2 Channel Power Amp Suggestions?

wahoosboy
wahoosboy Posts: 36
edited July 2014 in 2 Channel Audio
So I'm a college freshman relatively new to high end stereo. Not exactly an audiophile but enjoy good sound. Anyways today I hit the jackpot as I was able to pick up a pair of RTI A7s in great condition off craigslist for $325!!!! The speakers have blown me away so far and I think I have only begun to see what they are really capable of. My receiver is a pretty lackluster Denon DRA-297 (50 Watts a side). This wasn't quite doing it so I hooked its pre-outs to the aux input of an old Sansui 8900zdb my dad had lying around (125 Watts a side). This way I get some power to really open up the speakers but can still use modern features such as a remote. However, I know this is a pretty ****ty way to set it up as the signal is being pre-amped twice. So this finally brings me to my question...can you guys who have been into audio much longer than I suggest a two-channel power amp that can give me the power I need for around or under $400? Also would the Denon DRA-297 be decent as a pre-amp? keep in mind I'm not an obsessive compulsive audiophile, I just want to get good, clean, and powerful sound from my stereo set up. Thanks in advance.
Post edited by wahoosboy on
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited July 2014
    I think Emotiva will get a mention sooner or later but there are some other cheaper amps out there for 2 channel that will be of a more mellow nature to suit the RTI speakers. Look into b&k amps for that really sweet dark sound that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy like smoking black tar herion whilst laying under a bridge on a warm Florida summer night.
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
    edited July 2014
    PFB, what the hell do you really do on that "farm"?
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
    Emotiva XPA-5 Emotiva XPA-2 Emotiva UPA-2
    Front RTi-A9 Wide RTi-A7 Center CSi-A6 Surround FXi-A6 Rear RTi-A3 Sub 2x PSW505
    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,554
    edited July 2014
    Also would the Denon DRA-297 be decent as a pre-amp?

    No. Sell the Denon, add that money to your $400 and look for a good integrated amp.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited July 2014
    I dunno Jess, 400 bucks for a decent integrated is kinda stretching it there. Maybe an older Nad ?

    For adding a amp, the B&k's and Parasounds will sound good on your speakers and in your price range used. The other thing to consider is your cables too. If your still using the stuff that came with the gear 20 years ago, that won't cut the mustard. Look at Signal cable, Blue Jeans cables, for a decent starter set of speaker and interconnect cables that won't break the wallet.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited July 2014
    But do you think 50wpc is enough for his RTi A7's? then I would recommend getting a Peachtree Decco 65 65wpc Integrated amp with more connections then the Wadia. and its only $100 more from peachtree's Ebay refurbish store. I have hooked my Decco 65 to the RTiA7's in a 2 channel setup before and it didn't sound bad, but I kept my foot off the throttle the whole time.
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,648
    edited July 2014
    Jesse (F1Nut) has a solid suggestion for you...

    That being said, Parasound or Adcom (GFA-555s can be had for $300+shipping all day, every day) or B&K would be solid matches for those 7s.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • wahoosboy
    wahoosboy Posts: 36
    edited July 2014
    Thanks for the suggestions. Slight change of plans. Visited Crutchfield today with the pops and decided I was being a little silly with my budget. In short, I've quadrupled it. Gotta get myself something sweet before every penny I have and make starts going to tuition and school bills right? I now have a different goal. I want an amp/pre-amp combo that will rock powerfully and clearly for many years. This will probably be my final upgrade as I can't justify spending more. With longevity in mind I definitely want a nice DAC in the system somewhere as well. Here's what I've kinda got my sights on:http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745C375DAC/NAD-C-375DAC.html?tp=34948...I hope you guys will check it out. Will this work well with the RTI A7s? Is there anything that handily beats it in this price range or lower? Speak up now or forever hold your peace....
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited July 2014
    I might have a real good deal for you if you are interested. The 2 channel amp I am offering is a Rotel RB 990bx (200 watt ch).

    It is used but in excellent functional condition. It has a chip on the left side, but from 3ft away you cant really see it. If your interested I'll send you some pics. Asking $275 + shipping. Also, I have some signal cable analog 2 interconnect (RCA) cables. Decent RCA cables and speaker cables will improve the sound of your gear. Cables are 2ft and asking $38 a pair.

    Many people on this forum have bought stereo equipment from me and would vouch for the quality. Do some researd, this is a real good deal.

    Good luck with your search
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,554
    edited July 2014
    Here's what I've kinda got my sights on:http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745C375...l?tp=34948...I hope you guys will check it out. Will this work well with the RTI A7s?

    The NAD house sound leans to the warmer side, so that integrated should be a good match for the slightly bright character of the RTiA7.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • wahoosboy
    wahoosboy Posts: 36
    edited July 2014
    1500
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  • wahoosboy
    wahoosboy Posts: 36
    edited July 2014
    Alright...I've definitely been sending mixed signals sorry about that. I'll clear that up. I've decided I want to spend about $1500 on pre and power amplification for my two rti a7s. I play cds on a carver mv-5 and would like to play ALACs from my computer and iPod if possible. I'm currently looking at an NAD integrated amp with a DAC module...You guys think I could get more for that kind of money for my application elsewhere...I'm definitely open to seperates I just need to stay in budget and I want something reliable. I want this to be the last time I really spend money on my setup for a while...
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,554
    edited July 2014
    I've definitely been sending mixed signals sorry about that.

    I read you loud and clear. I think you found the perfect piece for what you need and want to spend.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • ville
    ville Posts: 1
    that NAD choice is perfect you will never regret it
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    Peachtree has a couple of new Nova's out now -> Nova 125SE & the Nova 220SE which is a dual mono design integrated amplifier!
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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