5 channel amps

MrNightly
MrNightly Posts: 3,370
edited January 2008 in Electronics
So I'm beginning my search here... I am thinking about something along these lines:

The Sunfire TGA 5200. It will be used 90% HT. Would a B&K Amp be better or possible an Adcom for cheaper but still have enough power to push my speakers. I will probably step up to either the RTi10's or 12's so that when I listen to music I can use a Pure Direct mode with the mains.

I know I need something... the power is calling!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I will definitely being buying used, so take that into play as well.
Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
Stuff...

RTi12's - front
CSi5 - center
FXi3's - surrounds
RTi4's - surrounds
SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub :D:D:D
Denon 3805
Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier

Post edited by MrNightly on
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Comments

  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2008
    I use a Parasound HCA-2205a...

    220 @ 8ohm
    300 @ 4ohm

    Running the Full LSi 5.1 (9,7,LsiC) with it...

    Sounds great !
    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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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2008
    Although I was thinking of getting a big damn tube amp to push my SRS's I'm now convinced that Cary's all-world Cinema 5 (or maybe A-5 if I "cheap" out) is gonna be the ticket for bi-amping the SDA big boys.

    In other words, do it to it, dude.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2008
    Which pre/pro are you guys using.

    My AVR is a lemon and I'm checking out the field.
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2008
    I-SIG wrote: »
    Although I was thinking of getting a big damn tube amp to push my SRS's I'm now convinced that Cary's all-world Cinema 5 (or maybe A-5 if I "cheap" out) is gonna be the ticket for bi-amping the SDA big boys.

    In other words, do it to it, dude.

    Wes

    Yeah Man !

    That Cary Rocks !
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Which pre/pro are you guys using.

    My AVR is a lemon and I'm checking out the field.


    Denon 3802 for the pre/pro, but I want to get the Parasound 7100 or the 2500u....but no need right now as the Denon does well enough
    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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  • Ethancf
    Ethancf Posts: 458
    edited January 2008
    beardog03 wrote: »
    I use a Parasound HCA-2205a...

    220 @ 8ohm
    300 @ 4ohm

    Running the Full LSi 5.1 (9,7,LsiC) with it...

    Sounds great !


    Same here...less the LSi's...for now anyway. ;)
    THE SYSTEM
    Polk Audio LSi25 Mains
    Polk LSiF/X Surrounds
    Polk Audio LSiC Center
    Definitive Technology PowerField 1800 Subwoofer
    Parasound Classic 7100 Pre/Pro
    Parasound 2205A Amplifier
    Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD Blu-ray Player
    Monster HTS 2600
    Microsoft XBox 360
    Samsung PN64D550 64" Plasma
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  • Jeff1
    Jeff1 Posts: 34
    edited January 2008
    I also have the rti8's, csi5, and rit4's and will need to add external amplification at some point. Will something around 125 to 150W be enough, or will 200W be too much. I guess I'm really limited by the rt4's, but they could be attenuated.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited January 2008
    Jeff1, A few back I drove CSi5, RTi100's and Rti6's with 120wpc and it was plenty.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited January 2008
    Earthquake Cinenova for HT.
    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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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited January 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Which pre/pro are you guys using.

    My AVR is a lemon and I'm checking out the field.

    Cary Cinema 6.
    Venom
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,064
    edited January 2008
    I would look at upgradeing the front speaks first and then grab an amp.
    Sunfire is good ,B&K,is warmer,Adcom,Parrasound,all will do what you want.
    You mat/maynot notice that big of an improvement with the 8's.Try an borrow a amp from a bud nearby and see if you like it.Only you can decide if the coin spent is worth it.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • mjwilliams45
    mjwilliams45 Posts: 18
    edited January 2008
    I have RTi8's, Csi5, and some BIC Acoustech surrounds which will be upgraded to FXi5's next week and I have an Emotiva LPA-1 using my Onkyo 705 as a pre. I mostly use it for HT, but have started listening to 2 channel music because the 8's sound so good coupled with the BIC H100 sub. The LPA-1 is a good economic choice and it does an excellent job IMO.
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  • MrNightly
    MrNightly Posts: 3,370
    edited January 2008
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    Earthquake Cinenova for HT.

    Might be out of my budget ;)









    Unless... you are selling one?!?! :D:D:D
    Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
    Stuff...

    RTi12's - front
    CSi5 - center
    FXi3's - surrounds
    RTi4's - surrounds
    SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub :D:D:D
    Denon 3805
    Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier

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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2008
    Nightly, you can get the Sunfire, or a 5 channel Outlaw, Rotel, B & K, etc. all of them will do a great job.

    If you get 200wpc you will notice a difference with the 8's as well as the 10's or 12's when you get them.

    Keep us posted on what you get!
    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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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2008
    Hi Jeff. There is no such thing as too much power when it comes to powering speakers. Your RT 4's will shine just like all of your other speakers with 200wpc.

    I'm running a 405wpc amp to all of my speakers & it sounds great!:)
    Jeff1 wrote: »
    I also have the rti8's, csi5, and rit4's and will need to add external amplification at some point. Will something around 125 to 150W be enough, or will 200W be too much. I guess I'm really limited by the rt4's, but they could be attenuated.
    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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  • MrNightly
    MrNightly Posts: 3,370
    edited January 2008
    So is there really that much a difference for a HT Application between say this Adcom and this Rotel???

    Need to get my learn on with amps I guess...
    Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
    Stuff...

    RTi12's - front
    CSi5 - center
    FXi3's - surrounds
    RTi4's - surrounds
    SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub :D:D:D
    Denon 3805
    Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier

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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited January 2008
    MrNightly wrote: »
    Might be out of my budget ;)









    Unless... you are selling one?!?! :D:D:D

    Sadly, I already sold 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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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited January 2008
    MrNightly wrote: »
    Might be out of my budget ;)

    Unless... you are selling one?!?! :D:D:D

    What is your budget? I tried a Sunfire Cinema Grand vs. my Cinenova and much preferred the Cinenova. They usually go for around $1800-$2000 used...but you never know when another member might be selling on in the FM.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • MrNightly
    MrNightly Posts: 3,370
    edited January 2008
    Gaara wrote: »
    What is your budget? I tried a Sunfire Cinema Grand vs. my Cinenova and much preferred the Cinenova. They usually go for around $1800-$2000 used...but you never know when another member might be selling on in the FM.

    Probably under $1000.

    If I could find one super cheap in the $400 range that worked and did the job for HT, I wouldn't complain either :D
    Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
    Stuff...

    RTi12's - front
    CSi5 - center
    FXi3's - surrounds
    RTi4's - surrounds
    SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub :D:D:D
    Denon 3805
    Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier

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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited January 2008
    I would go with B&K if I had that budget, but Parasound has some really good options at a lesser pricepoint, as does Outlaw.

    This is cheap and would get the job done: http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampsmult&1203881537
    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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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited January 2008
    I would say go Parasound as a second HT choice then. I prefer my Parasound over the Cinenova for music for the 2 channel.
    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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  • MrNightly
    MrNightly Posts: 3,370
    edited January 2008
    Since I can't buy right now anyways, this is some good info to consider! Thanks guys. I didn't even consider Parasound. Anybody know how they sound paired with the RTi line?
    Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
    Stuff...

    RTi12's - front
    CSi5 - center
    FXi3's - surrounds
    RTi4's - surrounds
    SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub :D:D:D
    Denon 3805
    Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier

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  • mwaarna
    mwaarna Posts: 280
    edited January 2008
    Since you are not in the market yet, and i'm not exactly ready to sell yet as well..

    This is my first amp, i purchased it used and i have been running my set of full LSI setup on it.

    Outlaw Audio 750..
    Does 165watts@8ohms x5
    And 250watts@4ohsmx5

    http://pdf.outlawaudio.com/outlaw/docs/750specs.pdf

    And in the future I would be willing to sell it for 500 + s/h

    This would definitely be on the cheap end(and it fits within your budget) and it does the job.,

    I am saving up to get a Earthquake Cinenova Grande...
    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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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2008
    MrNightly wrote: »
    Since I can't buy right now anyways, this is some good info to consider! Thanks guys. I didn't even consider Parasound. Anybody know how they sound paired with the RTi line?


    I think they are a perfect fit, myself..

    I have always love the HCA line with the RTi line..

    I have had the RT2000i`s , 55i`s, 38is,15i, and a few different CSi centers in the mix..

    The kinda bright tweets with the semi laidback Parasound amps works perfectly

    you can find great deals on 8/10 - 9/10 gear for about 1k to $1400

    I scored my amp in mint condition , with less than 50 hrs on it for 1250 !!!


    I think Parasound is your best bet...and yes 200w minimum to make them sund thier best....not to make them loud, but to give them headroom to breathe...

    ymmv of course
    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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  • MrNightly
    MrNightly Posts: 3,370
    edited January 2008
    mwaarna wrote: »
    Since you are not in the market yet, and i'm not exactly ready to sell yet as well..

    This is my first amp, i purchased it used and i have been running my set of full LSI setup on it.

    Outlaw Audio 750..
    Does 165watts@8ohms x5
    And 250watts@4ohsmx5

    http://pdf.outlawaudio.com/outlaw/docs/750specs.pdf

    And in the future I would be willing to sell it for 500 + s/h

    This would definitely be on the cheap end(and it fits within your budget) and it does the job.,

    I am saving up to get a Earthquake Cinenova Grande...

    I will keep this in mind...

    I think after the brief comments here, that a Parasound amp would actually be exactly what I'm looking for, but I don't know if I want to drop over 1K yet... I'll hook up with you via PM mwaarna, when the time gets closer!

    Beard - thanks for the clear description on the Parasounds and the RTi's! That was extremely helpful! Now I just need somebody to sell me their RTi10's or 12's!!! :D
    Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
    Stuff...

    RTi12's - front
    CSi5 - center
    FXi3's - surrounds
    RTi4's - surrounds
    SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub :D:D:D
    Denon 3805
    Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier

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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2008
    fry`s has a couple left..

    I`m thinking of grabbing some 12`s just because

    sometimes you can find outstand deals on parasounds...I will keep an eye out...

    If you decide not to go with the outlaw
    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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  • MrNightly
    MrNightly Posts: 3,370
    edited January 2008
    Does anybody have any recommendations on this fella: Acurus 125X5

    It's been offered at a reasonable price point... I really am looking for something that will not have to be upgraded for many moons! I'm kinda torn between saving a little more for a nice parasound (1K plus) or going something in the $300-400ish range.

    Most likely, I will be staying with the RTi line for speakers for a while. I just like the way they sound and look. Probably move to a 7.1 when the basement is finished, but the Denon will be able to handle the rear's no problem.

    Choices choices... so many and so little time :D
    Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
    Stuff...

    RTi12's - front
    CSi5 - center
    FXi3's - surrounds
    RTi4's - surrounds
    SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub :D:D:D
    Denon 3805
    Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier

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  • MrNightly
    MrNightly Posts: 3,370
    edited January 2008
    beardog03 wrote: »
    fry`s has a couple left..

    I`m thinking of grabbing some 12`s just because

    sometimes you can find outstand deals on parasounds...I will keep an eye out...

    If you decide not to go with the outlaw

    You, sir, have a PM :D
    Honoured to be, an original SOPA founding member
    Stuff...

    RTi12's - front
    CSi5 - center
    FXi3's - surrounds
    RTi4's - surrounds
    SVS PB12-NSD/2 - sub :D:D:D
    Denon 3805
    Rotel RB-985 5-Channel Amplifier

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited January 2008
    MrNightly wrote: »
    Does anybody have any recommendations on this fella: Acurus 125X5

    It's been offered at a reasonable price point... I really am looking for something that will not have to be upgraded for many moons! I'm kinda torn between saving a little more for a nice parasound (1K plus) or going something in the $300-400ish range.

    While I haven't heard one, I've yet to read anything bad about the Acurus amps around here.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2008
    I will never be replacing or thinking of upgrading the HCA-2205a

    she`s a keeper ....and still breaking in !!

    5.1 is great and if I do decide to upgrade it will be to go HiDef or Blu-Ray....but the amp ?..she stays !!! ;)

    :D

    I have not heard of the brand / model you speak of...
    maybe someone else has...

    goo luck with your quest !
    Take your time and enjoy !!

    (Pm`d ya back ) !!

    p...I still have the 5ch amp that I replaced..if your good at fixing things....

    I`m going to post it cheap on CL to see if someone wants to mess 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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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited January 2008
    http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampsmult&1205447379 (no affil)

    I just saw this...

    there ya go !!
    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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