HELP! What amplifier to get???

cheddar

rmknotts123 wrote: »

I would say I use my system for 60% HT and 40 % music. I am running a 7.1 setup also. That is why I was looking at a 5 channel and a 2 channel.

Surrounds may only see a tenth to a hundredth of the watts your front three speakers see. It's always convenient to have a 5+ channel amp to give the same amplification potential to all your speakers, but in my experience, the best bang for your buck is to put your money into your front three speakers first. Then the others as funds allow. The shock and awe for both HT and music come mainly from the fronts. And even running the surrounds off a receiver, I doubt you'll notice much of a difference as long as you've got enough power on the fronts.

Just my opinion, but if your funds are tight, I'd use your money to buy a nice at least two-channel adcom, rotel, parasound, etc. to try out amps near the 200+ watt range cfrizz suggests. Then you can always buy a 5-channel later as funds allow. But at least you'll have quality amplification on the front mains first where it makes the most difference.

Pycroft

I agree that the fronts and center get the most benefit from amplification. At the very least, if you still wanted my 5 channel for the surrounds, back, etc. and have a 2 channel for the front two, that would be great. If you were doing it like that, and don't have the 2 channel yet, the 5 channel will allow the receiver to more effortlessly support the two speakers that aren't being used. I got your PM and will wait to here from you.

James

rmknotts123

Rotel RMB-1075 vs Carver AV-505

Both are 5 channel, however the Rotel produces 125 watts x 5 channels and the Carver produces 80 watts x 5 channels + power steering.

Which would you take, the Rotel or the Carver?

LessisNevermore

rmknotts123 wrote: »

Rotel RMB-1075 vs Carver AV-505

Both are 5 channel, however the Rotel produces 125 watts x 5 channels and the Carver produces 80 watts x 5 channels + power steering.

Which would you take, the Rotel or the Carver?

Carver will be a challenge to get serviced/parts should you need it. That's another thing to consider. Between the two, I'd go Rotel.

rmknotts123

LessisNevermore wrote: »

Carver will be a challenge to get serviced/parts should you need it. That's another thing to consider. Between the two, I'd go Rotel.

Thank you for you input.

F1nut

the Rotel produces 125 watts x 5 channels and the Carver produces 80 watts x 5 channels

For starters, I seriously doubt that you will notice a difference based on wpc between those two. There's a lot more to how an amp performs than wpc. Current and voltage matter more.



Carver, Parasound, B&K, Adcom and Rotel.

Is the record broken?

Sherardp

You have a modest budget but this Outlaw Amp is freaking in excellent condition and should last you with any upgrades you make in the future. The price is really good and Outlaw Amps perform very well, the customer service is awesome too. Jump on it.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1281252558&/Outlaw-7500-200w-x5-8ohm---300

bld

The Sunfire (Carver) as mentioned above will give you all the power you need with vrtually no heat.I bought the Sunfire 7401 with 400 wpc @ 8 and 800wpc @ 4 ohms.unbelievable dynamics and drive.Probably the last amp i buy.

helipilotdoug

rmknotts123 wrote: »

Looking for used more than new. I would like one that has passed the break in period. Max would be $1200 used and or new.

With that kind of budget, I'd look seriously at the sunfire equipment. Lots of Sunfire 200X5 amps for sale on Audiogon right now.

Ric5811

Carver 705x, or Sunfire. I use a a Carver 505x for my A7's and I can shake all 2400 sq ft! And the amp doesn't even get hot...Also I would recommend the NAD 955, 100wpc, very underrated...at Audiogon for 799..new.