Home Theater Amplifiers

FrayDog

So I know that there are probably a million threads and posts like this, but i need at least 100 posts before i can look at the classified ads. Im kinda new into separate amps, and need some advise on what to get. I listen to music all the time, but watch movies and television on my theater every night. So i need something reliable, runs cool and is able to be driven all day. Im looking at 150-250watts of power per channel (at least for the LCR channels) and around 100 watts for the sides and rears. My first experience with separate amps were (3) AV123 X-Amp Monoblocks, and (1) AV123 Stereo Amp. I instantly loved them, but i know that they are cheap b stock amps, and my wife thought that they were a waste of money, but it sounded so much better with them. To test what they sounded like, i left the right channel hooked up to my receiver and the left i hooked to the amp, with no sub. I turned it on and started playing some music through it. I was blown away by the difference, and my receiver is no slouch. The problem started right there, if that is what these amps sound like what can other amps do for my setup? I sold the amps, and am now looking for something a little better. around the $300-$400 range. i would love 7 channels but know thats never going to happen on that budget, but a 5 or 3 channel would work! The other thing my Wife hated was that you had to actually flip the switch to turn on each individual amp on, so the next one is going to have to turn on with the receiver, if thats possible. So if you have any suggestions or selling one hit me up and thanks!

PSOVLSK

Mansfield, TX?

I ask because I'll post links from Dallas CL if I find anything.

You just need your AVR and amp to have a 12v trigger so that the amp turns on when the AVR does. Simple cable between the two and you're in business.

In that price range I'd look for a 3-channel and let the AVR power the surrounds.

FrayDog

Nope, Mansfield Ohio! smack dab in the middle.... and i agree, trying to find a emotiva xpa-3, acurus 200 X 3, 3 mono amps, or something along those lines... i know parasound makes a good 3 channel along with rotel... just looking to find the right one at the right price...

FrayDog

Also if anyone else has any other suggestions as to what i should do with my setup let me hear it!

ZLTFUL

Sent you a PM but forgot about the messaging restriction until you hit 10 posts. Heh.

FrayDog

yea, i understand why they do it, but all the other forums im on have nothing like this... so let the posting begin!

FrayDog

ZLTFUL wrote: »

Sent you a PM but forgot about the messaging restriction until you hit 10 posts. Heh.

I think if i was going to raise my budget to that i would also go with the XPA-5, have seen a couple for $550 range.... just have to jump on them quick... but thanks for the PM!

F1nut

Should have kept what you had for that money.

FrayDog

F1nut wrote: »

Should have kept what you had for that money.

I sold them for almost double what I bought them for.... Have to know when to say goodbye!

F1nut

Let me put it another way, for $300 to $400 you are not moving up the ladder from what you had.

FrayDog

Baby steps... Two steps forwar one step back... But another amp will come!

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk FrayDog!

If you can raise your budget and get a 5 channel amp of at least 200wpc at 8ohms you and your wife will be amazed at the improvement in sound. Emotiva is great bang for the buck new or used. If you have no problem with used products stalk Audiogon for Parasound, Sunfire, B&K, Nad, Adcom, Rotel, Outlaw Audio.

If you do it right the first time with spending more money up front, this gear is built to last for years, you will be happy for years to come since you can use the amp through all other upgrades to your system.

Have fun shopping and let us know what you end up getting.

Cathy

Polkie2009

Welcome FD to Club Polk . Good luck with your search for some decent power amps. You mentioned interest in Emotiva XPA-5, is that a new or used unit? Emotiva amps pop up in the flea market from time to time, CP members buy them and sell them fairly often.

zane77

Welcome to the club, he'll need a few more posts to be able to see the Flea Market.

FrayDog

Thanks everyone, glad to be apart of the forums.... looking for new or used stuff, doesnt really matter as long as it will last for years to come as cfrizz mentioned... The other reason i sold the amps is that everything that i did hear about the av123 X-Amps (of what little i could find) is almost all negative saying that they hiss or hum... become dead... varying gains from each amp, and the list goes on... i knew this when i bought them, but i was not willing to spend the coin on separate amps that were of good or better quality. I luckily to my knowledge and listening to them did not have any of these problems. like i said before i listen to music and watch movies constantly and i just didnt want them to die on me... so when i got the chance to sell them after i showed one of my friends, i let them go, and need something with better reviews and less issues!

FrayDog

And yea from all the thing ive read and seen about Emotiva i would love to purchase the XPA-3 or 5 they sound like really reliable amps for the money... and i have seen what they go for all the time on Emotiva forums, klipsch forums, audiogon, avsforums, and hometheaterforums! only 87 more post till i can see the flea market posts... And as you can see im a big fan of Polk Audio!

F1nut

And yea from all the thing ive read and seen about Emotiva i would love to purchase the XPA-3 or 5 they sound like really reliable amps for the money... and i have seen what they go for all the time on Emotiva forums, klipsch forums, audiogon, avsforums, and hometheaterforums!

Since you already have your mind set, why are you wasting our time asking for suggestions!?!

only 87 more post till i can see the flea market posts...

I'll save you the trouble. Since the beginning of this year, out of the roughly 500 for sale listings here I count 4 emo items, all way out of your price range and not one has sold. Obviously, this is not the place for that stuff.

FrayDog

F1nut wrote: »

Since you already have your mind set, why are you wasting our time asking for suggestions!?!



I'll save you the trouble. Since the beginning of this year, out of the roughly 500 for sale listings here I count 4 emo items, all way out of your price range and not one has sold. Obviously, this is not the place for that stuff.

Um... I didn't say that anything was set... Just heard they were reliable good sounding amps... Know there are better amps out there, and as far as my top dollar I wanted to spend, just wanted to throw out a figure I wanted to try and stay inside.... If I find something that I can't live without that number is just one I want to stay around... Not a cap. I don't mind paying a little more if it is worth it!

And why all the negativity? Don't like all these new members ranting up your forums with the same old stuff? Well I'm sorry for whatever I did to blow your top, but I thank you for giving me a warm welcome to the forums! Thanks glad to be here F1nut!

Jhayman

Popcorn anyone, lol

I think an Emo will suit you just fine for your budget..or save a little more and up the anti...

Polkie2009

FrayDog wrote: »

Um... I didn't say that anything was set... Just heard they were reliable good sounding amps... Know there are better amps out there, and as far as my top dollar I wanted to spend, just wanted to throw out a figure I wanted to try and stay inside.... If I find something that I can't live without that number is just one I want to stay around... Not a cap. I don't mind paying a little more if it is worth it!

And why all the negativity? Don't like all these new members ranting up your forums with the same old stuff? Well I'm sorry for whatever I did to blow your top, but I thank you for giving me a warm welcome to the forums! Thanks glad to be here F1nut!

As for Emotiva amps being reliable, personally, to label an amp reliable, it would have to last at least 10 to 15 years without need of service. Are there any_Emotiva amps out there that have made it to 15 years old???

cfrizz

Polkie2009 wrote: »

As for Emotiva amps being reliable, personally, to label an amp reliable, it would have to last at least 10 to 15 years without need of service. Are there any_Emotiva amps out there that have made it to 15 years old???

Not yet since the company only got started 10 or 11 years ago.

FrayDog

I have the opportunity to get an Acurus 200X3 around $350. What do you guys think about this amp? will it last and is it a good price? what do you think about the sound? Anything wrong with these or common problems? Thanks

FrayDog

forgot to mention the power switch light on the front flickers... what does this mean?

tonyb

FrayDog wrote: »

forgot to mention the power switch light on the front flickers... what does this mean?

Those amps had a problem with the LED on the power switch burning out. Not a big deal if you can live without it as I'm sure it will eventually just go out.

I would also be looking at Parasound and B&k amps to mate with those speakers. I think they are much more reliable than the Acurus.

tonyb

use this site for more options in the used market.

http://www.hifishark.com/

cfrizz

FrayDog wrote: »

forgot to mention the power switch light on the front flickers... what does this mean?

It just means that the button won't light up as some point but has no impact on how that amp plays. The only way to get your feet wet with amps is to jump in. that amp is as good a place to start.

Glen B

FrayDog wrote: »

I have the opportunity to get an Acurus 200X3 around $350. What do you guys think about this amp? will it last and is it a good price? what do you think about the sound? Anything wrong with these or common problems? Thanks

That's a nice deal. I would get it. I own an Acurus A250 that I'm in the process of modifying. I like that its simple, open layout is easy to work on.

Polkie2009

cfrizz wrote: »

It just means that the button won't light up as some point but has no impact on how that amp plays. The only way to get your feet wet with amps is to jump in. that amp is as good a place to start.

+100 I've seen many__ of used mondial Acurus amps(usually a150) for sale over the last 7 or 8 years and probably 80% of them had that flickering led issue but it didn't affect the sound of the amp.

F1nut

The only way to get your feet wet with amps is to jump in.

He already owned power amps.......

My first experience with separate amps were (3) AV123 X-Amp Monoblocks, and (1) AV123 Stereo Amp.

ROHfan

F1nut wrote: »

I'll save you the trouble. Since the beginning of this year, out of the roughly 500 for sale listings here I count 4 emo items, all way out of your price range and not one has sold. Obviously, this is not the place for that stuff.

Or, it could be that people like them and don't turn them over as quickly as other amps. And the Emo love continues. I have an XPA-3 and I absolutely love it. It's driving my Martin Logan Electromotions and Motion 8 center channel. I got the amp for $500 refurbed during one of Emo's sales and for me the amp is a good fit. Are there better out there? Of course, but I don't see the need to upgrade anytime soon.

F1nut

You obviously missed the part where NONE, not one has sold. Yeah, a whole lotta love. :rolleyes: