any amp, and try your best to A/B test them against your current setup and be objective.

Thanks to my testing, I have now put that amp money towards a new widescreen HDTV instead, where i will definetely enjoy a difference for my HT.