Amp buying help

Mtnpolk

So my set up is this:
Fronts- RTIa7`s
Center RTI a 4
Rears/surrounds- Klipsch Synergy SL
Sub- Velodyne 3750
TV- JVC 47"
AVR- Pio Elite VSX-01

Now, I have about 300 hours on the 7`s and love them for movies. I can definitely hear/see why a power amp could open them up for music. I have never ventured into seperates, so I need help with the whole amp thing.
Here`s what I think I know:
My AVR has pre-outs for all channels and claims 110wpc in stereo 220 w total. I think I only need/want to amp the front two as I only listen to music in stereo. I KNOW that I do not have sufficient funds to get what is ideal.
Here are my questions- what is the minimum power rating that I should be looking for? Does the amp add to the AVR`s power for that channel, or is it fully powering those two channels? Any chance I can get into a used item for a couple hundred bucks? Can an amp designed for a rack be used w/o one on a shelf? Does anyone have one they want to donate;), sell or barter that would allow me to dip a toe in the seperates water w/o going broke?

tonyb

No, an amp does not add to a receivers power. A couple hundies.... look at Adcom or Carver on your local craigslist, here in our FM.

rpf65

Assuming your looking at solid state, and not tubes, you want 200 watts or more for your amp. You could probably get away with a little less, but may as well get one that will cover just about anything.

The vast majority of rack mountable amps can be set on a shelf, I'm sure there is an exception or 2.

If I were you, I would plan on spending at least $500 on a decent 2 channel amp. Lets face it, an amp will probably out last all of your other present gear, so lets not go really cheap here,

When you plug an amp into the pre-outs, you are telling your AVR that is now just a pre-amp for those channels. It will output no power to those channels, so you will rely solely on the amp. Again not good to scrimp here, especially if you really like those A7's.

Mtnpolk

So, in reading a bunch of posts here, I think that i can afford a Crown XLS1000, maybe the 1500. Is that,. technically speaking, a decent choice? Not really worried so much about intrinsic likes/dislikes, just want to see if I am on the right track.

eclypse

Not another PA amp thread..

http://shop.emotiva.com/ Go with a XPA-5 or UPA-5 or 7.

F1nut

With the RTi A series you want a warmer sounding amp as the speakers are on the brighter side. I'd suggest something from Parasound or B&K.

11tsteve

i just got a B&K Ref 2220 and I am enjoying it quite a bit so far. I also have an HCA 1200 MkII which will most likely be needing a new home soon.

Habanero Monk

Mtnpolk wrote: »

So, in reading a bunch of posts here, I think that i can afford a Crown XLS1000, maybe the 1500. Is that,. technically speaking, a decent choice? Not really worried so much about intrinsic likes/dislikes, just want to see if I am on the right track.

The 1500 has a lower noise floor than the 1000. It's S/N is is better by 6dB and you will see it recommended over the 1000.

WLDock

The Crown amps have mixed reviews..there are questions about the quality and the fans. Might be fine for some or a problem for others. IMO, I would not use a pro amp like than unless I had my gear in a closet. Maybe consider used gear if your budget is tight? Something like a used Adcom GFA-5800 for some serious boost or a supposed warm amp like B&K. There are tons for sale around on the net and craigslist.

Bob in WI

I second CL. I picked up a NAD receiver for $75 & an Adcom with a preamp for $100. You need to be patient tho. If you're in a hurry, its not for you.

Habanero Monk

WLDock wrote: »

The Crown amps have mixed reviews..there are questions about the quality and the fans. Might be fine for some or a problem for others. IMO, I would not use a pro amp like than unless I had my gear in a closet. Maybe consider used gear if your budget is tight? Something like a used Adcom GFA-5800 for some serious boost or a supposed warm amp like B&K. There are tons for sale around on the net and craigslist.

?? The XLS have no fan noise from all reports. Crown is also known for reliability over the years with only a few problems.

Poolgod69

OK... As I am new to the whole Amp thing myself I just looking for a little more clarification. From what I read above, I am understanding that the receiver either pre-amped or passing through an separate pre-amp to an amp does not add the receivers power to the total power.

Example:- 100wpc receiver, passing through a pre-amp through a 100wpc amp is still only producing 100wpc? If so, I essentially need a 200wpc amp in order to obtain 200wpc.

eclypse

Whatever the amp is is what you'll get.. yes if you want 200 watts you'll need a 200watt per channel amplifier. That's 200 watts for 8 ohms as your speakers are 8 ohms.

Basicly a Emotiva XPA-2 is a 2 channel 300watt per channel amplifer.. then theres mono amps that could give you 500 watts for a single speaker in the Emotiva XPA-1 amp and you would need 2 of them for stereo.. though there new XPA-1L looks good at 250 watts but you'll need 2 of them.

Your A9s will take up to 500 watts each but you don't have to have a 500 watt amp to run them as you can get away with 200 watts most likely though 500 watt amp will use them to there potential. Its not all about watts for high volume its about clear great sound at lower volume as well.

Poolgod69

Eclypse- Thank you for assisting in the clarification.

samreddevilz

I recommend you to buy the noise level of upper one thousand.