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Center and Mains

I "feel " the need to apply more power to my front speakers. One because, I'm not using half of their capabilities (wattage) plus I'm hoping the added power will clean up / reveal those little hidden jewels within a recording / sound track. 
My question is can I add power and find those nuggets or should I forget the power and find the right processor?
front mains: Def-Tech 7000 Sc1000 watts
http://www.definitivetech.com/products/bp7000sc
Center McIntosh XCS200 600 watts
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=speakers&ProductId=XCS20...
Processor: Denon 4308CI http://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/avreceiversht/avr4308ci
Amp: 7 Channel MC8207 http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=amplifiers&ProductId=MC8...  
Another motivation, (putting it all out there) I have a 12.3 channel speakers setup in place ready to go, but without the amp channels or processor to push it all  - it would allow me to use the MC8207 to power all the surrounds nicely.
128x128jsigle
jsigle's avatar
jsigle OP
12 posts
 
Lol thank you. Good points. I had auditioned the 8080HD and frankly (it could have been me), but it didn't even come close to making the grade. To me it sounded "thin and without body". I wish that wasn't the case, it would have saved me about $6K. Nevertheless my investment has been made so I'll look forward to Bi / Tri-Amp testing!
Thanks so much guys for offering up your experience and ideas.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Mac's are not known for having great speakers.  You really should consider a new center.  USAM has multiple pairs of Def Tech speakers listed that will match the sound of yours.  You don't even need a powered sub in the center so something like a 450 might work for not much money.  Buy a pair and only use 1. Or, if you want to go crazy, there is a pair of 7004's listed...

Otherwise I totally agree with comments above about going "phantom" for the center.
jsigle's avatar
jsigle OP
12 posts
 
My question is can I add power and find those nuggets or should I
forget the power and find the right processor?
The processor it is. MX122, Marantz 8802A?? 


michaela
314 posts
 
You have received a lot of great suggestions, almost all of which was to try and match all your front speakers first but it sounds like you want to get a new processor any way. So, let me make this suggestion. Buy a used processor first, maybe an MX121 or an 8802, see if they make the change you are looking for. If not, since it's already depreciated, you can resell it and not take too much of a hit and answer you own question as to whether a different processor will do what you are looking for. I think you will take the greatest "hit" on trying to re-sell a brand new processor as far as equipment goes. They just seem to drop like rocks pretty fast. Just my $.02, good luck either way!
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Jsigle,  
Michaela says it best.  If you tell us what city you are in, maybe another member can stop by with a nice pre/pro and let you play?
The other option is to buy on-line from a retailer with a money back guarantee.  Emotiva & Outlaw do that.  Even better, skip the pre and try an Oppo.
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