Elan Z-660 amplifier

B Run
B Run Posts: 1,888
edited September 2010 in Electronics
So i'm doing my daily craigslist browsing and I came across an Elan z-660 6-channel home theater amp, which can be be bridged to 120watts rms @ 8ohms. Originally I was considering purchasing this to run my fronts but what little info I could find says the sound quality sucks and it wouldn't be an improvement from my Rxv-1800. However after e-mailing the guy I got him down to $75 and it's still in the original box and plastic wrap. The "retail" price is $820 and I found a few used in the 250-300 range. So should I just scoop this and ask questions later, try to use it, or buy it and try to throw it on fleabay? Any advice or opinions on these amps would be appreciated. Thanks.
Post edited by B Run on
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Comments

  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,432
    edited September 2010
    Honestly, after doing a Google search the descriptions and pics look cheesey as in really cheap junk made with advertizing copy and pics to make it seem like it's cutting edge stereo gear.

    I'd stay far away as they have the look and promotion of "white van" products.

    YMMV

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited September 2010
    I was getting that vibe too, I saw people were using them for small outdoor speakers and things like that, thanks for the advice. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't passing on a decent or underpriced amp for $75.
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  • jrgoswick
    jrgoswick Posts: 159
    edited September 2010
    Elan isn't crappy gear(not cutting edge either). It's just now what you're needing. When I used to do whole home installs, that's what I used(been years ago). If you're wanting to power a couple of zones for background, snag it. Otherwise, I'd leave it alone-it won't be an improvement over what you've got.
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited September 2010
    Yeah the reason I was looking was for home theater purposes and want a 3 or 5 channel amp that would be a step up from my Yamaha. Doesn't sound like what I need but I knew this was the place to come ask. Thanks for the help.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited September 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Honestly, after doing a Google search the descriptions and pics look cheesey as in really cheap junk made with advertizing copy and pics to make it seem like it's cutting edge stereo gear.

    I'd stay far away as they have the look and promotion of "white van" products.

    YMMV

    H9

    Are you kidding? Elan is sold in high-end audio stores specifically for the custom install market. Far from junk, and very expensive.
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    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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