Budget amp discussion.

packetjones

I am looking into getting an external amp for my home theater system. I would probably be using it for music/TV more than movies. I do not have a lot to spend (around $200) and am looking for a lower end/budget model. I do not mind going used or refurb. What are some of the things that i should be looking for when comparing different models.

My current system is a polk set-up. I have a pair of RtiA5's, RTiA3's, CSiA4, PSW110 and a HK 254. The HK only has 50w per channel and this is why i am considering getting an amp so i can take full advantage of the speakers that i have. Would adding a amp just allow me to play louder, or are there other benefits such as clarity? As you can tell i am pretty new to this.

Am i looking for a 2 channel amp in this price range or is it possible to get either a 3 or 5 channel amp? Is it possible that a used or older model amp could damage my other equipment? Also i really like the look of the analogue gauges with the bouncing meter, any brands in particular that have this?

I appreciate any information that i can get regarding this subject.

concealer404

For your price range and if you want the bouncing meters, you'll probably want to keep an eye out for an old Onkyo Integra or MAYBE a Denon if you get lucky. But... even that'll be tough with the budget.

A lot of people here like Adcom amps, and you should be able to get a decent little 2-channel Adcom for your budget. Hell, there was a thread yesterday where another member and i found two GFA-535s, one for $90 in Chicago area, and one for $50 in Indianapolis area. They'd be a nice step up from your HK. Someone will probably recommend Carver amps as well.

Adding the amp will let you play louder without losing clarity or distorting. It'll also help with imaging, probably adding some bass, etc.... it'll make the speakers come alive.

Toolfan66

If you want to take full advantage of your speakers then I would say you will have to spend about $500 or more. I would be looking for a 5 channel amp like the Emotiva XPA-5. also not sure if your receiver has preouts or not, if it don't then you will need to be looking for a receiver with preouts to accommodate the amp first.

kawizx9r

concealer404 wrote: »

For your price range and if you want the bouncing meters, you'll probably want to keep an eye out for an old Onkyo Integra or MAYBE a Denon if you get lucky. But... even that'll be tough with the budget.

A lot of people here like Adcom amps, and you should be able to get a decent little 2-channel Adcom for your budget. Hell, there was a thread yesterday where another member and i found two GFA-535s, one for $90 in Chicago area, and one for $50 in Indianapolis area. They'd be a nice step up from your HK. Someone will probably recommend Carver amps as well.

Adding the amp will let you play louder without losing clarity or distorting. It'll also help with imaging, probably adding some bass, etc.... it'll make the speakers come alive.

+1
Just keep an eye out craigslist, which is where we found those adcom amps. They're generally the most popular for those that want to step up from AVR's alone, and later turns into better, more powerful amps

Nice receiver though, those things have more of a realistic rating from their high-current amps as opposed to other models. I especially love my Denon for that. The above mentioned amps will do just as well, its just a matter of patience. You'll see overall improved sound quality and will be grinning from ear to ear. Goodluck on your search!

Edit: That AVR has pre-amp outputs so no need to replace it.

concealer404

Here.... Meters, strong amp, and an amp that i've always wanted to try...

http://cgi.ebay.com/DENON-POA-1500-POWER-AMPLIFIER-200-WPC_W0QQitemZ380153960388QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5882f117c4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Close enough to budget?

Conradicles

Check out the Audiosource AMP300. Got mine for $135. Great budget amp.

thuffman03

There are a few options for you in your price range. I would check out www.vintagehifishop.com. I have bought several items off of him and he stands behind his equipment.

He just got in a Yamaha M60 amp. It has led meeters and sounds really nice. I heard it yesterday when I stopped down at the shop to see what new additions he had and the price is 179.99.

He is also a member on this forum. beemers417

http://vintagehifipgh.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=149

concealer404

^That's a nice price on the M-60.

Toolfan66

concealer404 wrote: »

Here.... Meters, strong amp, and an amp that i've always wanted to try...

http://cgi.ebay.com/DENON-POA-1500-POWER-AMPLIFIER-200-WPC_W0QQitemZ380153960388QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5882f117c4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Close enough to budget?

I saw one of those amps in a pawn shop for $150 but I passed since I really did'nt know anything about them, + I have been on this Adcom Kick as of late and They work for me, but to find a 585 or 5802 for around $200? hell I would have a few LOL.

Maybe I should have picked up that Denon just to play with...

concealer404

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

I saw one of those amps in a pawn shop for $150 but I passed since I really did'nt know anything about them, + I have been on this Adcom Kick as of late and They work for me, but to find a 585 or 5802 for around $200? hell I would have a few LOL.

Maybe I should have picked up that Denon just to play with...

For $150 i might have if it was in good shape. Everything i've read about these things points to being a very solid amp.

I'll be the dissenting vote on the Adcom subject. Probably just my preference, or the gear i run, but Adcoms did not sound good on my setup, which i thought was strange considering i run an Adcom Pre. But hey, part of the process.

But yeah.... i just posted up. I'm wanting to give Denon amps a try.

Here's another POA-1500:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DENON-POA-1500-POWER-AMPLIFIER-200-WPC_W0QQitemZ380159335401QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5883431be9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Toolfan66

concealer404 wrote: »

I'll be the dissenting vote on the Adcom subject. Probably just my preference, or the gear i run, but Adcoms did not sound good on my setup, which i thought was strange considering i run an Adcom Pre. But hey, part of the process.

Just shows you everybody's ears are not the same. So what amp are you running?

I am afraid to hear anything new for a few, all I need is the wife seeing me changing everything up again. my rig has changed up 3 times in the last couple of months.

ben62670

concealer404 wrote: »

For $150 i might have if it was in good shape. Everything i've read about these things points to being a very solid amp.

I'll be the dissenting vote on the Adcom subject. Probably just my preference, or the gear i run, but Adcoms did not sound good on my setup, which i thought was strange considering i run an Adcom Pre. But hey, part of the process.

But yeah.... i just posted up. I'm wanting to give Denon amps a try.

Here's another POA-1500:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DENON-POA-1500-POWER-AMPLIFIER-200-WPC_W0QQitemZ380159335401QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5883431be9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Using a lower end Adcom Pre with an Adcom amp makes them way to edgy. I am not sure what you have for a pre, but I would only use the 7xx series. The others I have tried left almost as fast as they came in.

concealer404

TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »

Just shows you everybody's ears are not the same. So what amp are you running?

I am afraid to hear anything new for a few, all I need is the wife seeing me changing everything up again. my rig has changed up 3 times in the last couple of months.

Using an Onkyo M-5150 currently. Starting to actively look into Denon amps.

My setup hated both Adcom and Carver amps.

concealer404

ben62670 wrote: »

Using a lower end Adcom Pre with an Adcom amp makes them way to edgy. I am not sure what you have for a pre, but I would only use the 7xx series. The others I have tried left almost as fast as they came in.

Right now it's a GTP-400. About to get switched out for a B&K. The GTP-400 + Adcom amp sounded ok with the Titans and my old VS-25s, sounded like crap on everything else.

But from everything i've read, you would be right about the lower end Pres.

kcoc321

I have a B&K ST1400 running my fronts and I really like it. Very warm sound. I am running Mon7b on it, and I found it at an estate sale on CL for $200. It has 125wpc @ 8ohm and 150wpc@ 4ohm. (So it's 138wpc@6ohm for my 7's) It's also a high current amp, 30amps, so it preforms really well. Just keep your eye open.

I don't think you will find a GOOD 3 or 5 channel amp for $200. at least I have not, but your market area might be different. For my $$ I would rather get something that I am going to hold on to for a while, IMO.

Another option that has not been mentioned yet is that you could add a Marantz Monoblock for the center. I see them all the time for $100-$120 each on CL.
The rears should be fine (for a while) off the receiver, just my opinion.

heiney9

concealer404 wrote: »

For $150 i might have if it was in good shape. Everything i've read about these things points to being a very solid amp.

I'll be the dissenting vote on the Adcom subject. Probably just my preference, or the gear i run, but Adcoms did not sound good on my setup, which i thought was strange considering i run an Adcom Pre. But hey, part of the process.

But yeah.... i just posted up. I'm wanting to give Denon amps a try.

Here's another POA-1500:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DENON-POA-1500-POWER-AMPLIFIER-200-WPC_W0QQitemZ380159335401QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5883431be9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

The Adcom 5802 is in another league and I'd bet the reason you have issue's with Adcom amps is because of the Adcom pre. There is only 1 superb Adcom pre and 2 pretty good Adcom pre's. The rest are mediocre at best.

That's just my .02c

H9

heiney9

concealer404 wrote: »

Right now it's a GTP-400. About to get switched out for a B&K. The GTP-400 + Adcom amp sounded ok with the Titans and my old VS-25s, sounded like crap on everything else.

But from everything i've read, you would be right about the lower end Pres.

The GTP400 is not a great pre-amp. I'd bet there are some receivers out there that would do a better job. The early Adcom pre's were very mediocre and actually ruined the synergy with Adcom amps.

GFP710 and 715 are very good
GFP750 is outstanding.

The rest are good for paper weights.

Toolfan66

heiney9 wrote: »

The GTP400 is not a great pre-amp. I'd bet there are some receivers out there that would do a better job. The early Adcom pre's were very mediocre and actually ruined the synergy with Adcom amps.

GFP710 and 715 are very good
GFP750 is outstanding.

The rest are good for paper weights.

This statement makes me glad I went with the two I have, and they are the only two I have had my ears on as well.

heiney9

Again not trying to run anybody's gear into the ground. I have heard Adcom amps thru their earlier pre-amps and then thru very good to excellent pre-amp and it's night and day. The pre-amp is a VERY important part of the chain.

H9

concealer404

Oh it's fine.... i'm not fond of my GTP-400 by any means.

But that being said.... it sounded pretty damn good paired with an Emo XPA-2 and some big boy SDAs. Good enough to make Nik reconsider buying the Dodd ELP if i remember correctly.

But it's cool. Knowing my luck i'll NEED another amp once i get the B&K in, because my synergy will be lost.

maandjojo

Packet, I will be selling my Adcom 545II. Its 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms. They are good amps. Right now I am biamping with a 545 and a 555 for my 1.2tls'. I know this is not the for sale forum but since you are looking I just wanted to give you a heads up. For a polkie I will sell for $150.00. Its used and would be considered vintage and is in very good shape. I am upgrading to a Sunfire 4/7 or it wouldn't be for sale. If you are interested pm me.

Joe

devani

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/1374985715.html
Adcom GFA 7300 for $190

packetjones

I appreciate all the responses.

I am putting together my first true HT setup and was trying to make the right choices within the budget that i have. I selected the HK254 due to the features it has as well as the pre-outs in case i wanted an amp in the future.

I am currently waiting for the A5's to arrive and i guess i am just concerned that the 50w per channel on the HK would not be enough to power everything to a good/not reference level. (the A5's the A3's and the center) From the comments that i have gotten on this receiver it looks as if the power that it puts out should be sufficient, unless there are large peaks or something.

I was mainly just wanting to start a discussion on the subject to increase my knowledge of these products so that i can make a good decision if i find in the future that i want to get an amp. What other spec's should i look at other than THD and power rating to ensure that i am getting a good amp. i know that i will need to stick to a reputable brand whether it is at a B&M or ID dealer.

i appreciate all the links to amps for sale as well as the offer made from the poster above. I think i have determined that i will hold off on the amp until i get the A5's and see how they sound. I may go ahead and upgrade the sub while i am waiting as it is currently the weak link in the setup. I work at best buy so i got it for less than 1/2 of retail. Thinking about craigslisting it and getting maybe a pa-120 or BIC sub. Any opinions on these as the budget is about the same as the amp.

concealer404

packetjones wrote: »

I appreciate all the responses.

I am putting together my first true HT setup and was trying to make the right choices within the budget that i have. I selected the HK254 due to the features it has as well as the pre-outs in case i wanted an amp in the future.

I am currently waiting for the A5's to arrive and i guess i am just concerned that the 50w per channel on the HK would not be enough to power everything to a good/not reference level. (the A5's the A3's and the center) From the comments that i have gotten on this receiver it looks as if the power that it puts out should be sufficient, unless there are large peaks or something.

I was mainly just wanting to start a discussion on the subject to increase my knowledge of these products so that i can make a good decision if i find in the future that i want to get an amp. What other spec's should i look at other than THD and power rating to ensure that i am getting a good amp. i know that i will need to stick to a reputable brand whether it is at a B&M or ID dealer.

i appreciate all the links to amps for sale as well as the offer made from the poster above. I think i have determined that i will hold off on the amp until i get the A5's and see how they sound. I may go ahead and upgrade the sub while i am waiting as it is currently the weak link in the setup. I work at best buy so i got it for less than 1/2 of retail. Thinking about craigslisting it and getting maybe a pa-120 or BIC sub. Any opinions on these as the budget is about the same as the amp.

You're going to have to look at used to get anything decent for $200 in the sub market. I'd hold off on a sub until you can spend more. A $200 sub will still be the weak link in your setup.

kawizx9r

Either that or a DIY subwoofer

concealer404

kawizx9r wrote: »

Either that or a DIY subwoofer

Just let me be right!!!!!!!! PLEASE?!?!

But yes.... or a DIY subwoofer.... Would probably take some creativity to keep it at $200 though, wouldn't it?

I'll admit i haven't looked into it much other than looking at pretty pictures and wishing i could do it.

kawizx9r

concealer404 wrote: »

Just let me be right!!!!!!!! PLEASE?!?!

But yes.... or a DIY subwoofer.... Would probably take some creativity to keep it at $200 though, wouldn't it?

I'll admit i haven't looked into it much other than looking at pretty pictures and wishing i could do it.

Don't worry, I'd still take your advice over mine while we're at it. I'm building my own sub and it's coming out to around 250 total (that's throwing in the estimated paint finish/primer/everything). But it requires a great deal of patience, keep an eye out on craigslist!

concealer404

^I'm just playing.

I need to go back and read your thread on it... been interested in doing it for awhile, but wont have the space til next month. I'll want to go big or go home, though.

gdb

I've never used one of these Carver multichannel amps, but I like Carver in general, this model always seems to sell for $100-$200 and it can be configured several ways. Just a suggestion.;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-Carver-AV-Sixty-Four-Cathedral-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ290349963998QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439a34dade&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Carver-AV-64-4-3-Channel-amplifier_W0QQitemZ180407116349QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a011a223d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Here's a 5ch. amp in your price range:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Carver-AV-505-5-Channel-Power-Amplifier-80w-x-5_W0QQitemZ380153802346QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5882eeae6a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Krazyz1

Be patient. Spend your money ONCE. Find a nice looking CARVER M-400 on ebay " parts or repair ". Send to Hi Tech Audio for a TOTAL rebuild. Warranted 1 year PARTS AND LABOR!!!!. And later on if you choose , mono-block it to 500wrms. That would be my sugestion. Rebuild is a flat rate. Just under 300.00. Any factory upgrades used after build date are up graded also. After a rebuild should be good for 20-25 years of HEAVY USE with no issues.