Amp for R20's....(I know...keep laughing)

Jonesy

So my 'how far can you push a cheap-a** system' experiment continues. I've just completed the rearrangement and have now heard a couple movies and some music with the R20's as mains with the Inifinty IL100 as a sub. I am impressed, but still curious as to how far these 20's can be pushed.

Right now everything is running through a Pioneer VSXD810. I've experienced great results running a two channel amp for the mains and letting the receiver handle the rest and am curious if this is worth it for the R20's. I know these are low-end speakers, but I just have a feeling that they can be squeezed a little harder.

Keeping the spirit of this 'experiment' alive I don't want to go more than around $200 (used obviously) for a 2 channel solid state amp. The most common brands I've seen in this neighborhood are Adcom, Hafler, Parasound, Rotel, etc...

What I'm wondering is what type of match would be best suited for the R20. I'm thinking a brighter amp would be more beneficial for this speaker. Anyone have any input for me? Even if it's to tell me I'm a ****?

danger boy

JK!

external amps will almost certainly improve the sound of any speaker... it's better to have plenty of reserve headroom power than trying to overpower a speaker with a weak amp.

Amp wise... i think the Adcom will probably give you more bang for your buck.. wpc wise anyway. Seems people either love or hate Adcom amps. I find they are pretty much entry level sounding amps. If you're just looking to add some power to your speakers.. and are satisfied with the sound from your source... the get an Adcom. If you want to improve the sound... then look at Rotel, NAD, Parasound, Carver... etc.

fireshoes

Sounds like fun!

steveinaz

Adcom's can sound a touch sub-dued when compared to Parasound (my opinion). If you're looking for a little more sparkle, go with a used HCA-1000.

Speakers, regardless of their "place" in the audio chain, always benefit from a better amplifier. I don't know why you feel the R20 is not somehow "worthy" of better amplification. Speakers are a truly subjective purchase, forget the hype--if you like them, keep them and power them with a quality amp.

My 2 cents.

Jonesy

Originally posted by steveinaz
Adcom's can sound a touch sub-dued when compared to Parasound (my opinion). If you're looking for a little more sparkle, go with a used HCA-1000.

Speakers, regardless of their "place" in the audio chain, always benefit from a better amplifier. I don't know why you feel the R20 is not somehow "worthy" of better amplification. Speakers are a truly subjective purchase, forget the hype--if you like them, keep them and power them with a quality amp.

My 2 cents.

It's just the opposite actually. I'd love to run the mains off a separate amp. I was fishing for anyone who might have any experience with amping R20's. And of course you folks have again come through with some great info.

I was wondering if the Adcom's were a little warm. There seems to be a consensus on this with others I've talked to. I think I'll have to listen to some Parasounds. Thanks.

steveinaz

Yes, Adcom does have a warm-side-neutral sound. What I like to call a "British" sound. Parasound's are a touch warm too, but a little more articulate; to my ears.

dorokusai

I have to disagree on the Adcom, as I wouldn't call them "British" sounding at all. It's an edgy, lifeless amplifier and there's a reason they are so common IMO....they are typically cheap.

The Parasound has alot more character than the Adcom, but of course that's just my opinion.

Jonesy

I guess I'm wondering what the 'british' sound is. I've heard differing opinions on this; everything from 'bright' to 'laid back'. I suppose that just reflects the subjective nature of this hobby.

I have three different models of Rotels pushing the Infinitys and B&Ws in my main system. Being a british (designed-manufactured in China from what I understand) amp I can't say that I notice a paticularly 'bright' OR 'laid back' sound to them. Through my Infinitys they are definately more detailed and powerful than the old Pioneer reciever that was powering them. Of course that would be natural I guess.

I suppose what I'm trying to achieve out of the R20's is more detail in the top end and resolution in the midrange. I get the impression that the potential is there, but I just can't get there with the receiver I have. Hence the question about amp characteristics regarding the R20's. Sorry if my original intent was hazy.

danger boy

Originally posted by Jonesy
I suppose what I'm trying to achieve out of the R20's is more detail in the top end and resolution in the midrange. I get the impression that the potential is there, but I just can't get there with the receiver I have. Hence the question about amp characteristics regarding the R20's. Sorry if my original intent was hazy.

I would suggest then you look into new interconnects. Interconnects can also alter or tailor the sound to your liking. for a good high quality inexpensive interconnect.. try Signal Cable.

SC is about the only IC's i buy any more it seems.

Signal cable

VR3

What Adcoms have yall heard?

Must be the new line.

The old line is bright as it gets. Very powerfull sounding amps. Nothing sub-dued about the older amps.

Solid amps though. Nothing wrong with em. Sound overall good.

Mike Reeter

Jonesy,you have a P.M.