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View Full Version : Amp advice..thanks in advance



mdk5068
06-04-2009, 11:59 PM
Hello all,

I have recently posted a thread that asked for speaker advice, and have used that to put into stone what my next upgrade will be for a 5.1 system. It will be used 50/50 ht/music. I am a student at Penn State's honors college, and like everything loud. My old system was for my dorm room, and was an RM95 set with a DSWPRO 400 subwoofer. My receiver is a Yamaha RX-V659. It filled the space well. I am moving into an apartment next year, with a room about 15w/20L. 13 feet of the right side is open to a eating space and a kitchen. The system I have settled on is:

Fronts: RTi A7's
Surrounds: FXi A6's
Center: CSi A6
Subwoofer: SVS PB-12 Ultra
Receiver: The same Yamaha RX-V659
Amplifier: ???

My question now is one of a completely ignorant college student, who wants enough power in an external amplifier to not have to buy another one anytime soon. I am open to any and all suggestions, although I have settled on a budget of under 800. My first recommendation that I had was the Emotiva xpa-5. I liked the looks of this, but did not know whether it would be the most power/value for the money. A 5 channel amp intrigues me, but again, any other mix and match combos of 2 channel amplifiers are possible if they keep within the budget. I guess what I am looking for is exact models of amplifiers, from people who have experience with them, that will work with my setup. The brands people like are relatively clear, but direct models and experience with them is what would really help me make the decision. Also, if anyone happenes to be selling, let me know, I will definitely entertain the option!

Thank you,

Mark

nooshinjohn
06-05-2009, 01:03 AM
this one is sold, but I would look for one of these. I run my yami as a pre/pro as you will be doing. I run the signature series of this amp in my rig and I love the way it performs.
If you have questions shoot me a pm...


http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1246731630&/Sunfire-Cinema-Grand-200w-x-5-

cfrizz
06-05-2009, 01:13 PM
Hello Mark, welcome to Club Polk.

That Emotiva is definately a good bang for the buck amp & you will keep it through all other upgrades you make to the system.

Or as Nooshinjohn pointed out you can keep your eyes open for a good deal on Audiogon for another 5 channel Sunfire, Rotel, Parasound, B & K, Nad, Adcom.

concealer404
06-05-2009, 01:18 PM
Emotiva came to mind first. I really want to try one.

That being said... i'm completely in love with my Onkyo in my sig. 3 of those would be interesting, and they can be had for pennies.

3 Adcom two channels of the same model would probably be good as well.

thuffman03
06-05-2009, 01:27 PM
this one is sold, but I would look for one of these. I run my yami as a pre/pro as you will be doing. I run the signature series of this amp in my rig and I love the way it performs.
If you have questions shoot me a pm...


http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1246731630&/Sunfire-Cinema-Grand-200w-x-5-


+1 for Sunfire!

mdk5068
06-05-2009, 09:08 PM
Emotiva came to mind first. I really want to try one.

That being said... i'm completely in love with my Onkyo in my sig. 3 of those would be interesting, and they can be had for pennies.

3 Adcom two channels of the same model would probably be good as well.


Which onkyo model are you referring to that can be had for so little money? Also where, ha, I would love to take a look at it!

--Mark

mdk5068
06-05-2009, 09:24 PM
Hey guys, just wanted to know if any of these deals on audiogon were any good? I would most likely be comparing everything to an emotiva xpa-5 at this point, as it seems to have good reviews, an expensive, but doable price, and what seems to be enough power.



http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1249281847&/Rotel-RB-980BX

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1249111162&/NAD-925-thx

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1249099651&/Rotel-RMB-1095--5-x-200w


Thanks,

Mark

cfrizz
06-05-2009, 10:44 PM
Out of all of them I would go for the Rotel 1095. You would pretty much be set for life for power.

Toolfan66
06-05-2009, 10:53 PM
Out of all of them I would go for the Rotel 1095. You would pretty much be set for life for power.


+1 for the Rotel, I want a 1090 and a 1095.

mdk5068
06-05-2009, 11:33 PM
Out of all of them I would go for the Rotel 1095. You would pretty much be set for life for power.



Does the rotel have 5 channels? Is it better than getting a brand new emotiva xpa-5? I have always been weary of getting anything used, especially when for 200 cheaper I could get the emotiva brand new. Would there be that much of a difference? Not trying to sound stringent upon the emotiva, just playing devils advocate : )

cfrizz
06-06-2009, 03:54 PM
Hi Mark. Yes the Rotel is 200wpc x 5. Both will get the job done in spades. A good many people including me, now accept getting used gear from Audiogon.

Amplifiers can last for years. I had a 50wpc Rotel amp that lasted for 18 years with daily use!

But since you would feel more comfortable buying new, then get the Emo & enjoy.