Looking for a goood mid priced amp

chluffey
chluffey Posts: 28
edited January 2005 in Electronics
Can anyone recommend a good 250 to 300 wpc 2 channel amp that doesn't cost an arm and a leg ? I'd like to power up my 150s to see if opens them up a little more than the 100w my Onkyo currently puts out now.
Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
RTi150s Mains
RM7600 Surrounds & Center
PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
Denon DVM1805 DVD
Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
Post edited by chluffey on
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited January 2005
    Carver
    Adcom
    NAD
    AMC
    B&K
    Outlaw
    Rotel

    ETC ETC
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • chluffey
    chluffey Posts: 28
    edited January 2005
    what are you talking about ?????????????
    Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
    RTi150s Mains
    RM7600 Surrounds & Center
    PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
    Denon DVM1805 DVD
    Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited January 2005
    He's giving you a list of manufaturers that you might want to consider.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited January 2005
    Their called

    'Brands'

    This is what a person names their company.

    Those companies (FWIW) - make mid priced amps :)

    www.outlawaudio.com
    www.bkcomp.com
    www.adcom.com
    www.rotel.com
    www.amchome.com/
    www.NADelectronics.com/
    www.sunfire.com/


    Places to find these amps at good price -

    www.ebay.com
    www.audiogon.com

    You get the idea
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • chluffey
    chluffey Posts: 28
    edited January 2005
    I know they are brands, I was talking about all that crap at the bottom about building stuff, I thought he thought I was going to take my speakers apart. And I know brands, I was looking for some more specific info, as to models and such. DUH !
    Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
    RTi150s Mains
    RM7600 Surrounds & Center
    PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
    Denon DVM1805 DVD
    Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
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  • chluffey
    chluffey Posts: 28
    edited January 2005
    and as long as you are being a smart ****, it's "they're" as in "they are" not "their" meaning possesive.
    Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
    RTi150s Mains
    RM7600 Surrounds & Center
    PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
    Denon DVM1805 DVD
    Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited January 2005
    who is being a smart@$$?

    I was being serious :)

    A price range would be nice...

    B&K ST 200.2
    Adcom GFA 555
    Adcom GFA 545
    Adcom GFA 535
    B&K ST 125.2
    B&K ST 55.2
    Carver TFM 45, 35, 55, etc

    Dunno any by NAD or AMC - but they make good amps too

    UMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

    Not sure man, and btw -that is my signature ;)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,769
    edited January 2005
    chluffey,

    Sid is trying to be helpful to you and for that you slam him!?! I think you own him an apology.

    To get specific answers you need the ask specific questions.

    F1
    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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  • chluffey
    chluffey Posts: 28
    edited January 2005
    Hey Vr3MxStyler2k3, if I missread you, I apologize - BUT " This is what a person names their company" IS smartazz. Thanks for the other info, but I am looking for someone with some actual hands on knowledge/owns an amp of this type for info.
    Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
    RTi150s Mains
    RM7600 Surrounds & Center
    PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
    Denon DVM1805 DVD
    Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,793
    edited January 2005
    I have owned the Adcom GFA 535 and 545

    Several of them.

    I currently own the B&K ST 125.2

    I have owned a Soundcraftsmen PCR 800 (ok amp)...

    The ones I mentioned above are ALL great amps man.

    I hope to own a carver within the next few weeks.

    B&K, ADCOM, NAD, AMC, ROTEL - pick one with the power you want in your price. And go for it!

    Adcom is kinda bright and forward, B&K is laid back and puts to it what you give it. PERIOD. I hear Carver is the same way...

    NAD is laid back, AMC is like a mix of NAD and Adcom (to my knowledge)...

    Another brand is Audiosource.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,769
    edited January 2005
    How about one of these? It's about 100 wpc which is equal to 2 or 3 times that in SS watts.

    http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1110470159
    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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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2005
    WOW...
    I`m gettin wood..:p
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited January 2005
    Originally posted by chluffey
    Can anyone recommend a good 250 to 300 wpc 2 channel amp that doesn't cost an arm and a leg ? I'd like to power up my 150s to see if opens them up a little more than the 100w my Onkyo currently puts out now.

    Just out of curiosity, what are your arms and legs worth? i.e. - what price range do you need to fit into?

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • chluffey
    chluffey Posts: 28
    edited January 2005
    I'm trying to stay around a grand if possible, but that's hard to do for what I'm looking for.
    Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
    RTi150s Mains
    RM7600 Surrounds & Center
    PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
    Denon DVM1805 DVD
    Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited January 2005
    Are you mainly interested in new or would you be willing to consider used?

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • chluffey
    chluffey Posts: 28
    edited January 2005
    I'd really like something new, but I know that's pushing it - price wise.
    Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
    RTi150s Mains
    RM7600 Surrounds & Center
    PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
    Denon DVM1805 DVD
    Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited January 2005
    Outlaw audio is well thought of on the board. You can get a pair of their (200wpc) m200 mono blocks for about $600.

    An Acurus A200 is well reviewed on many sites. (this is what I was looking for when I purchased my Cinepro)

    I have seen some good reviews of B&K like their
    B&K REFERENCE 200.2 Stereo - Amplifier

    Adcoms top of the line is the GFA-5802 300wpc Power Amplifier It can be purchased B-Stock for about $1250.

    Parasound is another brand that has good amps in the price range you are looking for.


    You can also look at Pro amps like crown and be well into your power requirements for about 1/2 your price.

    To spend a grand on a 2-channel amp, I would think your problem would be how to limit your choices not how to add to them......

    If you really want more choices - limit your dollar amount to about $600-$800 and open up the used market. You will have a ton of options.

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • chluffey
    chluffey Posts: 28
    edited January 2005
    Thanks Michael, just curious, but how much was your Cinepro ? That's a sweet machine !
    Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
    RTi150s Mains
    RM7600 Surrounds & Center
    PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
    Denon DVM1805 DVD
    Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
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  • Polkitup2
    Polkitup2 Posts: 1,623
    edited January 2005
    I also have the 150's and used a NAD C370 and NAD C270 bridged to provide 300+ watts. It was so much juice that I didn't like the control I had with the volume knob. It was either loud, or way to loud. I found that for even very loud listening, the NAD C370 is all I need at 120 WPC. I also thought the sound quality was a little better with the single amp.
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited January 2005
    Originally posted by chluffey
    Thanks Michael, just curious, but how much was your Cinepro ? That's a sweet machine !

    I purchaed it used with 4 of 6 channels working. I was looking for a 3 channel amp at the time so that was fine with me. I am now running my front stage (left right and center) as well as my subwoofer from it. I got a good deal off of audiogon and got it for about $515 shipped.

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited January 2005
    Parasound...

    Look at the HCA1500A or 2200 or even the 1200 MKII...

    It's really going to depend on your likes though. Parasound has a more smooth laid-back sound, too laid back for some people. If you like a natural sound, I'd say go Parasound.

    However, some people like the sound a little brighter. I was like this until about three years ago. If I'd heard a Parasound three years ago, I would not have liked it at all...but I think most peoples ears 'mature' over time and after a while you begin to look for a more all around natural sound...

    Anyway, if you like a bright sound, maybe look at the Adcom stuff (their highs are a bit harsh for me, but some people love it).

    Best thing to do is go listen to as many brands as you can. One thing to keep in mind is that most brands have a 'sound', and all ranges of amp in that brand will have that same type of sound. So if you go listen to a $4K B&K amp and love the smoothness or whatever of the sound, you're going to find that same type of sound in their smaller amps..of course it probably be quite a good or have as much punch or whatever, but the overall style of sound you get will be similar, at least in my experience...
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  • chluffey
    chluffey Posts: 28
    edited January 2005
    Yeah, I was looking to brighten my speakers up a bit, so far with only 100 wpc the mids seem a little dull. I know a lot of people have said that was a problem built in to the 150's, but I don't think it can hurt to try and open them up a little.
    Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
    RTi150s Mains
    RM7600 Surrounds & Center
    PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
    Denon DVM1805 DVD
    Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,093
    edited January 2005
    For around a grand, I'd look at a used Sunfire....

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited January 2005
    You could also look at pro-audio amps and get around 500W/channel for around $1K (new).

    Carver Z series and Crown (especially K series) are very good if you don't mind the balanced inputs.
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • chluffey
    chluffey Posts: 28
    edited January 2005
    Thanks fellas. Looks like I have lots of options to go out and listen to. Thanks for all the help, I'll keep you posted when I finally demo/purchase one of these bad boys.

    Chuck
    Onkyo TX-SR800 set up for 7.2
    RTi150s Mains
    RM7600 Surrounds & Center
    PSW650 Sub & PSW202 Sub
    Denon DVM1805 DVD
    Toshiba 32 in. HDTV
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