amps or no amps

danger boy
danger boy Posts: 15,722
edited June 2004 in Electronics
Ok guys. I'm very curious on those of you who use external amps or choose not to use any.

you can vote for more than one item in this poll.

Reason for poll. Later this summer, I hope to upgrade to a new more powerful receiver.. and I'd like to see how many people use external amps.

al
PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
Post edited by danger boy on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited June 2004
    If you have a receiver and if it has preamp outs imho the logical upgrade path would be ...

    - Add an amp

    - Replace receiver with preamp
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited June 2004
    If I had more cash flow, I would have an amp.

    Regards,
    PolkThug
    Never Forget
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited June 2004
    I voted "don't use any amps", but would have voted "don't use amps yet, but plan to add amps in the future".....

    just a thought.

    also, some may use an AVR for theater, but use amps for 2 channel....

    just some thougths.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lonwa
    lonwa Posts: 83
    edited June 2004
    Ok guys. I'm very curious on those of you who use external amps or choose not to use any.



    I'm fascinated how anyone might be able to listen to music without some sort of amplification? =)

    Sorry, had to say it danger boy.


    I am just about to get a Parasound HCA-1205A ext amp, so I will let you know if it was worth the money.

    Currently I use my Denon AVR-2801 for both pre-amp/amp


    Lonwa
    Sometimes good command decisions get compromised by bad emotional responses."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited June 2004
    lonwa, where are you getting the Parasound from?

    I watch all the Parasound amps on Ebay every day. I just have not pulled the trigger yet to make a purchase.

    I would like to get (2) HCA-750's, use each in bridged mono to power my RTi70's.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lonwa
    lonwa Posts: 83
    edited June 2004
    Friend of mine is upgrading to Odyssey Amps, and is selling me his 1205A. Still has over 7 years warranty on it, so its a good deal for me. Just $550.

    Check audiogon.com,

    They have all kinds of stuff posted for sale there, including a lot of Parasound equipment.


    Lonwa
    Sometimes good command decisions get compromised by bad emotional responses."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited June 2004
    I use an amp to power the fronts on my HT system. Awesome upgrade -- I'd highly recommend it.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited June 2004
    Three Outlaw M200 monoblocks on the front stage. Nice upgrade for both music and HT. 3803 stills powers the sides/rears.

    Doc
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited June 2004
    I guess i'm wondering if those of you who use amp.. do you use them for your surrounds too? I do use amps on all channels. but seems like almost a waste of wattage to use them on surrounds. i don't notice any difference in the surrounds.. with external amps over powering them off of the receiver. so i may move those amps and use them elsewhere or sell em.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,623
    edited June 2004
    That's right, I said it......My unit's bad ****........:D
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited June 2004
    Originally posted by danger boy
    I guess i'm wondering if those of you who use amp.. do you use them for your surrounds too? I do use amps on all channels. but seems like almost a waste of wattage to use them on surrounds. i don't notice any difference in the surrounds.. with external amps over powering them off of the receiver. so i may move those amps and use them elsewhere or sell em.

    I use my amp to power my Polks, and they & I appreciate the extra power. My reciever is handling the center & sub and will handle the surrounds once I finally get some. With 110 watts of power from the Denon, I figure that is plenty for for the rest, with the most important load being handle by the amp.
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hamzahsh
    hamzahsh Posts: 439
    edited June 2004
    I use Yamaha RX-V1400 as a pre/pro.

    I use NAD C272 2-ch AMP 150 x 2w which powers my RT800i (fronts).

    I also have a Adcom GFA-7605 5-ch
    125 x 5w which powers my CS400i (center), FX1000 (side surrounds) and RTi6 (back surrounds)

    Huge improvement in detail, imaging, separation, midrange, depth and overall sound. I highly recommend the use of external amps.

    :D
    Panasonic TH-50PX80U Plasma HDTV
    Polk Audio RT800i (fronts)
    Polk Audio CS400i (center)
    Polk Audio F/X1000 (side surrounds)
    Polk Audio RTi6 (back surrrounds)
    Velodyne CHT-15 (subwoofer)
    Yamaha RX-V1400 (Pre/Pro)
    NAD C272 (2-ch Amp)
    Adcom GFA-7605 (5-ch Amp)
    Toshiba SD-3109 (DVD/CD player)
    Malata DVP-580 (Multi-region DVD player)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • scottvamp
    scottvamp Posts: 3,277
    edited June 2004
    You missed one.
    I use an external amp only for my multiple centers. :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited June 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    lonwa, where are you getting the Parasound from?

    I watch all the Parasound amps on Ebay every day. I just have not pulled the trigger yet to make a purchase.

    I would like to get (2) HCA-750's, use each in bridged mono to power my RTi70's.
    Check Audiogon.

    I've done a LOT of research on the Parasounds...believe me. If I were you, I would get 1 HCA 1500A and run it in stereo mode instead of two of the 750s in mono mode. Why you ask?

    It's about the same money either way and the 1500A uses MOSFETs in the driver stage...and is all around just a better amp...

    The 1500A does 125 into each chanel, which is plenty of power for those 70s given it's Parasound power with MOSFET design...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited June 2004
    Like a dummy I bought a receiver without preamp outs. No amps for me yet. I will more than likely be going with seperates with my next HT and 2 channel setup.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited June 2004
    Yeah what Brett said.I don't need amps with mine.But that doesn't mean it's not on the chopping block ready to be replaced by seperates.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited June 2004
    Hi Dangerboy,
    I use external amps to power my 5/2 channel system. I also use a hometheater preamp and a 2 channel preamp in the same system.

    Krell 250a - 250x2 to power my mains, B&W cdm7nt
    Outlaw M200 - 200 x 1 for center channel, B&W cdmcnt
    Adcom 535 - 60x2 for the rears, Polk ls/fx

    If you plan on upgrading in the future as you get more and more into better sound, I would suggest skipping the receiver and going into seperates. I started with a nice receiver with preamp outs, then added an external amp, then got better external amps, then got a preamp for true seperates, then bought a better 2 channel amp......

    In the end, my mid-fi THX receiver is now a large paperweight. And since audio formats change so quickly, high-end receivers become obsolete quickly. Amps however can be used for a long time.

    Good luck,
    Jeremy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited June 2004
    Originally posted by venomclan
    And since audio formats change so quickly, high-end receivers become obsolete quickly. Amps however can be used for a long time.
    Unfortunately though this usually applies to preamps as well unless they are software upgradable.
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited June 2004
    i would really like to go seperates.. but...
    i can't afford the high end ones.

    what does an entry to mid level pre amp run?

    Do pre amps decode as many formats as a receiver? If i got a pre amp and it only does DD, DTS and pro logic. Do i need a processor to hook up to the pre amp to decode the other formats? PLIIx, etc?
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited June 2004
    No center channel yet but I'm using amps to all channels at the moment. Dyna on the mains and NAD for the rears.

    Maurice
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hamzahsh
    hamzahsh Posts: 439
    edited June 2004
    Originally posted by danger boy
    i would really like to go seperates.. but...
    i can't afford the high end ones.

    what does an entry to mid level pre amp run?

    Do pre amps decode as many formats as a receiver? If i got a pre amp and it only does DD, DTS and pro logic. Do i need a processor to hook up to the pre amp to decode the other formats? PLIIx, etc?

    I don't believe that entry level pre/pros would give you tons of features and better sound quality than a mid-end receivers. Normally to get the best sound from pre/pro separates you have to spend 4 figure $$$$ price, they start from good and get better as you spend more.

    Let's say OUTLAW 950 pre/pre and NAD T163 will be equivalent in sound quality but very simple and decent pre/pro when compare to Yamaha 1400, Denon 3805, Pioneer Elite 55txi, HK 525 and some other simlar AVRs. In terms of features they are way behind. In this case you're getting equal level of sound quality or less between pre/pros and mid-end AVRs but mid-end AVRs have more features and less price. Also if you want a true pre/pro with all the latest features of mid-end AVRs you're looking for $5000 and up.

    The best thing is to invest in AMPs and speakers in the beginning, if you're on a budget. Pre/Pros will change fast the way today's technology is rapidly changing. If you're on a budget and want the best sound for the money use one of the above mentioned and similar AVRs.

    Normally when you buy an AVR you're paying 65% for its pre/pro section and 35% for its AMP section since AMP is not too strong except in high-end AVRs. Now subtract the 35% price of AMP section you're paying for AVRs the remaing is for the pre/pro. If you look at that way they cost fraction of the price of expensive pre/pros which gives you similar features.

    In my opinion excellent AVRs like Yamaha 1400, Denon 3805, Pioneer 55txi, HK 525 with preouts are better far more advance and superior than some entry level pre/pros in the market.

    According to Audioholics report on Yamaha 2400, they recommend it an alternative pre/pro which outguns the Sherbourn PT-7000 pre/pro and Sunfire Theater Grand III pre/pro by wide margin.

    Read the SUMMARY of Yamaha 2400!

    http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/AVProcessorReceiverChecklistp3.html




    :cool:
    Panasonic TH-50PX80U Plasma HDTV
    Polk Audio RT800i (fronts)
    Polk Audio CS400i (center)
    Polk Audio F/X1000 (side surrounds)
    Polk Audio RTi6 (back surrrounds)
    Velodyne CHT-15 (subwoofer)
    Yamaha RX-V1400 (Pre/Pro)
    NAD C272 (2-ch Amp)
    Adcom GFA-7605 (5-ch Amp)
    Toshiba SD-3109 (DVD/CD player)
    Malata DVP-580 (Multi-region DVD player)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited June 2004
    i guess if i was going with a two channel only rig... a pre/pro would be less costly. but i'm not looking to do that.

    in the end.. i'll try and get the best receiver my pocketbook allow.

    I have been doing my homework on the Denon 3805, Marantz 7400 Onkyo TX-NR801, and a few others i can't remember right now.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,791
    edited June 2004
    Man I don't understand why people don't like Soundcraftsmen.

    They sound friggin awesome -- and you can pick up a 200 watt amp for only, 100 bucks + shipping. Awesome lil amp.

    You can get a DD, DTS preamp at the least at 600 - 1,000

    2 channel preamps are like 100 bucks.

    Save up man, you wont regret it.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited June 2004
    DB,

    I really like the sound of my B/K 7270 run with the ONK. I think separates are the way to go. The ONK is on the block when the B/K Ref 50 gets a little less pricey.

    That said, if you are looking for a reciever I got my copy of HT mag last night and the Rotel receiver rsx-1067 got a rave review on their bench test. It even is has ports to upgrade the software!!! And is one of the best looking receivers I have ever seen, has all the bells and whistles and does component at a bandwith of 200 mhz. Stated it was very musical also.

    It would be on my short list of receivers to look at, retail is around 2,000.00:)

    I forgot, it also has software that can decode HDCD, so if you have any of these discs it is one of very few with this feature.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited June 2004
    Danger,

    I thought you were getting pretty big into DVD-A and SACD. No? Why the desire for PLIIx?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited June 2004
    bump
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited June 2004
    200 WPC - 7 channels - 2 zones. It IS BADASS.

    THIS IS IT

    NO kidding, This beotch rocks!!!!
    ;):D;):D;):D;):D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited June 2004
    Originally posted by Shizelbs
    Danger,

    I thought you were getting pretty big into DVD-A and SACD. No? Why the desire for PLIIx?

    I do still like an occasional DVD-A disc... but just not happy with the few good releases that are out. I prob will not give up the DVD-A. I'm not sure PLIIx is even in the same league as a hi rez recording.

    with PLIIx all you are doing is taking a two channel signal and expanding it to mulitichannel. not quite the same at DVD-A.

    As for the BaddAsss unit.. daammmnn! that IS nice. just seeing the pic of the rear of the unit was enough to give me a hardon. :p :eek:
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited June 2004
    Al,

    Huppins is a Sunfire dealer. Looks like we are going to have to take a trip down there.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited June 2004
    i'm avoiding Huppins right now. i don't want to be tempted into something i might regret later. ;)

    no harm in a demo though, right? :D
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter