Time to hear a better 2 channel

muncybob
muncybob Posts: 3,042
edited July 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
Currently all I have to drive my speakers is a Yamaha RX-V1400. Apparently I am missing a lot by relying on this AVR for my 2 channel music so I'm looking at picking up a 2 channel amp to drive my fronts(Vandersteen 2CE) and hear what I've been missing. At this time I can only afford to buy used and I'm concerned that just as my SDA 2B's crossovers need to be upgraded for max benefit won't I run into the same thing with an older amp? ...and while I'm at it, any suggestions on a low priced high current amp that will improve my world?
Yep, my name really is Bob.
Parasound HCA1500A(indoor sound) and HCA1000(outdoor sound), Dynaco PAS4, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
Post edited by muncybob on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • miner
    miner Posts: 1,305
    edited July 2010
    A used Rotel RB-1080 (200w x 2) should do the trick. I had a RB-1070 (130w x2) that drove a pair of B&W N804 just fine.
    [
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited July 2010
    muncybob wrote: »
    Currently all I have to drive my speakers is a Yamaha RX-V1400. Apparently I am missing a lot by relying on this AVR for my 2 channel music so I'm looking at picking up a 2 channel amp to drive my fronts(Vandersteen 2CE) and hear what I've been missing. At this time I can only afford to buy used and I'm concerned that just as my SDA 2B's crossovers need to be upgraded for max benefit won't I run into the same thing with an older amp? ...and while I'm at it, any suggestions on a low priced high current amp that will improve my world?

    Not to pry...but what is your budget?

    If you really want to realize a step up from your AVR, perhaps you should consider a used but regarded integrated amp (which would have a better preamp section than your avr *and* have an amp section).

    A good external amp to your AVR would be a step up, but if you want to go one step beyond - gotta drive your speakers from a good source thru a good preamp/amp combination (separates or integrated).

    just my deflated 2cents worth....

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited July 2010
    I'm not sure just an amp will make that much of a difference. I think if you like music, you may want to just get an amp/preamp/CD player (or whatever source) and then you'll really hear what 2 channel can do.

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • muncybob
    muncybob Posts: 3,042
    edited July 2010
    Ideal budget would be around $300 if I do this soon...maybe twice that if I wait until after this coming Christmas. I do most of my music listening in the winter so I would really like to make this step by October but it's not like my world will fall apart if I wait until January. I'm actually somewhat pleased with the way my music sounds now but the more reading I do the more it eats at me...just what am I missing?! But again, if all I can afford is an amp that may be approaching 10 years old don't I run the risk of needing the amp upgraded(caps, etc) to get the best I can out of the equipment?
    We do watch a lot of movies(reason I bought an avr) and I do like the avr second zone to avoid buying an amp, etc for the "game room".
    Yep, my name really is Bob.
    Parasound HCA1500A(indoor sound) and HCA1000(outdoor sound), Dynaco PAS4, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2010
    What are you using as a source?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • muncybob
    muncybob Posts: 3,042
    edited July 2010
    Face wrote: »
    What are you using as a source?

    Currently a Pioneer universal cd player....plan to soon get my old Denon tt into the shop to get back to vinyl though, which is part of the reason for a low budget(plus the wife thinks I have no budget at all!).
    Yep, my name really is Bob.
    Parasound HCA1500A(indoor sound) and HCA1000(outdoor sound), Dynaco PAS4, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited July 2010
    Wait until after Christmas if you can, then look for a used Musical Fidelity A3 integrated amp if you want to stay with solid state design. Plus, it has a quite decent phono stage.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter