Which separate AMP for the 800i?

kanicker
kanicker Posts: 86
edited February 28 in Clubhouse Archives
I plan to drive my 800is with an external amp. I like my reciever alot, (dont want to change now: my goal is a B&K AVR307) so please dont recommend I buy a new reciever. Plus it seems like a good amp has more uses. My reciever puts out 60w in stereo, but this seems like a relative figure in the grand scheme of things. I'd like to spend between $200-600, and have something that sounds sweet in stereo mode. I listen to music 90% of the time (Jazz, Classical, U2, Bob Dylan).

What are your experiences with a separate amp and the 800i?
What can you recommend?

Thanks to all!
Post edited by RyanC_Masimo on
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Comments

  • Aaron
    Aaron Posts: 1,853
    edited March 2002
    Well, if you're going to spend between $200 and $600, I guess you should look at the used market. The only amp I've ever run on my RT800's was my friend's Carver PM-1.5t (425W/channel). He picked it up on eBay for $350. It was a substantial upgrade in sound over my Sony ES receiver (100W/channel). Several guys on the forum run Carver amps. They seem to be pretty decent for the money.

    Aaron
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  • dean/klipschead
    dean/klipschead Posts: 295
    edited March 2002
    http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1020403355&class&3&4&

    this link is from www.audiogon.com

    to join just sign up and email the seller - he has a good feedback rating

    it's a high end community and everyone out there is pretty cool

    At any rate - the amp is a great deal
    Dean
    Quicksilver M-60 monoblocks - JM 200 Peach Linestage - Sony DVP-S9000ES - '03 modified Klipschorns

    "I'm sure it's better than it sounds."-- Mark Twain, when asked what he thought about Wagner's music
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  • jcaut
    jcaut Posts: 1,849
    edited March 2002
    I picked up a used Carver TFM-35 which I use with my RT800i's. They seem to appreciate the extra power. My receiver is a Denon 3801 which has decent internal amplification-- No match for the Carver, though. I paid $350 for it.

    Jason
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  • kanicker
    kanicker Posts: 86
    edited March 2002
    Good suggestions!

    I wouldn't mind finding a used Carver.

    Thanks for finding that link D/K. I hadn't seen that site before. I'll look into that B&K.

    So instead of working hard today I've been surfing and researching amps. What about Parasound? Anybody know anything about that company? The 1000A looks good.
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  • dean/klipschead
    dean/klipschead Posts: 295
    edited March 2002
    I think john curl still consults and so for the most part is behind the designs of the parasound amp circuitries - good stuff actually.

    B&K gets the edge in my book though. Since the new amps have come out the 4420's can picked up on the cheap and they are incredible amps - even at the original new price of $1200.
    Dean
    Quicksilver M-60 monoblocks - JM 200 Peach Linestage - Sony DVP-S9000ES - '03 modified Klipschorns

    "I'm sure it's better than it sounds."-- Mark Twain, when asked what he thought about Wagner's music
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  • goingganzo
    goingganzo Posts: 2,793
    edited March 2002
    i am going to amp all my speakers and go to a pre-pro setup and the amp i will use is the 7270 it is a 7 chanel amp with 200 wpc rms and i have found it new for 2200 it is my next upgrade next year or sooner if i ever get a new and better job
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  • kanicker
    kanicker Posts: 86
    edited March 2002
    What about Aragon?

    http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=6854269

    looks like a good deal...
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  • dean/klipschead
    dean/klipschead Posts: 295
    edited March 2002
    If you can live with 125 wpc then that is a very good amp. That amp is a true entry level high end piece. Very nice.

    It really comes down to how loud you like to listen to your music.

    The 800i's are rate at 90 db/w, and if they were mine I would probably go with a 200 watter - but that's me.
    Dean
    Quicksilver M-60 monoblocks - JM 200 Peach Linestage - Sony DVP-S9000ES - '03 modified Klipschorns

    "I'm sure it's better than it sounds."-- Mark Twain, when asked what he thought about Wagner's music
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  • jmierzur
    jmierzur Posts: 489
    edited March 2002
    Polk speakers are highly efficient. I would look for an amp with a high current design. This can be determined by the ‘dynamic headroom’ specification if provided; the higher the number, the better. If the dynamic headroom is not provided, look at the difference between the 4 and 8 ohm watts per channel specification. Better amps will be able to double the 8 ohm wattage for the 4 ohm load.

    Unless you have a VERY large room or inefficient speakers, you may not need 200 watts per channel. With efficient speakers, loud listening levels do not require many continuous watts to drive them. A high number of watts are required to produce the brief dynamic peaks of music. This is where high current amps excel.

    Your amp will only sound as good as the source driving it. Remember to save some dollars for this neglected link in the chain. Ultimately, your ears should be the judge.
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