Free AMP worth it?

baboon
baboon Posts: 60
edited January 2006 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I just recieved a free Optimus MPA-250 2x channel AMP. My current reciever is a Marantz SR8400 7x110W. If I use the free AMP for my front L & R, would it sound better or would it be as waste of time? JUst wanted to know before I spend the whole night doing it lol. Thanks


the free amp is this model:
http://cgi.ebay.com/RADIO-SHACK-MPA-250-200-WATT-AMPLIFIER_W0QQitemZ7384113813QQcategoryZ23787QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Post edited by baboon on
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,780
    edited January 2006
    .1% THD at 80 watts, Frequency response +/- 3db?

    Doubt it would sound better than the Marantz, but it wouldn't hurt to try it.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2006
    Since you got it for free, you have nothing to lose by getting it & seeing for yourself. Please report back and tell us what you think of having your front speakers powered separately.

    I know that it made a big difference in my system.
    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
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited January 2006
    PA amp correct?
    Don't insult your Marantz. IOW no.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
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    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • baboon
    baboon Posts: 60
    edited January 2006
    WilliamM2 wrote:
    .1% THD at 80 watts, Frequency response +/- 3db?

    Doubt it would sound better than the Marantz, but it wouldn't hurt to try it.


    I lookd in my manual for the Marantz and its (20hz-20khz/THD =0.08%)

    Now I know i should be researching what all this means insteading of asking you experts because its probably searchable. So like where can I find info on what these numbers mean or if someone wouldn't mind explaning, it would be nice =) thanks!
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2006
    If it is a PA amp then never mind! Get yourself a Home Theater amp of the same WPC & then you will realize the difference!
    aaharvel wrote:
    PA amp correct?
    Don't insult your Marantz. IOW no.
    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
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  • baboon
    baboon Posts: 60
    edited January 2006
    Okay I don't know why but I decided to try out the AMP anyways. Man it looks ugly. As for sound I noticed the follow below:

    When switching my Front R & L from Small without Mix Mode* to Large with Mix Mode with subwoofer

    1. The Marantz had lower volume and bass wasn't as powerful
    2. The MPA-250 had really good bass and volume was louder and it was also clear with no distortion.

    *Mix Mode is a mode in my Receiver that mixes anything below 100hz with the speakers that are set on Large and to the subwoofer if mix mode is enabled.

    When the Marantz has the front L&R speakers set to small it defaults anything below 100hz to only play on the sub. This setup without the external amp sound much better than setup number 1 above.

    what you guys think i should do?

    by the way my Fronts are Polk Audio T90EB


    ugly.jpg
    Man it looks ugly...
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  • michael_w
    michael_w Posts: 2,813
    edited January 2006
    baboon wrote:
    ...This setup without the external amp sound much better than setup number 1 above....
    I think you answered your own question here... if it sounds better to you stick with it.
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  • baboon
    baboon Posts: 60
    edited January 2006
    michael_w wrote:
    I think you answered your own question here... if it sounds better to you stick with it.

    You miss read it. It sounds better than number 1 but not number 2. but this thing looks ugly as hell so i'm gonna remove it when i have time.
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited January 2006
    baboon wrote:
    It sounds better than number 1 but not number 2.

    what? it sounds worse than ****? Yeah i'd flush it too.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited January 2006
    baboon wrote:
    You miss read it. It sounds better than number 1 but not number 2. but this thing looks ugly as hell so i'm gonna remove it when i have time.

    it looks fine to me, would it be possible that the fact it was free clouded your judgement ;) ?

    having said that, I don't know how it sounds, but looks are very subjective, for instance, The new outlaw receiver to me look fugly, but some folks here think it looks retro and cool.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2006
    baboon wrote:
    what you guys think i should do?

    by the way my Fronts are Polk Audio T90EB

    crank it! :p

    If you're happy with the sound from RS amp... by all means leave it hooked up.. sounds like you are so far.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited January 2006
    That's ugly?! Man...I think it looks right nice...
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
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  • baboon
    baboon Posts: 60
    edited January 2006
    i'm just curious (I'm just an HT rookie), what is an RS and PA amp? Thanks.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2006
    baboon wrote:
    i'm just curious (I'm just an HT rookie), what is an RS and PA amp? Thanks.


    RS is Radio Shack - Optimus brand is Radio Shack

    PA is Public Address amps. are usually not used in a home theater or stereo.. they were designed to power speakers in say like a auction or some kind of public venue

    PA amps usually don't sound as good as a home audio amp would.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • baboon
    baboon Posts: 60
    edited January 2006
    I spoke to the friend who gave me the amp for free. i'm gonna give it back to him and he's gonna give me an Audio Source AMP300. I never heard of the brand but I've researched it and apparently it has better numbers. What you guys think? =)

    http://audiosource.net/amp300.html
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2006
    You will like it better...IMO..
    It`s a stereo amp..

    and ya can`t beat the price..!!

    Only you can decide if you like it or not....listen to it with your eyes closed and your ears open.....

    This friend...does he have more gear to give away..?!!
    J/K

    the price is right...just take some time to have a good listen.....
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
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    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2006
    COOL! You have got one good friend there!
    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
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited January 2006
    Quick question, I am looking into getting a HK PA2000. I see PA, but it's Harman Kardon so I doubt they created it to be used in cattle auctions in West Texas. What is a decent amp you can find for $200 (new or used)?

    I have heard HK PA2000, Rotel RB-1050, and some others mentioned. Also, other than ebay, where do you find these items for wholesale or second market?

    Thanks! Monitor 60's, Monitor 30's, CSi, PSW10, HK635. Probably should upgrade PSW10 first. . . but bi amping my 60's sounds like fun.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited January 2006
    AndyGwis wrote:
    Quick question, I am looking into getting a HK PA2000. I see PA, but it's Harman Kardon so I doubt they created it to be used in cattle auctions in West Texas. What is a decent amp you can find for $200 (new or used)?
    Older Onkyo, Yamaha, and NAD stereo amps can be purchased in that range.
    I have heard HK PA2000, Rotel RB-1050, and some others mentioned. Also, other than ebay, where do you find these items for wholesale or second market?

    AudioGon
    VideoGon
    The Polk Audio Fea Market.

    are three places that I would rate as better (or at least more reliable on average) than e-bay for audio equipment.


    Michael

    BTW - Welcome to club polk. :)
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
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    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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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited January 2006
    for less than $200 try an Adcom gfa-535/545.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited January 2006
    baboon pop the top off that Optimus and take a pic to share for us. I'd love to see what's in there.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited January 2006
    AndyGwis wrote:
    I have heard HK PA2000, Rotel RB-1050, and some others mentioned. Also, other than ebay, where do you find these items for wholesale or second market?
    Where are you located?
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