I'm fixin' to buy an Onkyo amp from 2x6 at a very reasonable price, but I just happened upon this nice looking possibility:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39783&item=5714372874&rd=1
It has twice as much power and has more name brand cache (I don't really care about that, though). On the other hand, it will likely end up being 2.5-3x the price of the Onkyo and I have no idea whether it actually works or not.
I'm pretty happy with the Onk (other than its tendency to fall asleep at low levels with quiet music).
Your opinions would be very welcome.
Thanks.
With all due respect to all involved, B&K is further "up" the scale - as you indicate. I don't believe this is a current model, but you might want to check with B&K directly. The name is not the only impetus, as this company is not mass market, as Onkyo aims to play in. Their designs are on par with some serious amplifier companies.
Their products are designed to be driven, and are very solid and are extremely stable driving difficult loads (speakers). I have a close fiend using the ST55 to drive Totem Mani 2's - which are notoriously difficult speakers - and it performs flawlessly.
As you have stated, the cost may not be worth it to you. The Onkyo is working well for you, and I would venture to say would continue to do so. Depending on your setup, and future thoughts to upgrade, this could be a good time to start positioning any purchases with the future in mind.
However, only you can determine the best path for you and your family.
I apologize for not remembering your setup.......
That sure looks like a nice amp.B&K does have a good rep for making a really good product.I geuss its according to how high the bid goes.As of now the price seems more than fair.Have you looked on Audiogon to see what similar amps are going for?
Thanks for the input guys.
My current setup is a Denon 2802, M60s, VP150, QS8s. My QS8s are so far afield that I had to crank them way up when calibrating. As a result, the volume knob was routinely getting turned pretty high for HT uses.
I felt like I needed an amp to relieve my Denon of some of that load. It seems to have worked as I'm now watching movies at around -20 to -15 rather than -15 to 0. And the speaker are all set close to the receivers default level now.
The eBay seller has that amp listed for $500 at Audiogon. It seems like a good deal on a quality amp, but then again, for 2 channel music I don't need 200 watts. The M60s seem to get a little congested at super high volumes and I don't like it unbearably loud anyway.
Is that "falling asleep" thing common with all external amps?
Thanks.
I'm not quite sure about an amp "falling asleep".Do you mean it shuts down during quiet passages? If thats the case I have never heard of an amp doing this.You say you don't need 200 watts but did you ever think that with more power in reserve your speakers might not sound congested at higher volume.Its alawys been my thinking get as much power as you can possibly afford.Its nice having the extra headroom as to not overdrive an amp or damage your speakers.
Good points. I'll run those by the old lady and see what she says.
or should it be
?
Good luck!
The last time I went out shopping for an amp it was my wife that talked me into buying the more powerful amp.
(more expensive too) Got to love her for that.
Rotel RB1080 300@ 4 ohm with the M80's
she did huh? Is that love or what????
Bigwill, if you were to buy the B&K, I would use it for the M60's and have the Denon drive the rest....but I am sure you know that - and may have even posted that!!!
My bad if I missed it!!!
Hey, looks like a nice find. So... does this mean we're not allowed to bid on that auction?
It might have just ended, but feel free. The wife said no.
Good of you to ask, though.
It ended up going for $425 + shipping.
That's a little steep for me, especially after our experience last night with the DTS track on "Butterfly Effect". It was absolutely screaming loud at -25 on my receiver. Great sound, good movie.
Between the 2 channel onk amp and the second sub there is way more volume available than I need for HT. But I'm still thinking about it - in fact, I have a bid in on a lower priced amp that I'm not going to tell you guys about.
I bid on another B&K amp. For some reason this guy's amp didn't show up in most searches. Anyways, I'm done bidding
and it is currently at $250 if you're interested:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5714889733