Amp buying help

Mtnpolk
Mtnpolk Posts: 18
edited March 2013 in Electronics
Now that I have my new RTIA7`s, I will be shopping for an amp. I am a complete noob in this area. I do have a Pioneer Elite VSX-01 w/ pre outs. I quess my hope is that someone can explain how to go about buying a used amp. I will have a budget of about $250 at the top end. I have had some luck going to estate sales where the seller does not know that much about the equipment. If anyone feels like treating me like I know nothing and assist me w/ my amp search, I would be oh so happy. I was going to look into the FS section here, but I do not have enough posts to go look at what is available.

My system is the mentioned AVR and RTi`s w/ Klipsch quintet synergy surrounds. 60/40 movie/music. When I listen to music, it is usually 2.1 unless it is live, then I will go 5.1. Thanks for any help in advance.
Post edited by Mtnpolk on
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  • Oldfatdogs
    Oldfatdogs Posts: 1,874
    edited March 2013
    Hello Mtnpolk,its hard to give advice on whats best for you.We all hear differently,I was in the same boat as you not to long ago.
    You can start by going to some of the alternative sites that have amps for sale since you cant see our for sale section yet.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?146395-AudiogoN-Alternatives-The-Master-List

    The best thing would be to read any and all information on amps.There is a lot of good info here also if you do a search,Im sure others will chime in and give there advice too.If you have a local hifi shop to go to listen to as many amps as possible.
    I hope this helps.
    Dan
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  • Mtnpolk
    Mtnpolk Posts: 18
    edited March 2013
    Oldfatdogs wrote: »
    Hello Mtnpolk,its hard to give advice on whats best for you.We all hear differently,I was in the same boat as you not to long ago.
    You can start by going to some of the alternative sites that have amps for sale since you cant see our for sale section yet.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?146395-AudiogoN-Alternatives-The-Master-List

    The best thing would be to read any and all information on amps.There is a lot of good info here also if you do a search,Im sure others will chime in and give there advice too.If you have a local hifi shop to go to listen to as many amps as possible.
    I hope this helps.
    Dan

    Thanks Dan! I will definitely be doing a ton of reading and research, but I have found that there is a ton of conflicting opinions. I live in a VERY remote place in Colorado, so visiting B&M joints is impossible. I`ll need to buy online.
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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited March 2013
    Don't be in a big hurry, save up some more money, $250.00 isn't going to buy much. Just my opinion.
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • Theheadsn
    Theheadsn Posts: 413
    edited March 2013
    ^^^^ this

    I was in the same boat, heck I still am. I would love an external amp to REALLY drive the speakers, but anything worth buying is going to cost you. Don't get me wrong there are some great lower watt amps out there, but if you want a real HT experience, I would suggest at least something that pushes 200w per channel; if it be a monoblock, 2ch, 3ch, or even a 5ch amp. If your looking for a good deal, and an amp with good power to push some speakers, you cant go wrong Emotiva. As a whole I think people appreciate the quality you get for the price
    Home Theater Setup
    • Receiver - Onkyo TX-RZ1100
    • Mains - Polk RTi A9's
    • External Amps - Outlaw 2200 Monoblocks for L/R/C
    • Center - Polk CSiA6
    • Side Surrounds - Polk FXiA6's
    • Atmos - 4 Polk 80F/X RT's
    • Sub - SVS PC-4000
    • T.V. - LG OLED65C7P

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  • Mtnpolk
    Mtnpolk Posts: 18
    edited March 2013
    I just got a text from a "friend of a friend" who is a high end installer in Vail, who said he has a "fairly nice Rotel Amp" that he could let go for maybe 300 cash. What are the questions that I would want to ask regarding this amp? Does Rotel even make any junk? The common friend is a good guy and he said I can probably get it cheaper as he got it free by taking it out of a HT and replacing it.
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  • SDA1C
    SDA1C Posts: 2,072
    edited March 2013
    decal wrote: »
    Don't be in a big hurry, save up some more money, $250.00 isn't going to buy much. Just my opinion.

    agreed.
    Too much **** to list....
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  • pmosh93
    pmosh93 Posts: 2
    edited March 2013
    I am not having great luck with my Denon 2113
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  • lanchile
    lanchile Posts: 560
    edited March 2013
    Mtnpolk wrote: »
    I just got a text from a "friend of a friend" who is a high end installer in Vail, who said he has a "fairly nice Rotel Amp" that he could let go for maybe 300 cash. What are the questions that I would want to ask regarding this amp? Does Rotel even make any junk? The common friend is a good guy and he said I can probably get it cheaper as he got it free by taking it out of a HT and replacing it.

    Rotel are ok, just get the model number to search it up!
    Make it simple...Make it better!
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  • chiptouz
    chiptouz Posts: 152
    edited March 2013
    I am looking for an amp too and it seems that used is a great way to get you into a high quality amp cheaper..
    Sharp LC-80uq17u
    Denon 4520ci Receiver
    OPPO BDP-203 Blu-Ray Disc Player
    Monster HTS 3600
    Polk RTi-a7 (fronts)
    Polk CSi-a6 (Center)
    Polk TC-60i (Rear & Surround Rear)
    HSU Research VTF3-MK4 (Sub)
    Logitech Harmony elite (Remote)
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2013
    Mtnpolk wrote: »
    I just got a text from a "friend of a friend" who is a high end installer in Vail, who said he has a "fairly nice Rotel Amp" that he could let go for maybe 300 cash. What are the questions that I would want to ask regarding this amp? Does Rotel even make any junk? The common friend is a good guy and he said I can probably get it cheaper as he got it free by taking it out of a HT and replacing it.

    Rotel makes terrific gear, and no they don't make junk. I had a cd, amp, & pre that got used pretty much daily that finally gave up the ghost at 18 yrs. But as was suggested, get the model number then go to Rotel's site and research the amp, like age, how many wpc it has at 8ohms etc. I personally wouldn't get a used peice of gear that is over 5 years old. While this gear is built to last for years, I'd rather it attain that age in MY possession and not someone elses.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • bthogan
    bthogan Posts: 151
    edited March 2013
    I love my Parasound HCA-1500 so much that I'm inclined to suggest the HCA-1000. Intended for home theater as well as music. Pretty sure you can find them for $250-300 on ebay and elsewhere.
    Marantz CD6004
    Adcom GFP-750
    McCormack DNA-1
    Polk LSi9s
    Signal Cable ICs
    Blue Jeans cables
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited March 2013
    Brand new HCA1500a Parasound at ebay now at $354. Still in the box.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2013
    Now that's a deal. Terrific amp. this is the amp that showed me what my speakers were truly capable of.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • ROHfan
    ROHfan Posts: 1,014
    edited March 2013
    lanchile wrote: »
    Rotel are ok, just get the model number to search it up!

    At one point I had two Rotel RB981s that I got for a steal and hated them both. They were overly bright and fatiguing. I also had a vintage Hafler DH220 that was recently benchtested and it was anemic and bland. I got a UPA-200 from Emotiva and my HT has never sounded better. 2ch audio is also heavenly. Everything is livelier, with more bottom end, and I am addicted to the sound my SDAs put out now. Is there better out there? Yes. Did the UPA-200 allow me to get into quality separates without breaking the bank? Yes. There are some amazing deals on the Emotiva Lounge site for used Emo gear. Check it out.
    TV: 65" Samsung QLED 4K
    Fronts: Energy RC70 --- Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Front Heights: Polk RC65i --- Rears: Polk RC85i --- Sub: Power Sound Audio XS15
    Pioneer VSX-1120K --- Parasound HCA-1000A --- Oppo BDP-103
    Vincent Audio SA31 preamp --- Teac UD301 DAC
    AIYIMA Tube T7 preamp --- Nobsound 12AX7 tube preamplifier
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  • 11tsteve
    11tsteve Posts: 1,166
    edited March 2013
    there are 2 of those HCA 1500 NIB on the Bay right now from the same seller, both parked around $400 at the moment, but each have 6 days left. I doubt either will go for less than $550/600.
    Polk Lsi9
    N.E.W. A-20 class A 20W
    NAD 1020 completely refurbished
    Keces DA-131 mk.II
    Analysis Plus Copper Oval, Douglass, Morrow SUB3, Huffman Digital
    Paradigm DSP-3100 v.2
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  • 11tsteve
    11tsteve Posts: 1,166
    edited March 2013
    edit... sorry, one is 3 days left, the other 6 days.
    Polk Lsi9
    N.E.W. A-20 class A 20W
    NAD 1020 completely refurbished
    Keces DA-131 mk.II
    Analysis Plus Copper Oval, Douglass, Morrow SUB3, Huffman Digital
    Paradigm DSP-3100 v.2
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    edited March 2013
    Hey Mtnpolk,

    I cannot say that I've followed the entire thread . . . Have you considered Adcom 555II ? I'm feeling generous, and can part with my baby for $275 + ship . . .

    I'm original owner, functions and looks great . . . Due to age 8 out of 10, zero issues. 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms . . 325 wpc into 4 ohms

    Just a thought . . . I'm, in Motown, shipping might be $$ ($80 clams). Where are you?

    Time to turn in,

    G
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • Irrenhaus
    Irrenhaus Posts: 1,090
    edited March 2013
    I have a Adcom 585 driving My RTi12 and cannot be more happy. But not many around the Adcom 555II will be a good match for those 7's.

    Cheers
    HTAVR-Pioneer SC99XPA-DR3 Differential Reference AmpPolk R-700Rear- RT150Side- RT150Center-CSi5Sub-Rythmik audio F25Player- Panasonic DP-UB9000Projector- Optoma CinemaX P2Screen- Silver Ticket Products STR Series 6 120"Audio Room 2ch rig.Cary AE-3, Onkyo M-504, Marantz SA8005, Azur 851NWharfedale - Linton, SVS SB12-NSDMinis Forum PC (streamer) and Panamax MX5105Headphone rig;Schiit JOTUNHEIM and different headphones.Samsung 42" flat screen TV.
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