Amps for Atriums

mdaudioguy

I'm looking for a couple of amps to drive two sets of Atrium 55's (1 pair on a deck, the other below). I need two 2-channel amps, because I'll usually only run one pair at a time. I want affordable, preferably in this price range:

http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-APA150-150W-Power-Amplifier/dp/B000VKXLBO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1246219254&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-2-Channel-Bridgeable-Amplifier/dp/B00026BQJ6/ref=pd_cp_e_1

My only real requirement (besides good sound, or course) is auto-on capability so that when the attached squeezebox receiver is activated, the amp will power up.

I also ran across this:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1251381513&/Sherbourn-LDS-2/75-Amp

Comments, suggestions? TIA!:)

mdaudioguy

Bueller... Bueller...

Ok, how about the Tweak City Audio Gizmo? Anybody used one of these? My only concern is that I don't think it has auto-sensing inputs.

jimmydep

If you have room in your budget this might be a good choice

http://cgi.ebay.com/SUNFIRE-SZA-2200-SECOND-ZONE-200-WATTS-PER-CHANNEL-AMP_W0QQitemZ260435245055QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca32677ff&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1234%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50


The Atriums are good sounding speakers, my only question is do you need to drive them to high volume or just to a moderate listening level?


Jimmy

mdaudioguy

Thanks. I've seen a lot of options out there in that price range, including several older models on A-gon (but I don't think many have the auto-power feature), but I'd prefer to spend no more than $150 per amp (I need two).

To answer your question, I'd say moderate listening levels, assuming we want to continue living in this neighborhood... and we do!:) I know that with a decent amp, even moderate levels should sound good.

jimmydep

mdaudioguy wrote: »

Thanks. I've seen a lot of options out there in that price range, including several older models on A-gon (but I don't think many have the auto-power feature), but I'd prefer to spend no more than $150 per amp (I need two).

To answer your question, I'd say moderate listening levels, assuming we want to continue living in this neighborhood... and we do!:) I know that with a decent amp, even moderate levels should sound good.

The reason I ask is I'm able to drive my Atrium 65's to moderatly high volumes using my 90wpc receiver, when I connect them to a 200wpc Sunfire amp I don't notice a significant change in the sound quality at the same volume...........I can't raise the volume any louder for fear of retribution from the neighbors.

Jimmy

Monster Jam

In my humble opinion, if your driving Atriums with anything more than minimum, your wasting your money frivolously.

mdaudioguy

Monster Jam wrote: »

In my humble opinion, if your driving Atriums with anything more than minimum, your wasting your money frivolously.

Thanks for your comment MJ. When you say minimum, are you referring to the Polk recommended amplifier power of 10-100 wpc for the Atrium 55's? Also, why do you say that?Is it efficiency? Is it because of the sealed design? I'm curious, because I think I need a little something more than a 10 wpc amp, or maybe that's not what you meant.

dorokusai

Just get a cheap Adcom GFA535....you don't need a lot of power for the Atrium series. Out of the 3 you linked, I'd pick the Audiosource.

jimmydep

Monster Jam wrote: »

In my humble opinion, if your driving Atriums with anything more than minimum, your wasting your money frivolously.

I agree, save your money and run them off the receiver.


Jimmy

mdaudioguy

jimmydep wrote: »

I agree, save your money and run them off the receiver.


Jimmy

That's my dilemma — I won't have a receiver in the mix. Squeezebox is an unamplified source. Older, used amps don't have auto-power on and off, so maybe AudioSource is the way to go.

Ron Temple

Audiosource for the auto/sensing and cheapness factor. They actually do a pretty good job. I've seen the Amp 100s for less though. The Amp/One A sometimes gets down that low in price (or Amp 200). The Amp/One A has independent gain controls and can be used like an integrated...another plus.

mdaudioguy

Ron Temple wrote: »

Audiosource for the auto/sensing and cheapness factor. They actually do a pretty good job. I've seen the Amp 100s for less though. The Amp/One A sometimes gets down that low in price (or Amp 200). The Amp/One A has independent gain controls and can be used like an integrated...another plus.

Ah ha! An Audiosource owner! I checked out the specs, and btw, their specs are SCREWY... Anyhow, the thing that makes me think twice about the 100 is 1% THD, vs .04% for the One A... seems significant enough to pay a few dollars more. Thanks Ron.:)