Yamaha R-N800A and CA 851W Power Amplifier in a Pre + Power combination

[atozguy]

I am using Yamaha R-N800A Network Receiver paired with Wharfedale Diamond 9.5 Floorstanders for both stereo music and watching TV (Sony Bravia Google TV X70L) programs.

My present stereo system is able to deliver thumping bass only in louder volumes, whereas, I expect it in low/medium volume levels.

I have an offer for a preowned Cambridge Audio Azure 851W Power Amplifier for Rs.75K and want to know whether its 2X power output (200W at 8 ohms) than the Yamaha R-N800A NR will lead to significant improvement in the sound quality, especially in the bass area, if used as a pre + Power combo.

I was wondering if any of our members have/had experience with this 851W Power amplifier? If yes, have you tried it with any of the Yamaha Amplifier in Pre+Power combo? I will be glad to know how did it sound? Did it have enough power? Service facilities available in Chennai. You are welcome to recommend something better (new) at around Rs.1 Lakh price range also.

The maximum current consumption of Azure 851W Power Amplifier is stated as 800 Watts. I would like to know whether an Isolation Transformer is essentially required for noise cancellation. If yes, please suggest me the suitable one. Any other precautions to be taken, as I am new to Pre-Power combo?

Alternatively, can I add a Subwoofer to the existing setup to increase the bass response instead of going for a power amplifier? Low/medium level volume is mandatory. If yes, which one would you suggest among REL T/7X and SVC SB1000PRO. I enjoy music and TV 50:50

Thanks in advance for your valuable suggestions.

 

[shibashis]

Pre and power will need to have good synergy, throw in the interconnect you will be using as well, for the system to provide you with substantive improvement. The R-N800A is no slouch, should be enough for the Diamonds, perhaps it is a good idea to try with a different flavour of speaker cables and see what difference you hear, it might just open a new window.

Instead of investing in the power amp, going with a good sub is a better call if it is low end that you feel you are missing. Plus in case in future if you do upgrade/change your amp and/or speakers, the sub will still add considerable value to the new setup.

That is my opinion, if you are going to invest in a good power amp then it deserves a separate quality preamp, it does not make sense to pair it with the Yamaha.

 

[atozguy]

Pre and power will need to have good synergy, throw in the interconnect you will be using as well, for the system to provide you with substantive improvement. The R-N800A is no slouch, should be enough for the Diamonds, perhaps it is a good idea to try with a different flavour of speaker cables and see what difference you hear, it might just open a new window.

Instead of investing in the power amp, going with a good sub is a better call if it is low end that you feel you are missing. Plus in case in future if you do upgrade/change your amp and/or speakers, the sub will still add considerable value to the new setup.

That is my opinion, if you are going to invest in a good power amp then it deserves a separate quality preamp, it does not make sense to pair it with the Yamaha.

Thank you for your insights. As you said, let me first experiment with a new speaker cable pair. I have Gear IT 14AWG cable lying idle at home, and then consider adding a subwoofer.