Need advice on home theater amp

Scooter1
Scooter1 Posts: 19
edited April 2010 in Electronics
I've been hanging around the last month or so picking up great tips as far as learning about a whole new arena- home theater.
Its my nature these days to leave everything (technology wise) easily upgradeable as things change so quickly.
Right now I am still in the taping stage of a 14 x 20 room, and am picking up components as I go. Perfect for the room was the Panny Pt-Ax100u with a longshot of 20' needed, but with this comes a viewing distance factor of 14'.
The WAF has dictated in walls, of which I have selected (3) TC265is at this point with TC65's at the corners. I'll also be relocating my HSU VTF3 from my upstairs hideout.
AV receivers have turned into an absolute headache to decide on, almost to the point of being no fun anymore to pick one. What really sucks is the deceptive power ratings the companies are providing. Thats not to mention the dizzying twists of technology.
So heres where I need a hand. At the 91db rating on the speakers, I believe I should need about 160-170 dynamic wpc at the l-c-r speakers. That said, I'm not ready to shell out the cash required to buy a AV mule that can handle that torque (or claims to be able to), and will probably be outdated before its paid for.
Am I missing anything in my train of thought, by buying a good multichannel amp (which is the only component I would consider an investment) and then having the option of upgrading receivers later to keep up?
My need is a 7.1 receiver using 5.1 with Zone 2. Amp would be needed for the L-C-R and my Zone 2 stereo speakers (5 channels total)
How would you spend your $1200 if you were in my place, keeping in mind a future 4 ohm speaker possibility?
And of course, I'm going to ask for recommendations on an amp from those who feel thats the way to go ;-)

Thanks for any help.
Post edited by Scooter1 on
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Comments

  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited September 2007
    Buy a receiver based on processing, buy the amp based on current/watts into difficult loads. The receiver will no doubt go obsolete, but good amps can last a lifetime. If you have the real estate these could make for an interesting rig.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330168710753&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=014
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited September 2007
    Welcome Scooter!

    You are certainly on the right track. Buy whichever receiver has all the bells & whistles you want & then get a 200wpc 5-7 channel amplifier to power all the speakers.

    This will give you all the power you need to drive any speakers to thier full potential & can be used with any other receiver or prepro you might buy in the future.

    Check out Outlaw Audio for good cost effective amps. Or you could consider buying used from Audiogon.
    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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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited September 2007
    Check out the Integra 9.8 Pre/pro and of course outlaw audio amps. Good bang for buck product.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Scooter1
    Scooter1 Posts: 19
    edited September 2007
    Thanks Dennis and cfrizz for your input on this. The 7 soundstreams on ebay would be a blast to play with. However I have to keep in mind I will probably
    have to move someday. I could probably figure out an arrangement now, but my age will dictate a smaller place in the next 10 years or so.
    Cfrizz....I did check out Outlaws site-Thanks. But for a new 5-7 channel 200w, I'm afraid the budget won't take the strain. I actually favor buying used equipment such as an amp. Audiogon is a new one on me. Thanks for that. I have seen a few Nads around and believe they are a reputable brand.
    The challenge I find in research is I like the old tried and true 'built like a tank' equipment.
    But to find specs, I have to dig back in the manufacturers archives. Slow process.
    Thats where any suggestions would be a great help.

    I would hope to spend no more than 700 on the amp. 5 channel 175-200wpc.

    Thanks again Scott
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited September 2007
    i'd sink most of my budget into a nice beefy 5 channel amp as Lasareath suggests... it will help drive all your speakers now and in the future.. as long as it can handle 4ohm loads you're set. then spend the rest on either a pre amp or receiver
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited September 2007
    agreed..

    The last two post are right on the $$

    IMHO, of course..

    You can pick up an older Parasound, or Sunfire 5 ch amp for a descent price, and ge the Bells & Whistels version of whatever Reciever trips your switch, and your golden ..!!
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • Scooter1
    Scooter1 Posts: 19
    edited September 2007
    Great support gang. Thanks for your input. Reading back on my long initial post I realize the only real excitement I will find in my purchases will be a nice amp.
    The pot portion just leaned a bit heavier toward the amp as that is likely to be my 'make or break' investment towards how happy I am with the system. My reasoning towards all this is
    1)If the picture on the screen is crappy, I can put a good CD in.
    2)If the sound sucks and the picture on the screen is good, they're still both gonna suck without the sound.

    Nice combo Lasareath.
    Also have been looking at the Parasounds as beardog suggests. Thanks for that. These have been around for quite awhile haven't they? I did mention I'm partial to the old 'tanks'!

    Thanks
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited September 2007
    I have an "old tank" 5 ch Parasound (HCA-2205a) driving my LSi HT set-up...

    I also have a Denon 3802 AVR...

    Yammie DVD-S796 for the source



    I am very happy with it !
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    I may be selling my Earthquake Cinenova 5 channel amp shortly....
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2007
    I thought you loved your Cinenova Darla. Why are you thinking of getting rid of it?
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    I may be selling my Earthquake Cinenova 5 channel amp shortly....
    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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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    cfrizz wrote: »
    I thought you loved your Cinenova Darla. Why are you thinking of getting rid of it?

    $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • mwaarna
    mwaarna Posts: 280
    edited October 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

    Wingnut why are you ditching your home theather... I saw you wanted to sell your tv in one post and now your amp.

    How much were you thinking of selling your amp for?

    Also maybe possible for a demo?

    Was this you selling?
    http://cgi.ebay.com/Earthquake-Cinenova-5-Channel-Home-Theater-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ300157398698QQihZ020QQcategoryZ14973QQcmdZViewItem

    I am starting to do research about upgrading my electronics..
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58015
    Click here To see My system
    Polk LSI15,LSiC, LsiFX, SVS PB-12 Plus/2, Blue Jean Cables,Onkyo Pro PR-SC885P, Earthquake Cin
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  • virtualdean
    virtualdean Posts: 286
    edited April 2010
    Scooter1 wrote: »
    ......My need is a 7.1 receiver using 5.1 with Zone 2. Amp would be needed for the L-C-R and my Zone 2 stereo speakers (5 channels total)
    How would you spend your $1200 if you were in my place, keeping in mind a future 4 ohm speaker possibility?
    And of course, I'm going to ask for recommendations on an amp from those who feel thats the way to go ;-)

    Thanks for any help.

    How ironic. Last night I ran across an ebay ad for a Sunfire TGR3 receiver.
    200 wpc x7 (8 ohms), multizone, etc. t appears lightly used. Its Buy it Now Iprice is 1200 bucks. I paid much more than that for mine in Feb. It wont last. The Sunfire ultimate receiver 1 and 2 typically sells for that much and those are 10 years old.
    Lots of reviews are available. I do know that I am happy with mine. I intend to use mine primarily as an amp and keep up with technology with the disc player. My oppo does everything..
    I found the item
    http://cgi.ebay.com/Sunfire-XT-Series-TGR-3-7-1-channel-Receiver-/220592390759?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item335c54c267
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