External Amps? Which ones?

[tledoux]

When I bi-amp'd my RTi10, I lost my internal Zone 2 amp in my Yamaha RX-V1600.
So now I need to get an external amp for the Zone 2. Does anyone have any good
suggestions for an external amp (2 channel)? It doesn't have to be the world's best as
Zone 2 is not used all that often.

Thanks in advance,

TL

[ND13]

Audiosource makes a great entry level amp that would be more than adequate for not alot of scratch. So does Outlaw.

[audiobliss]

I would personally suggest getting a separate amp to power the RTi10, instead of biamping them with the receiver, and then using the receiver's Zone 2 amp for Zone 2. The RTi10 would really benefit from some nice amplification, and sad to say that's not what a Yamaha receiver is for. What are you powering in Zone 2?

Here's a list of amplifier manufacturers to get you started with research:

Outlaw Audio Products Page (http://outlawaudio.com/products/index.html)

Rotel HT Multi-Channel Amplifiers (http://rotel.com/products/multichannel-power-amplifiers.htm)

Adcom Multi-Channel Amplifiers (http://www.adcom.com/amplifiers/multichannelamplifiers.htm)

B&K Products (http://www.bkcomp.com/products.asp)

NAD Home Theater Products (http://www.nadelectronics.com/ht_amplifiers/index.htm)

Audosource Amplifiers (http://www.audiosource.net/amplifiers.html)

AMC Amplifiers (http://www.amchome.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=AO&Category_Code=Amplifiers)

Sunfire Amplifiers (http://www.sunfire.com/amp.htm)

Parasound (http://www.parasound.com/index2.html)

[tledoux]

In Zone 2 I just have 2 more in-wall Polk TC615i's for the gameroom. The system overall is just used as general entertainment (33% normal TV, 33% Music, 33% DVD/part-time HT, 1% off). I'm fairly new to the whole "high-end audio", but definitely noticed a difference when I bi-amped the RTi10's from the Yamaha. Thanks for your suggestion, I didn't even think about getting an external amp for the RTi10's and using the Yamaha for Zone 2. Also thanks for the links, that helps a lot.

TL

[audiobliss]

No problem. You would notice much more of an improvement powering the RTi10s with a separate amp and using Zone 2 amps to power Zone 2 than what you proposed. That's what I would personally do.

I would just look for a more affordable 2-channel amplifier. After looking at your setup and hearing how you use your system, I wouldn't pay more than about $400 or so for the amplifier. I would keep a look out for some used Adcom amps on the FM here as they're nice amps and shouldn't run you too much. Since you aren't very demanding of your system I think I would be fairly confident in also recommending an Audiosource AMP300 (http://www.audiosource.net/amp300.html). It provides 150wpc into 8ohms and shouldn't run you much, either.

Have fun researching!

[propman07]

Hey-

I have a pair of power hungry RTi10s as well, and was also looking into an entry level amp. I have been looking at a thread on another forum that has members using a Crown XLS-402B pro amp, with some success. I was also looking at the Audiosource AMP-300 as a candidate. Any opinions?

Here are the links to the two candidates:

Crown XLS-402 (http://www.crownaudio.com/amp_htm/xlsspec.htm)

Audiosource AMP-300 (http://www.audiosource.net/amp300.html)

I've been able to find the Crown on the bay for around $250 shipped. The Audiosource can be had for around $370 shipped.

Thanks.

[tledoux]

OK, I've narrowed it down a bit. I'm trying to decide between the AudioSource AMP300 to drive the front LR RTi10's, or spend a bit more and get the Outlaw 7125 and use it drive all of my 5.1 HTR speakers. Of course I would need a new center channel, since the Bose VCS-10 can't handle the 125 watts from the 7125 (but I was looking for an excuse to get a Polk CSi5 anyways). Would using the Outlaw really sound that much better than the AudioSource? (Yes, I know it is all very subjective, but thats why I am asking for people's opinions).

Thanks in advance,

TL

[pearsall001]

Check out the Behringer A500 amps. They are a steal at $180. apiece. Plenty of excellent clean power. 160X2 8ohm, 230x2 4 ohm, 500watt mono-bridged. Parts express carries them w/ a 45 day return policy. That gives you plenty of time to compare against other amps.