Budget multichannel amp

packetjones
packetjones Posts: 1,059
edited February 2010 in Wanted (WTB) Classifieds
I am looking to get my first external amp. I am looking for a budget multichannel amp to use with my HK 254. I would like a 3-5 channel amp to power the speakers in my sig. Something from adcom, carver, rotel would be great. Looking to stay in the $200-300 range.

Recommendations or offers would be great. I trust the people here in CP more than random strangers on ebay and audiogon so I thought i would ask around here first. Thanks.
Front - RTiA5's
Rear - RTiA3's
Center - CSiA4
Sub - PSW110
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited February 2010
    Carver AV505/705 would be worth a shot. They are on CL and Ebay all the time in that range.

    http://columbia.craigslist.org/ele/1589479163.html

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Carver-AV-405-Five-Channel-Amp-super-nice-W-Manual_W0QQitemZ110491852818QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b9d3e012
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    Unfortunately there are no deals on craigslist in my area.

    Any opinions on this carver 405? Is the only difference between these the power ratings?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Carver-AV-405-5-Channel-Power-Amplifier-NICE_W0QQitemZ250576994916QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a578d8264

    ALso on these vintage/older amps are there certain models i should stay away from? Ones with known issues or anything?
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited February 2010
    Adcom GFA-6000 can be found in that price range. It's a nice amp.

    Or get three Onkyo Ms. :p
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • rtart
    rtart Posts: 832
    edited February 2010
    Any interest in a Kenwood KM-Z1? It has six channels, 130 wpc all channels driven at 20Hz to 20kHz. Weighs 53 lbs. THX certified. I bought it new with the matching pre/pro in '01 or '02, as I recall. Sitting in my closet.

    These were intended to drive 5 channels AND a non-powered sub, the SW-X1. (Still have one of those.) The only non-nutso-priced THX system at the time.
    My 7.4.4 DIY 4k Home Theater:
    Polk LSiM 707 L-C-R, LSiM702 side surrounds, LSiM 705 rears
    Polk LSiM 702s x 4 on the Ceiling Atmos speakers
    2 x SVS PB12/Plus 2's
    Denon X3700H
    Emotiva XPA11 Gen 3
    XBox One X 4k & BD and streaming
    Panasonic UB-420 4k player
    HD-A35 HD DVD
    Oppo BD-103D for hirez audio
    Technics SL-D2 TT, Grado Gold Cartridge
    JVC DLA-RS2000/NX7 projector
    Silver Ticket 120" acoustically transparent screen
    Berkline 090 electric recliners with Aura Bass Shakers
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    I am interested in looking at what is available in this price range. I have not heard anything about this kenwood amp and the online reviews/opinions are few and far between. Anyone have opinions on this vs say an adcom or something.

    Rtart I sent a PM to talk about this amp though. Thanks for the offer.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • thuffman03
    thuffman03 Posts: 1,325
    edited February 2010
    Here are some very good recomendations all in your price range:

    http://vintagehifipgh.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=40_42&zenid=uf45f7fsh1qkksihirgs7jige5

    I have delt with this guy for a few years now. Never had any issues and he stands behind his products.
    Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    Thanks for the link. I have seen his site previously and have heard nothing but good things about it. Thsoe are the types of amps that i am looking at. I am pretty patient overall and am wanting for a unbeatable deal to pop up. I have seen quite a few here at CP in the last few months so I am hoping another shows up soon.

    As I am waiting for an amazing deal (LOL) what are some other brands i should look out for besides Adcom, Carver, Rotel? I have seen some people recommend vintage onkyo, denon, marantz amps too. As long as it is a brand i have heard of and looks to be in good shape will it be ok? Just want to continue to talk about the subject while i wait for a deal i can not pass up.

    Thanks everyone.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited February 2010
    Denon makes some nice affordable multichannel amps, i've been eyeing them on Ebay for awhile. :D

    Of course, i'm also a big fan of Denon amps, so take what i say as opinion.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited February 2010
    found a Carver 705 for you... 125wpc and clean as can be...


    http://sacramento.craigslist.org/ele/1600386691.html
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    Thanks for the link. I shot off an email to them to see if they were willing to ship the amp.

    Man, i am hesitant to get from a craigslist out of state since there is no telling what the "real" condition of it is. Guess it is no different from ebay, other than maybe the protection from paypal.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    I just saw this on the bay and was curious if everyone thinks i should snatch this up?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/CARVER-AV-505-5-CHANNEL-AMPLIFIER-GOLD-RCA-JACKS_W0QQitemZ130367958815QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e5a892f1f

    I have heard good things about this and it looks to be in decent shape. It is pretty cheap honestly. What does everyone think?
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited February 2010
    packetjones wrote: »
    I just saw this on the bay and was curious if everyone thinks i should snatch this up?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/CARVER-AV-505-5-CHANNEL-AMPLIFIER-GOLD-RCA-JACKS_W0QQitemZ130367958815QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e5a892f1f

    I have heard good things about this and it looks to be in decent shape. It is pretty cheap honestly. What does everyone think?

    Pass on this one. It is missing screws on the case near the faceplate
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    WOW nice catch. Are you talking about the left and right side pics? or on the top? Just curious as i would not have even noticed this.

    Thats why I love this place. Always looking out for people and letting them know whats good and whats not. I was all happy with this carver but would have been very upset if it had issues.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited February 2010
    What did you hear on the 705 on CL? The missing screws were on one of the side pics...

    I may have a lead on a Sunfire for you....
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    The guy on CL said that he was willing to ship and that he also had some local interest. When i discussed it with the wife she was not to keen on the idea of purchasing something from a craigslist ad on the other side of the country since there is really no protection from a shady seller. I have not fully ruled it out but she kinda convinced me that it may not be the best option. I would prefer ebay (paypal protection), local, or through someone that has a reputation of some sort.

    I have heard nothing but great things about sunfire. That would be fantastic.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited February 2010
    I have had no troubles with CL, works the same as Ebay for me. I will continue to keep a look out for you.

    john
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited February 2010
    Here is another for you... The 806 is a very nice piece, and this one is underpriced...

    http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ele/1606457259.html
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    Thanks for the link and the continued assistance. Still not certain about the craigslist ads from other parts of the country though. i am sure that there are honest people out there but I am afraid of getting ripped off. Is there any protection from this using paypal outside of ebay? this Carver is nice but is kinda out of my range. With shipping to oklahoma i am looking at almost $500.

    Another Amp i saw that i was interested in was an Adcom 6000. I see that one was just won on ebay for $200 + shipping. There is another one up in the next 2 days that i may bid on. Is this a good amp for a newbie like me?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230435962756&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited February 2010
    I use GFA-6000 in one of my systems. It's a nice amp and very robust. For the price, it's really hard to beat the value of this particular amp series.
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    Yeah I have heard good things about adcom and have read a few people here that have the. in fact i think that there was one sold here at CP recently. The pics on that one look pretty good too. May througha bid on it and see what happens.

    Any other opinions on this amp or others are still welcome.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    Ok guys. The auction for the adcom 6000 ends in an hour. It is set at $185 now with $30 shipping. I think i am going to try and win this if it stays around the $200 range. Does anyone think that this is not something i should pick up. Just looking for some last second opinions about this.

    Thanks.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited February 2010
    Linky would help
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    same link as above... i got 5 min.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited February 2010
    well?


    did you get it?
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    well.... it was back and forth furious bidding action at the end. I made like 3 bids in the last 90 seconds. But I didnt get it. :(

    Guess it is back to the hunt again.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    Well guys, I am back at it again today. These are the 2 amps I am looking to see where they end today. Both are Rotel amps and as far as I know that is a reputable brand. Please let me know what you guys think of these choices.

    Rotel RMB-1066 Listed at $180 right now

    Rotel RB-985 listed at $195 right now
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    The wife had me distracted this evening and I missed the bid on both of these. They ended at $305 each + shipping so they were out of my range really. I am trying to get into the external amp as cheap as possible without getting cheaply made equipment. Looks like I will continue my search.

    I think that I may use the money that I have now to get a sub and start saving again for this amp. I appreciate all the advice given during the search. Special Thanks goes out to NooshinJohn as he was throwing recommendations my direction. I have not ruled out the amp completely right now so i will keep looking.
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited February 2010
    This amp fits exactly what you were seeking:cool:...

    Good luck!

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Carver-Premiere-AV-705X-5-Channel-THX-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ250585893778QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a58154b92
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    I saw this at work but did not have a chance to look at it much. By the time I got home it was sold. That sucks.... I looked up the specs on it after the fact and it is a great amp but is a little too big for me. The space that I have is 17x17 with no hight requirement. I am still casually looking for something. I have seen a carver 405 on ebay that looks to be pretty reasonable. I have added a link. Any comments on this one?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270534291354&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited February 2010
    Well guys I am back again. The auction for the Carver 405 listed above ends in 2 hours. Looking for any last second opinions on this amp as i will be looking to see where it is at the end and if it is in my budget I will be bidding on it. Looking to stay in the approx $250 range.

    Thanks again for reading. lol
    Front - RTiA5's
    Rear - RTiA3's
    Center - CSiA4
    Sub - PSW110
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