Trying to decide on an amp(s).

Nice looking speakers. When it comes to powering them, for the most part more is better. More speakers are damaged by underpowering them then overpowering them.

I always recommend getting at least 200wpc for power. This lets almost any speaker operate to their full potential. So I would suggest the MA700's With this much power there is no need to biwire/biamp.

My speakers are power by a Sunfire 5 channel 405wpc amp and all of them sound great. At any volume level, I am able to clearly hear everything that was recorded into the music. This was not the case when I just used a receiver or had my speakers powered by a Rotel 50wpc amp.

I have no doubt that the Pioneer is a good sounding receiver. However, it really won't show what those speakers are really capable of in the way that a seperate powerful amp can do.

Now I agree, if he is going to amp them, then don't bother getting a seperate amp of the same wattage, it will help some, but it won't really be an ear openning experience that will justify the extra dollars.

I couldn't really hear a difference between a 50wpc Rotel amp & the amp in my 110wpc Denon receiver. I heard a HUGE difference when I went up to my 205wpc Parasound amp with the same Denon receiver. I will never have less than a 200wpc amp driving my speakers.

Buying a 200wpc amp will cost more money, but in the end he will most likely HEAR a big improvement making it worth the expense. And he will be able to keep it through all other upgrades.

Also, again with such a powerful amp, it isn't really necessary to biamp/wire. Just run them full range & enjoy.

BTW the sunfire is a great amp!

I am running a sunfire sig II 625 x 2 on my carver amazings.


For my polk 1.2 Mcintosh 2105. 110 per @ 8 ohm but i have them running on the 4 ohm taps.

Sigh, Tubes are another (more expensive different catagory) topic all together. Something a newbie more than likely is NOT interested in. There is no need to confuse the OP any more with throwing them into the discussion.

Denon makes a good product. Unless you are scraping the bottom of the barrel, most of the big name receiver makers put out good products. However, they have to economize somewhere & that place is in the power. And power is the most important thing speakers need to operate.

You have obviously moved on from beginner level gear. Congrats.

I try to address the questions at the level the poster is at, & bring them up 1 notch. Not try to take them from 0-100 in one go.

For $3-400 you could definitely do a Carver or Adcom if you want to consider used. Watch the flea market here, amps are usually a good item to buy used. The marantz might be comparable to these. 200 watts will help to open up the potential of your speakers and don't worry about overpowering them unless you are REALLY cranking them up.

Oh, and GO BUCKS!