Lets talk amps

Esreuter · April 2011

Hi all,

just getting into exernal amps and am wondering what brands there are out there besides the emotiva and i ran across one called outlaw.

just would like to learn the different companies to see the options and your guys thoughts on brands.

thank you all

esr

Conradicles · April 2011

What price range are you looking into?

Toolfan66 · April 2011

How many channels do you need as well???? 2-3-5-7???? mono???

Esreuter · April 2011

7 channels.

either in one box or can be a combo.

budget is not a concern, i would like to see companies in a wide range.

leroyjr1 · April 2011

Parasound
Rotel
Adcom
Carver
Sunfire
B&K
Nad

All good amp company's that's very popular.

cokewithvanilla · April 2011

Adcom, B&K, Rotel, Carver, NAD, ATI, Bryston, Krell, Pass Labs, Anthem, Sunfire, McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Conrad Johnson, Odyssey, Bel Canto, First Watt, Wyred4Sound, Parasound, Classe, BAT, Boulder, Crown, and about a million more that I missed....

In short, everyone and their brother makes amplifiers

Pycroft · April 2011

Budget is not a concern?

I hate you.

You may want to add what speakers you are using, what the purpose is (Home Theatre, 2 channel music, etc.) if using an AVR, which, what you are looking for in terms of sound, etc. etc. As said previously, there are MANY companies that make good - great amplifiers.

James

cstmar01 · April 2011

If budget doesn't matter you should pick up a BAT VK 6200. You can get this in a 5 channel amp and then do the BAT VK600SE and do it as a mono block. This would just run you a mere 37K or so. 26K for the VK600SE monos and then the other is around 11K depending on how you confirgure the amp.

Geoff4rfc · April 2011

cstmar01 wrote: »

If budget doesn't matter you should pick up a BAT VK 6200. You can get this in a 5 channel amp and then do the BAT VK600SE and do it as a mono block. This would just run you a mere 37K or so. 26K for the VK600SE monos and then the other is around 11K depending on how you configure the amp.

Yeah, that BAT stuff looks pretty great!!! I'm pretty sure the 6200 is configured for 2 - 6 channels and then the 600 can be ordered in either a stereo amp or mono-block configuration, either way, you've got your 7 channels collectively, pretty cool stuff.

BTW op, can I have your "money is no object" option?

Fongolio · April 2011

If I had unlimited funds it would be Audio Research's Reference 610T, with a Reference 5 Pre-amp and a Reference Phono phono stage. That is a lot of of tube lovin'.

nooshinjohn · April 2011

Esreuter wrote: »

pit dog i think your right. after the home mods, i have been looking into the emotia upa-7.
i think that will really bring my set up to life.
any one know the price on these at the emotiva website it simply states out of stock.

how about any one with experiences with these amps, they seem popular and rugged.

So much for cost no object:rolleyes:....

I saw that coming from a mile away.

inspiredsports · April 2011

nooshinjohn wrote: »

So much for cost no object:rolleyes:....

I saw that coming from a mile away.

. . . and probably hooked to Bose using Monster . . . :biggrin:

cokewithvanilla · April 2011

nooshinjohn wrote: »

So much for cost no object:rolleyes:....

I saw that coming from a mile away.

to be fair, a lot of people don't realize what 'cost no object' means in audio... when you can buy the ultimate in sound by bose for 999.99, people figure spend a few hundred on a piece and you're golden.... many people will find it hard to believe that you can spend 50k on an amp... hell, I know someone who built an entire home theater without even knowing what an amplifier was...

cfrizz · April 2011

Welcome to Club Polk ESR.

All of the recommendations for amps will do just fine. Why don't you tell us about your system and a better price range since you will get suggestions from all over the price map unless you narrow it down for us.

We love to spend other peoples money!:biggrin:

WTG, NSJ people were actually being helpful & you had to come in and muck it up. You just can't help yourself can you?:rolleyes:

nooshinjohn wrote: »

So much for cost no object:rolleyes:....

I saw that coming from a mile away.

nooshinjohn · April 2011

After reading the OP's other posts...

budget is not a concern, i would like to see companies in a wide range

and then his comments about the Emo, it would seem that cost truly is a factor. I do agree that there was some help being offered here, however those offering help should also know that the OP was not being up front about his budget.

A link to his membership at....

The Emo Lounge.

http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=viewprofile&user=esreuter

slk55amg · April 2011

Budget was a concern for me, I added an EMOTIVA XPA5 to my system when I went to a LSI front sound stage, and have been very happy with the results. A Bryson or a Krell would be better, and maybe that will happen at some point in the future.

cfrizz · April 2011

Who cares? I don't care where you or anyone else might be registered members of other boards. I deal with the meat of the question in this case the names of amp brands that will get the job done.

Stop looking for something to &itch about. Do you go research everybodies statements and other affiliations?

You need to get a life!

nooshinjohn wrote: »

After reading the OP's other posts... and then his comments about the Emo, it would seem that cost truly is a factor. I do agree that there was some help being offered here, however those offering help should also know that the OP was not being up front about his budget.

A link to his membership at....

The Emo Lounge.

http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=viewprofile&user=esreuter

jinjuku · April 2011

cfrizz wrote: »

WTG, NSJ people were actually being helpful & you had to come in and muck it up. You just can't help yourself can you?:rolleyes:

Cathy,

He can't help himself. But remember he is never the troll

:rolleyes:

inspiredsports · April 2011

jinjuku wrote: »

Cathy,

He can't help himself. But remember he is never the troll:rolleyes:

Neither of you are being fair.

It is obvious the original poster was being disingenuous. He wanted to draw out "audiophile" suggestions and then bash them with his preconceived solution. If that's not trolling, I don't know what is.

'Nuf said about this dead thread.

Geoff4rfc · April 2011

I have seen great camaraderie between members and experienced first rate answers to those in the need, but occasionally, while on this forum, I see things slip into the club arrogance zone.

I'm beginning to think some members have keyboards 10' wide. I'm glad we live in America where we can hate with dignity and honor.

cnh · April 2011

Don't sweat it and remember that a lot of guys and gals here have years of experience with Audio, there's bound to be little 'give and take' and 'friction' now and then.

I'd say, lay back and things will resolve themselves; one way or another. Until then, I think the OP deserves the 'benefit of the doubt. for now!

cnh

olilugo · April 2011

I know having an external amp is what you hear the most on this forum.
At the end you are the only one that can decided if you need one or not.
My 2 cents on the matter:
you will need an external amp if your speakers are rated 4ohm.
you will need an external amp if your speakers can dip into the 4 or below ohm range under certain conditions.
You will need an external amp if your speakers are rated 250watts or more and you play them close to max.
you will need an external amp if you want to buy one because it makes you happy.

Otherwise, you don't need an external amp. what you need is a better receiver, or upgrade your speakers or upgrade to your cd/dvd/blue ray player or just be happy and enjoy what you have.

Esreuter · April 2011

ahhh you guys are all just being fourmies.

by that i mean, some one asks you for advice in general and there is a million different directions your brain can go. and then you throw your hands in the air and say what is it you want? budget, purpose, gift, to light on fire?

trust me, i am guilty of this too on other forums when the subject is knowledgeable to me.

what i was originally asking, and perhaps i wasn't clear enough, i wanted to know amp companies. every time i try to find stuff thru Google i find 30- 100$ amps that i am not sure are the right ones.

this is my first venture into external amps in the world of home theatre and AC power so its all forgien to me and i am simply looking to see who is who.

of course i am not going to buy a 36k$ amp, horse pucky, just doing research on companies.

as far as membership on other forums, ill join any forum to speak and discuss and learn about products i am interested in. just to make a informed purchase.

now that i have a list of companies i can research. chat and answer those questions you asked before.

in fact, i can answer a few now.

intention: home theatre, xbox and other games(most important), sometimes 2 channel music( nothing epic, mp3s **** quality most of em, just music for dishes and cleaning the house, i dont need to pick out the 3rd chair trumpet in the orchestra.)
why?: system running right now at about 45 watts per channel, meh, not loud enough plus i want to take some work off the head unit.
Have:
Polk monitor series, 70's on front cs2 in middle, 40's for all surround channels, no sub yet. Sony da 5400 es head unit, 10 gauge cables. xbox 360 as the dvd source.

goal of system: in undergrad built a boomy system, cerwin vega and jbls, all i wanted was to feel the room shake. now my intentions are more clarity and range of sound. according to my ears, other forums and research at audio shops i went with the polk line. monitors because new egg is closing them out on the cheap. i lack the experience to differentiate between home built drivers or 8k$ a piece front towers. that was a factor in my purchase too. as will it be in a amp purchase. sooooo long winded point short i seek clarity and need more volume.

budget: i honestly feel that 800 to 1k is fair for a first purchase. even below that $ limit if you guys know a good amp, like i said i lack the experience to hear the difference between a BAT and a EMO.

soo that should take care of most of the stuff you need to know.

forgive the lateness of my response, the wife and i are honeymooning in Disney. Animal kingdom today, it was alright, i dont want to go to epcot, i hear its lame. got a sweet deal as Florida residents though. so if i take some time to reply forgive me.

and again thank you all for your help and input.

ESR. :biggrin:

nooshinjohn · April 2011

Next up is my Sunfire Cinema Grand Arcitect's Choice Series II amp. This is the 17" version that puts out 225w @ 8ohm & 450w @ 4 ohms. This amp drives the Lsi's with absolutely no problem at all and does not break a sweat. The only issue with the amp is the on/off switch. When in the on position it works as should, but when in the stand-by or off position, there is static/distortion heard even when there is no source connected. I contacted Rita's repair sevice when I bought the unit and they told me that it sounded like a bad switch. I never replaced the switch because I connect my amps to a surge protector and keep the amps on and just use the on/off switch of the protector...asking $750

The switch he speaks of is an easy fix with some Deoxit. It is located on the back of the amp and is easy to replace if you decide to go that route.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118394

These are nice amps and with what you describe, you won't need anything else.

cfrizz · April 2011

Congratulations on your marriage!

You have put together a nice system, giving it lots of power will take you to the next level & keep you happy for years to come. Look for a 5-7 channel amp of at least 200wpc @ 8ohms. This will power your current speakers & just about any other speakers you buy in the future to their full potential.

I'm partial to Sunfire, Parasound, and Rotel. Outlaw Audio is good bang for the buck brand new as is Emotiva.

This can be a very expensive hobby, so do it once & do it right the first time around for a great sounding HT & a happy wife who won't start screaming about you continually buying the same gear over & over again!:biggrin:

Esreuter wrote: »

ahhh you guys are all just being fourmies.

by that i mean, some one asks you for advice in general and there is a million different directions your brain can go. and then you throw your hands in the air and say what is it you want? budget, purpose, gift, to light on fire?

trust me, i am guilty of this too on other forums when the subject is knowledgeable to me.

what i was originally asking, and perhaps i wasn't clear enough, i wanted to know amp companies. every time i try to find stuff thru Google i find 30- 100$ amps that i am not sure are the right ones.

this is my first venture into external amps in the world of home theatre and AC power so its all forgien to me and i am simply looking to see who is who.

of course i am not going to buy a 36k$ amp, horse pucky, just doing research on companies.

as far as membership on other forums, ill join any forum to speak and discuss and learn about products i am interested in. just to make a informed purchase.

now that i have a list of companies i can research. chat and answer those questions you asked before.

in fact, i can answer a few now.

intention: home theatre, xbox and other games(most important), sometimes 2 channel music( nothing epic, mp3s **** quality most of em, just music for dishes and cleaning the house, i dont need to pick out the 3rd chair trumpet in the orchestra.)
why?: system running right now at about 45 watts per channel, meh, not loud enough plus i want to take some work off the head unit.
Have:
Polk monitor series, 70's on front cs2 in middle, 40's for all surround channels, no sub yet. Sony da 5400 es head unit, 10 gauge cables. xbox 360 as the dvd source.

goal of system: in undergrad built a boomy system, cerwin vega and jbls, all i wanted was to feel the room shake. now my intentions are more clarity and range of sound. according to my ears, other forums and research at audio shops i went with the polk line. monitors because new egg is closing them out on the cheap. i lack the experience to differentiate between home built drivers or 8k$ a piece front towers. that was a factor in my purchase too. as will it be in a amp purchase. sooooo long winded point short i seek clarity and need more volume.

budget: i honestly feel that 800 to 1k is fair for a first purchase. even below that $ limit if you guys know a good amp, like i said i lack the experience to hear the difference between a BAT and a EMO.

soo that should take care of most of the stuff you need to know.

forgive the lateness of my response, the wife and i are honeymooning in Disney. Animal kingdom today, it was alright, i dont want to go to epcot, i hear its lame. got a sweet deal as Florida residents though. so if i take some time to reply forgive me.

and again thank you all for your help and input.

ESR. :biggrin:

Hawkeye · April 2011

An all around nice HT/Gaming and music amp could be a B&K 7250. I've had this 5 channel in my HT for over 15 years and has never caused me any problems and is powerful enough for anything I throw at it.

Gordon

carwashguy · April 2011

Love my Parasound 5250

Rodeo0530 · April 2011

I just bought a used Parasound 2203 and lots of other goodies on CL for $350. It has made my Monitor 70's and CS2 open up dramatically. My HT sounds a lot better than it did before and I'm still using junk IC's at the moment. I wasn't sure about external power, but it makes a difference. I can tell quite a difference when listening to 2 channel now as compared to before. I didn't quite notice it at first, but everything just sounds better than it did before. Good luck on finding a nice amp. It's well worth it!

B Run · April 2011

Esreuter wrote: »

ahhh you guys are all just being fourmies.

by that i mean, some one asks you for advice in general and there is a million different directions your brain can go. and then you throw your hands in the air and say what is it you want? budget, purpose, gift, to light on fire?

trust me, i am guilty of this too on other forums when the subject is knowledgeable to me.

what i was originally asking, and perhaps i wasn't clear enough, i wanted to know amp companies. every time i try to find stuff thru Google i find 30- 100$ amps that i am not sure are the right ones.

this is my first venture into external amps in the world of home theatre and AC power so its all forgien to me and i am simply looking to see who is who.

of course i am not going to buy a 36k$ amp, horse pucky, just doing research on companies.

as far as membership on other forums, ill join any forum to speak and discuss and learn about products i am interested in. just to make a informed purchase.

now that i have a list of companies i can research. chat and answer those questions you asked before.

in fact, i can answer a few now.

intention: home theatre, xbox and other games(most important), sometimes 2 channel music( nothing epic, mp3s **** quality most of em, just music for dishes and cleaning the house, i dont need to pick out the 3rd chair trumpet in the orchestra.)
why?: system running right now at about 45 watts per channel, meh, not loud enough plus i want to take some work off the head unit.
Have:
Polk monitor series, 70's on front cs2 in middle, 40's for all surround channels, no sub yet. Sony da 5400 es head unit, 10 gauge cables. xbox 360 as the dvd source.

goal of system: in undergrad built a boomy system, cerwin vega and jbls, all i wanted was to feel the room shake. now my intentions are more clarity and range of sound. according to my ears, other forums and research at audio shops i went with the polk line. monitors because new egg is closing them out on the cheap. i lack the experience to differentiate between home built drivers or 8k$ a piece front towers. that was a factor in my purchase too. as will it be in a amp purchase. sooooo long winded point short i seek clarity and need more volume.

budget: i honestly feel that 800 to 1k is fair for a first purchase. even below that $ limit if you guys know a good amp, like i said i lack the experience to hear the difference between a BAT and a EMO.

soo that should take care of most of the stuff you need to know.

forgive the lateness of my response, the wife and i are honeymooning in Disney. Animal kingdom today, it was alright, i dont want to go to epcot, i hear its lame. got a sweet deal as Florida residents though. so if i take some time to reply forgive me.

and again thank you all for your help and input.

ESR. :biggrin:

Very clear and to the point, if more people asked questions like that they'd get better answers. I'd look back to the amps listed in the beginning of the post... Type each one into craigslist or audiogon.com and see what comes up in your budget. if you find one you like, Google it and see what others have said, or post a specific choice on here before you pull the trigger and I can guarantee someone has either owned it or heard it. Good luck on the hunt, and I'm sure you'll be happy with what you get.

F1nut · April 2011

jinjuku wrote: »

But remember he is never the troll

You're right, you play that role to the "T".

Esreuter wrote:

every time i try to find stuff thru Google i find 30- 100$ amps that i am not sure are the right ones.

Hmmm...every time I look they are in the $30-$100K range. Maybe your Google is broken.

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