[grantc79]

Still waiting on my HT3's but planning ahead amp wise and I have a couple of questions.

I was considering running a 5 channel XPA-5 amp and running 2 channels to each HT3 and using the remaining channel to the center channel.

However, I am now considering getting a pair of XPA-1's or XPA-2's to power the HT3's and using the XPA-5 to power the remaining 5 channels of my setup.

My question is which would be a better option, a couple of XPA-2's running both channels into HT3's or just a pair of XPA-1's?

Am I just splitting hairs at this point?

I'm leaning towards XPA-1's due to the fact that HT3's are pretty power hungry from what I can hear and at 4 ohms that would be 1,000 watts per speaker which would do nicely.

Is there anything particular that I need to be wary of when connecting 2 or 3 amps in one location? Do I need to get an electrician involved? I've never actually run 3 big fat amps out of one room.

Thanks.

[Nuance]

If I was you I'd get the most power I could for those HT3's; this will ensure you don't run out of headroom and will really allow good control of the bass driver.  I'd also have an electrician ensure you have enough amperage for a pair of high current monoblocks, and also have him check for line sag. 

[Todd_A]

also have an electrician ensure you have enough amperage for a pair of high current monoblocks, and also have him check for line sag.

I must agree with this.  A few years ago I had some work done of my house, and while the electricians were on site, I had them do some additional work for my stereo systems.  Ended up with two new dedicated lines.  Some of the best money I ever spent.

[audiotom]

Grant

touch base with Richard Gray
a local power supply / dedicated system wiz
I can give you electrician recommendations

[Cheeseboy]

It might be a good idea to invest in a dedicated 2 channel preamp that has Home Theater bypass.  In my opinion the stereo preamp in most HT units are lacking the resolution and musicality that you may be looking to acheive for your system.  A good used tubed pre amp unit may be the ticket along with your amp upgrade.  The wattage and headroom upgrade is only as good as what is fronting it.  I believe the preamp quality should supercede your amp quality.  I do know the speakers you have purchased are world class.

Absolutly check into the viability of your current AC line. 

[Austin08]

Totally agree with all above. A little bit of money invested in dedicated lines goes a long way. I also noticed that a lot of older home has 15Amp circuit breaker. If your house is one of those, I do think is nice to upgrade your circuit breaker to 20Amp while the electrician is there.

[yetis]

Totally agree with all above. A little bit of money invested in dedicated lines goes a long way. I also noticed that a lot of older home has 15Amp circuit breaker. If your house is one of those, I do think is nice to upgrade your circuit breaker to 20Amp while the electrician is there.

I agree a dedicated line is the best.. I had a Equitech 3RQ that takes a 220v intake and steps down to 120v, via its own massive transform. Never realized how amazing it was, until I had to give up the room for my son....... Pleasures of city living.

[s_cervin]

Totally agree with all above. A little bit of money invested in dedicated lines goes a long way. I also noticed that a lot of older home has 15Amp circuit breaker. If your house is one of those, I do think is nice to upgrade your circuit breaker to 20Amp while the electrician is there.

Good idea, but need to ensure you have 12/2 circuit first.  Don't want to toss a 20A on 14/2.

In building our new home I had a 100A panel installed between my 2 rooms so I can do what I please.  Best $500 spent yet!

[Austin08]

It might be a good idea to invest in a dedicated 2 channel preamp that has Home Theater bypass.  In my opinion the stereo preamp in most HT units are lacking the resolution and musicality that you may be looking to acheive for your system.  A good used tubed pre amp unit may be the ticket along with your amp upgrade.  The wattage and headroom upgrade is only as good as what is fronting it.  I believe the preamp quality should supercede your amp quality.  I do know the speakers you have purchased are world class.

Absolutly check into the viability of your current AC line.

++++

 I have been there and done that and couln't be any happier.

Years ago, I was a 2channel guy who very fond with the idea of one system does it all.So, I sold all my stereo stuff and started veturing into a new direction. First was all Proceed system, then Krell HEAT, Intergra Reseach RCD 7, and so on..... Each system has each own character and sound trade mark. they were all excellent in reproducing live movie experience but none ever give me the intimate relationship in 2 channel music application. At a time, I thought I got it. That was when I bought my Classe SP-60 and CAV-500. But the joy was not long untill I am sucessfully intergrated my BAT VK-31 preamp into my home theater rig. That was a missing link that I have been searching for a long time. I am very sure that this is not my last system but at least, in my own experience, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Anyway, back to the OP question. I have owned many amps and the Mcomark DNA-1 delux edition Rev A configuring in mono block was one of the most powerful amp. They powered my Thiel CS 3.6 and CS6 with control and authority. I believed the new DNA would be the same or even better.

[Cheeseboy]

Thanks for the support Austin.  YAYA A good used DNA-1 or DNA 225.  When you're more flush send either in to Steve McCormack for an upgrade and rebuild.  Those are close to the same price as the Emotiva. 

Grant, have you talked to anyone about the new hybrid amps from AVA?  They have been redesigned and are quite musical and refined sounding.  There seems to be alot of support for the line by Salk users.  They were high on my list.  Jim Salk might help you with your question if you were to PM him directly.