Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Looking for a 2-ch Amp for M22's

Okay.

Right now, I have an Yamaha RX-V557 reciever powering my entire setup.

Recently, I've been doing a lot of serious stereo listening, and recently I've been wondering if my M22's could sound better.

Right now, I want a little less simblance and more clarity at louder volumes. It seems when I go to a pumping volume, my M22's get a little muddy and things get sloppy. There just comes a point in my listening sessions where the high end has some sharp edges and simblance on "sss" sounds and the like. You know the story. Of course, it is somewhat recording-dependent...but all recordings share some of the same traits.

I have an SPDI/F Output to my Reciever from my computer. I'm running all lossless quality music.

My plan (if I get a stereo amp) is to hook up the Recording L/R output of the receiver to the M22's (I don't have dedicated preouts for each speaker), feed them the full range signal, and let my HSU STF-2 pick up on the low end that is sent to it.

Should I try that with a new amp...or does it sound like M3ti's are better suited for my ears?

Again...think college student budget. I'll consider stuff from $100-500, but I'll probably end up buying a used amp somewhere. Just want some recommendations.

Thanks guys! I look forward to hearing some good advice :-)

You can get some pretty nice used amps on audiogon within your budget. Are you driving the yammaha to clipping? If that's the case an amp would help. I beleive in slight sonic differences between some electronics, but if you're not clipping, the m3's will make a much bigger difference,good or bad depending on your point of view.
Should've got the preouts...

Time to build a 2ch rig

I do have a Zone 2 Output on my 557. I believe that should work just fine.

Hmm...Audiogon needs to have some M3's soon. Anywhere else worth looking?

Additional comments about amps?

I'm not at all trying to say I'm not...err...satisfied with my setup. It's just that I'm a little itchy to see how it sounds different. I've heard that the general consensus of Yamaha electronics/amps is that they *tend* to be slightly brighter than say, a Denon receiver.

But hey, I guess I'm just a confused college student. :-)

Dan, I assume that you're talking about your dorm room setup; if so, my thought is that both the speakers and receiver are fine for that size of a listening room. The comment about Yamahas would only constitute a consensus among the misinformed or uninformed. What you're hearing is likely entirely due to the recordings and their characteristics becoming more bothersome at very high volumes.

Yea...I sit two to three feet away from my speakers, I doubt its the amp maxing out.

It's just that it seems to be a common thread in much of the material. Some albums have recording faults that stick out like sore thumbs, but what I'm hearing isn't recording faults. It's not severe, it's just there and more noticeable at some times than others. Again, it's the curiosity factor of what if this can be "improved", etc.

I've gone through many budget amps and speakers in search of the sound I want. I've found Yamaha's to be very good for stereo. The last few systems I've had used Yamaha or vintage NAD. Doesn't seem to be much difference. I would think the speaker choice is going to make much more difference in your situation and I would put any resources toward different speakers.

John

A fine first post, John. Welcome.

Dan,

If you are running the M22's in such a small room, with that Yamaha amp, there is no way you are running out of power. If you were, you'd be deaf.

The M22's are a very transparent speaker. Any detail in a recording will come out with them.

If you are using a sub, I would recommend crossing them over at around 80hz, and send all the bass down to your sub. This will allow your Yamaha to focus more on amplifying what the M22's can really play properly, which is signal above 60hz.

Welcome JohnBailey!

Dan,

Sounds like your itching to spend some money. I can't seem to find the photo of your room so I can't see what video display you are using. Maybe a new flat screen?

I'll start by saying that the other's are probably right. Yamaha makes good receivers and there's nothing difficult about driving m22's. Are you in a dorm room? Small space + good receiver + easy to drive speakers = not a power problem. If it's a cinder-block dorm room with hard tile floors, room acoustics could be the problem. A 'bright' room will affect the way the speakers sound. Try a couple of heavy rugs or some sort of wall treatment to 'warm up' the room acoustically.

However, to answer your question, you could look into Emotiva's RPA-1 2-channel amp. I don't know much about what people think of it, so you'd need to research it a bit to see if it would work for you. It is almost in your price range and I'm extremely happy with my LPA-1, so the RPA-1 ought to be fantastic since it's a step above the LPA. Probably overkill for m22's, but I honestly believe that my m22's sound better (more bass, more presence, more depth to the music) when powered by my LPA-1 vs. my Pioneer Elite receiver. Just one village idiot's opinion, so don't take it as fact.

The RPA-1 is a great 2-channel amp, but I would think for your small listening environment, it may be overkill. Your AVR should be more than adequate.

I agree with everyone else, it probably isnt your amplification.
but if you are looking for a retro look, 2 channel amp, that has done some duty driving M22's in the past, look no further than this vintage sansui. It has been frowning at me everytime I get out of the car. It feels left out since it has been exiled to the garage.

i dont remember if you have a sub. if not, maybe that will help

I can't help but suggest my current 2 channel amp Rotel RB-1080 Rotel are known for some great amplifiers, they have a pretty good linuep of stereo amps. Mine is 200 watts per channel, but they have 130 and 70, as well as a new class D 500 watts!! I suggest you buy from a authorized (B&M only) dealer, try it in your dorm and return it (within 30 days) if it does not make any substantial difference. I bet it will, although some may argue it won't.

A two channel amp is also future-proof. You can always use it with a multi-channel receiver to power the fronts via its preouts. Also, when you graduate, and have a good job, you can probably afford to have a second-room, separate, stereo setup

I love seeing pics of old or vintage audio equipment

Dan,

The Emotiva BPA-1 might just be what you're looking for. I am not sure of the connectivity requirements you have.

But these are def. worth at look at $189 for 150 watts for a 2 channel system.

YOu could even buy 2 of them, for $378 and have 150 watts to each of your M22s.

Emotiva BPA-1

Just a thought!

Wow, I haven't heard the name Sansui in years...