amps choices

zombie boy 2000

buenos dias muchachos
looks like the wifey is going to allow the addition of a two-channel amp
(since i'm allowing the addition of a $120 pair of boots to her already sick and twisted collection--some people show no restraint)
anyway, my meager set-up includes two monitor 70's and a HK 240 w/preouts
50 wpc or 65 wpc when in stereo mode (where it remains for 90% of the time)
my question for the elders, sub-elders, or any sub-humans who wish to chime in is simple...
where should i start looking?
budget (as of right now) somewhere in the vicinity of 175 to 275, so i'm sure we're looking used
the recommended wattage for the 70's is 20-275, other threads have alluded to the 3/4th rules warning not to exceed 200 watts
i don't see this being an issue because the amps i've been looking at have ranged from 70 to 130 watts
these being of the adcom and rotel varieties (i heard they mate well with the HK's)
i'm open to all suggestions, and would like to hear how much i stand to gain from say, a 70 wpc adcom amp -- if all watts aren't created equal, and a receiver has other duties to fill
thanks again for helping me make this next purchase a wise one

2+2

If I were you, I would not bother upgrading unless you can get to at least 100 watts with the brand names you mentioned...your receiver can handle pretty high current and is not exactly a Kenwood....

zombie boy 2000

any suggestions?
and what are those 35 or so extra wpc going to do?
what should i reasonably expect out of let's say, an adcom 545?

Early B.

I'd consider upgrading the speakers first, then get an amp, because you listen mainly to music. The Lsi9's will provide you with a much better sound, especially for music, as long as you don't crank it up too loudly. You'll also need to set your amp budget a bit higher -- perhaps at $350 - $400.

2+2

zombie boy 2000 wrote:

any suggestions?
and what are those 35 or so extra wpc going to do?
what should i reasonably expect out of let's say, an adcom 545?

Even more can be said about your anticipated upgrade to 70w from 65w...what is 5 w gonna do? I would think you would have to increase your budget for an amp if you want to notice a difference....Never heard the Monitors so maybe Early B has something there....

beardog03

you could get a Rotel 980 @ 125w...but Early does have a good point

zombie boy 2000

appreciate the responses gents..
since i just shelled out what i believe to be a lot of ducets for two new speakers, my aim isn't to simply toss around some more to get the LSi9's -- hell, i wish i had $1200 to work with right now, but alas...
again, i'm just looking for modest improvements on a modest budget... and as it's been preached over and over again on these forums, an external amp is the single best upgrade one can make when one factors in cost
also, after speaking with associates at the local casas de electronicos hi-fi and reading other threads regarding the subject, it is come to my attention that 60 watts from an HK avr and 60 watts from a quality external amp are two different beasts (even with the high current capability of the HK)
i don't know if this is true or not, but that being said.. i'm still looking at two-channel amps in the 100 watt range
the goal here is to make the most with what i have, and gracias for your input

reeltrouble1

I dont know who is touting some kind of 3/4 rule for wattage but thats is a bunch of crap. So much crap that my screen is actually stinking up my office!!!

To little current kills speakers not to much.

The usual suspects for your budget:

NAD
Carver
Adcom

The H&K is a decent enought receiver but it is fraught with the same problems all receivers share. Since you like music the sooner you send it to pre duty the better. You want high current in your new amp say 25-35 pk2pk minimum, the more the better, will likely put you somewhere around 150 wpc.

Enjoy and hey, women in boots aint all that bad!!!!

RT1

Early B.

OK, let me be more direct in my comments. If you want higher quality sound, a cheap, low powered amp isn't going to get you there with your current setup, so don't waste your money. Separate amplification is great, but it is a luxury that is usually reserved for higher quality gear. Yes, you'll get a little better sound if you proceed as planned, but you should do something that will make a greater impact on the sound, and right now that's your speakers. Hell, if you return or sell your 70's to fund the purchase of a used pair of Lsi9's, the cost is $0 or nominal for much better sound quality. The point is -- don't get fixated on the external amp idea until you have addressed other fundamental areas of your system. Besides, an inexpensive, low powered amp may not sound appreciably better than the HK you already have.

zombie boy 2000

"higher quality" gear seems to be quite a relative concept
please remember that the 70's were an upgrade from the built-in speaks in my 32" phillips -- a huge upgrade that still has me reeling
content, of course... but i know these are big speakers with multiple drivers (4 6 1/2" each), and as such, would probably immensely benefit from a little kick in the rear...
i just enjoy getting good advice from good people w/similar equip (not commision hungry reps hawking what they're told to hawk)
("relatively speaking" of course)

steveinaz

You might pull-off a vintage Carver amp in your price range (used of course), and get the extra watts you'd like...

zombie boy 2000

thanks steve.. will look into the carvers as well
early-- i will upgrade the speaks eventually, but am satisfied with building around my 70's (for now)
i just want to make sure these puppies have some muscle behind them because much like my mother-in-law, they are large and in-charge