Need Help Choosing Right Amp

nikolas812

I have sunfire TGP 2 preamp/processor and a pair of Polk RT800's and I am looking for a good two channel amp to push them. This is my first venture into seperates. I had a Yamaha HTR 5560 receiver before this and was not to happy with sound. It was clean and clear a low levels but seed a little harsh a higher levels. I am really looking to get a loud but super clean sound. Can somebody please help?:)

nikolas812

Thanks for your help. I will do some research and start looking for one.:)

Early B.

What's your budget?

nikolas812

Holy Cow!! I did some research and that thing is beast 380x2rms. I was goning to go with a phase linear 200 series 2 but I found aTFM-55 for the same price or just a little more. I can't wait to get it thanks for help!:D

nikolas812

I'm not trying to spend more than $300.00 dollars right now. I'm a little tapped for the moment because of the Sunfire TGP2.

nikolas812

If I got two of them I don't even know what kind of polk to buy to handle the 1000wpc.:D This is a whole new dilema. :eek:

Early B.

Well, you want a cadillac system on a hyundai budget. If you intend on buying a nice 2-channel amp, you need to increase your budget substantially. Plus, you should consider budgeting $300 - $500 for upgraded speaker cables and interconnects to match the higher component quality you're getting into. No weak links.

nikolas812

I've got mixed feelings about interconnects and wires. Problem is I have no real experence with any but normal rca's and speaker wire. Seems like most reviews I read or forums I read tend to say it doesn't matter. That there is no real audible difference. Them some say there is.

Early B.

nikolas812 wrote: »

I've got mixed feelings about interconnects and wires. Problem is I have no real experence with any but normal rca's and speaker wire. Seems like most reviews I read or forums I read tend to say it doesn't matter. That there is no real audible difference. Them some say there is.

There's only one way to find out...

cfrizz

Welcome Nikolas. keep an eye on Audiogon on the Sunfire sales. You will get more bang for your buck. But be prepared to spend more money. So don't be afraid to be patient & save more for what you truly want.

As for wires & IC's. I like this company: www.bluejeanscable.com

Well made cables & wires without taking you to the cleaners. They are much better than whatever comes in the box with the equipment.

venomclan

While it is commendable trying to find the Right amp, please do not neglect the LEFT amp, it needs love too.
Venom

skipf

You may want to keep an eye open for a Carver M-500t also. Very nice sounding amp, and plenty of power for the Polks. Current used price is $280-$400. I ran my LSi9's on it and they sound wonderful.

madmax

nikolas812 wrote: »

I have sunfire TGP 2 preamp/processor and a pair of Polk RT800's and I am looking for a good two channel amp to push them. This is my first venture into seperates. I had a Yamaha HTR 5560 receiver before this and was not to happy with sound. It was clean and clear a low levels but seed a little harsh a higher levels. I am really looking to get a loud but super clean sound. Can somebody please help?:)

I've had a ton of good high powered amps that fit the bill for what you want. Look for 275+ watts per channel in something like a carver, adcom, sunfire, soundcraftsmen, etc. Expect to pay $400 to $500 on a really good deal though. Raw power sounds like what you need. I'd personally stay away from pro amps although back in the day I was happy with the carver PT1250's I had. The power was nice to have. Not to put down wires and cable upgrades but I would worry about that later when more money comes your way. Just my opinion.
madmax

nikolas812

I can't thank everybody enough for all your help. As amps go I truly want a sunfire sig 425x5wpc:D but thats way out of price range right now but I think it would pair nicely with my processor. Until then I'm watching a carver tfm-55 and a 500t. I really want the tfm-55 its on ebay and ends in 2 days can anybody tell me what to spend on this amp. I was thinking no more then 300.00 if it goes that high. I'm pretty excited about this amp and don't want to pay to much please help As for the bluejeans cable. Thats the company I planned on going with when I upgrade interconnects and speaker wire. Thanks again for everybodys help:)

skipf

A year ago you might have gotten that TFM-55 for less than $300. Today I would expect that it will go much closer to $400. The price of Carver gear on e-bay has skyrocketed lately. Be very careful, there are numerous parties with bogus auctions and lots that are buying and re-selling Carver equipment. Every time it's shipped, it takes a toll on the solder joints, etc. Try to find one from someone you can confirm is the original owner. If you have the time to wait, keep your eye on this forum, the Carver forum or Audiogon. I feel much more confident in any of those over E-bay, although I have gotten good equipment there by being very careful in researching the seller and communications before bidding on the auction. Any hesitation to answer your questions or no response should be a red flag on the deal. Another good source is Craigslist. Local sellers and you can try out the equipment before buying and no problems with shipping damage.

reeltrouble1

nikolas812 wrote: »

I can't thank everybody enough for all your help. As amps go I truly want a sunfire sig 425x5wpc:D but thats way out of price range right now

\\

wanna bet, hang around a bit, we are sure to send you on the path to audio financial ruin, we can make 3 grand sound cheap cuz your getting such a deal.....

RT1

Early B.

If the Sunfire Sig is what you want, then don't settle for anything else. Just be patient and save your money. Otherwise, you'll end up changing out amps every three months, and eventually buying the Sunfire, but only after wasting a lot of money.

reeltrouble1

or just sell your car and buy a hooptie, or take the bus, your amp will be waiting for you when you get home and that is all that really matters, spending money on necessities is a waste of dough, you have to have necessities so you just use them up and need more, now audio gear, well you can always sell it if necessary to raise funds for the necessities you really did not want to start with.....see now go get that amp.

RT1

cfrizz

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!:D

reeltrouble1 wrote: »

or just sell your car and buy a hooptie, or take the bus, your amp will be waiting for you when you get home and that is all that really matters, spending money on necessities is a waste of dough, you have to have necessities so you just use them up and need more, now audio gear, well you can always sell it if necessary to raise funds for the necessities you really did not want to start with.....see now go get that amp.

RT1

cfrizz

+100 On this statement!

Early B. wrote: »

If the Sunfire Sig is what you want, then don't settle for anything else. Just be patient and save your money. Otherwise, you'll end up changing out amps every three months, and eventually buying the Sunfire, but only after wasting a lot of money.

madmax

reeltrouble1 wrote: »

spending money on necessities is a waste of dough, you have to have necessities so you just use them up and need more, now audio gear, well you can always sell it if necessary to raise funds for the necessities you really did not want to start with.....
RT1

We are cut from the same cloth RT1. Necessities, you can get by without them if you don't have the money. Amps, well, you will never have them if you don't buy them.

Early B.

reeltrouble1 wrote: »

or just sell your car and buy a hooptie, or take the bus, your amp will be waiting for you when you get home and that is all that really matters,...

I bought a hooptie last week! I've got my priorities straight.:p

nikolas812

I never thought this thread would do as good as has.:)

nikolas812

I need 16 more posts to be able to put stuff in the classified section:(

nikolas812

If I get the carver amp and I already have a preamp/processor. Will my yamaha dvd cd player ruin everything.

nikolas812

Its a yamaha dv-s5770.

Early B.

nikolas812 wrote: »

If I get the carver amp and I already have a preamp/processor. Will my yamaha dvd cd player ruin everything.

Yep.

Plan on upgrading everything you've got. Sorry to have to tell you that, but since you asked...

heiney9

reeltrouble1 wrote: »

or just sell your car and buy a hooptie, or take the bus, your amp will be waiting for you when you get home and that is all that really matters, spending money on necessities is a waste of dough, you have to have necessities so you just use them up and need more, now audio gear, well you can always sell it if necessary to raise funds for the necessities you really did not want to start with.....see now go get that amp.

RT1

As Frank Lloyd Wright used to say:

"Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.”

nikolas812

What source would be suffecient for the setup that won't break the bank?

cfrizz

Nikolas, take it one step at a time. Get the amp first, see the difference it makes, evaluate it. Then only if you totally hate the sound and know for a fact that your dvd player isn't up to par, then think of replacing it.

You may very well love the sound of everything together, in which case there is no need to spend additional money.

These bozo's aren't joking, they will have you broke in NO time if you totally listen to them. Most of them are in this for the gear, the music is a very distant secondary.

So tell me, are you making changes to get more enjoyment from the music or are you making changes because you simply want to play around with a new peice of equipment?

nikolas812

All I care about is the quality of the music. I want the very best I can get with budget I have right now. I have absolutly no music right now without a amp. I just want to get a amp and set back and listen for awhile.