Affordable way to get more power for my RT800's?

McCelery

I currently have a run-of-the-mill Sony 100x5 receiver powering everything. I was hoping to find 100-200 *real* watts to power my RT800's (just a 2ch would be fine, the surrounds are fine with the receiver for movies and tv). I check Ebay regularly but am not sure what's decent for around $400 or less. Is it even possible without buying a 20yr old Adcom or the like? Nothing against Adcom, just don't want to get something so old and used for this purpose.

I've seen some dedicated amps around 75-125 watts that I'm guessing would be far superior to the built-in 105 wpc the Sony is rated at, but I don't know how to distinguish them.

I'll be using the Sony as the pre-amp, which probably negates a lot of the sound quality concerns of the power amp. Or maybe it doesn't. This is new territory for me

Any ideas? Or is this the part of the disease where it becomes mandatory to start putting in bigger $$$ to get the return I'm looking for?

Ron Temple

Those old Adcoms and Carvers are going through a bump in value recently. They may need a run through to get back to spec, but deliver in 2 channel, tremendous value. Don't count them out.

danger boy

Ron Temple wrote: »

Those old Adcoms and Carvers are going through a bump in value recently. They may need a run through to get back to spec, but deliver in 2 channel, tremendous value. Don't count them out.

Agree totally.. amps don't change much from decade to decade like other stereo gear does.. amps for the most part last a long time with very few problems.

You should be able to pick up say like a Adcom GFA-5400 (125wpc) for about $250 or so.. powerful amp. sure it's not a big brute 300+wpc, but it will make a difference in the sound you're now getting.

engtaz

Adcom 555 everyday on *bay for under $400. 200 watts X 2

venomclan

I agree on the Adcom, or you can get some newer budget amps like the Audiosource or Outlaws.
V

engtaz

I am actually running Adcom 555II and Outlaw Audio M200.

engtaz

billbillw

I think the Adcoms are over valued right now. I personally don't believe a 555 is worth $400. You can get a similarly powerful amp from Parasound or B&K for less than $400. Look at the Parasound HCA 1200 and 1500 or the B&K ST-202, ST-2140, 2020, 3030, 442 or similar models. I think most would agree that the Para or BK models are better sound for the money.

MrNightly

I've been looking at some Sunfire's too.. a little bit more, but from what I've heard, totally worth it! We even had a couple here for sale in the past few weeks.

McCelery

Thanks for the advice. The Adcom 555II is definitely the front runner for availability and power, and I've found a ton of them on Ebay. I would ideally love to get a Parasound amp, but used availibility is tougher. If it's not a bad idea to go with a 20 year old amp (lower risk than I assumed, from what you're all saying), I do like the Adcom's power ratings. Any others that people want to suggest are greatly appreciated.

How much is it to get one of these 20yr old amps checked out and tuned up? Where do you even go for that? I imagine the SF Bay Area has to have places for that.....

engtaz

555II allow you to mono also.

george daniel

check you local craigslist,as adcoms are fairly common,, 325.00 tops for one in good condition,, good luck.

McCelery

$275 for Adcom GFA-545 II?? Seems a bit high for what we're talking here, but it also looks pretty brand spankin' new.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ele/314397299.html

engtaz

I like staying around 200 watts per channel.

billbillw

Just be paitient my friend. I took my time and got into a Parasound HCA-2200II for a price that is similar to what you are mentioning.