Noob needs lessons in Amplifiers

broncsrule21@

My situation is this....I have a Denon 2808ci 7.1 channel reciever. I run a 5.1 surround set-up. I am also going to need to power at least 4 outdoor speakers (pool area and patio). So, I am assumming getting a 5 channel amp to run the HT and running the outdoor set-up off of the reciever's power would be my best choice. If I am off base here let me know...

First, I understand that i would connect the reciver to the amp via the pre outs then the amp to the speakers. but what is unclear to me is how the Denon knows when to use the external amp and when to us its own power?

Next, Does anybody recommend any specific "beginners amp" to accomplish this speaker configuration?

Thanks in advance for any insight,

steveinaz

You could do what I did...I bought a cheapie used Yamaha for the "pool/patio system," I think I paid 40 bucks for it, it has survived 4 summers/winters so far sitting out on the patio. I have a used ($29) Tosh DVDP doing DVD/CD duty, and a set of Energy C-3 speakers ($125). That little POS system rocks!

broncsrule21@

Yeah I could go that route, but I'm thinking I could get better sound out of my HT and use the multi-zone features of the Denon....then I don't need another cd player etc..

steveinaz

Understand. I often considered running a 2nd amp off my main Parasounds "loop" circuit to get higher quality audio outside, but wire routing, etc proved more of a PITA.

broncsrule21@

Yeah I could run the outdoor stuff of of my Denon 3300 in my bedroom but there is much better wire routing choices from the area my HT is at. (fewer holes in the wall etc..)

amulford

do you have the wire run out there yet?? I mean once it's done it's done, but it could be a major PITA.

I like Steve's idea. That's how I did it.

zingo

Bump for Steve also.

I would use the outs like you said with the separate amp. As long as the receiver is on, the amp will be on unless you can turn it on and off in the system settings. It's a nice way to run an outdoor system.

steveinaz

The audio wasn't the BIG hurdle, it was running video out as well (STB/DVD connections, etc, etc.). I figured I'd just throw a TV I had out there and make life simpler. I also figured that connecting the "BIG" system was going to be a negligible improvement with less than stellar 2-way bookshelves. When we have parties I like to throw in a concert DVD on the Tosh, and the guest get a kick out of it. The TV is on top of the Bar out on the patio, the Yammie & Tosh are on a shelf in the bar.

Any time something dies on me, I just look here or ebay for a banged-up but working piece to replace it. They're cheaper when they're banged-up, plus the stuff sits out in the weather all year, what do I care about it's appearance?

broncsrule21@

I am pre-wired in the ceiling of the patio for two speakers. the other wire i would have to run. I will do that after the pool is in and before the landscaping is started.

steveinaz

Are they running some wiring for your pool speaks? I got off cheap here because my pool is right off of the patio, so the music "carries"...LOL

steveinaz

broncsrule21@ wrote: »

I am pre-wired in the ceiling of the patio for two speakers. the other wire i would have to run. I will do that after the pool is in and before the landscaping is started.

Sounds cool, don't pay me any attention--I am a lazy slob. If you've got the hook-ups and the will, I say go for it.

broncsrule21@

I will run the wire myself, I am a landscaper by trade.

Any amp reconmondations? ANd insighton how to work the amp/receiver combo??

steveinaz

Maybe one of these new Class "D" amps? Big power, low heat, efficient. Maybe someone who knows more about them will chime in...

zingo

There is debate about the D amps with respect to sound quality, but I think this would be the perfect situation for one of them. D class amps are also usually cheaper than other classes, and that lends itself to outdoor speakers for me. I don't know if I would run a D for 2 channel music, but for everything else, including HT, Ds are fantastic!

broncsrule21@

I want to get the most out of the 10s for music and HT. Is used the best way to quality for the least amount of cash?