Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
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OP
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So, I dug out an old pair of Axiom M3V2 speakers and grabbed a tube amp from monoprice for $150. I didn't expect much.
It's so sweet it's a joke. I've listened to Smetena and Mussorgsky so far (CDs). The sound quality is really good!
This Monoprice unit looks like a lot like a nobsound MS10d, has a single input and a built-in bluetooth receiver.
A nice sounding tube amp for $150. That is audio value friends.
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
Speaking of inexpensive Monoprice amplifiers, they have one of their "No Logo" branded 2 channel amps for just over $200 US. 150w x 2 (8 ohms) and 235w x 2 (4 ohms)...not much in the way of reviews on it, but if it's anywhere near it's listed specs (and reliable) it's a bargain.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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I had never seen that one before on their site. Thanks for pointing it out Adrian!
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
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That's an incredible deal.
Rick
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
It's tempting. Exchange rate sucks right now though.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,171 Likes: 6
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,171 Likes: 6 |
Thanks Craig.. now I can get an inexpensive amp for my LFR's.
Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5 Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
Niles also makes some reasonably priced amps too.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,021 Likes: 1
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,021 Likes: 1 |
Interesting .. I was on the page for the amp, but was signed in as a wholesaler. Look at both links, and they look identical. PE must have set it so when a wholesale account who is logged in posts a link, it automatically re-routes the link to the whole sale log in. For the record, the wholesale price is $91.60.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
I was already drooling over that Monoprice tube amp. I mean, I think it's a tube preamp stage with a Class D amp stage, but oh so pretty. So glad to hear it sounds good. I think it's a smart and attractive product.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2002
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Hi Tom
It is a crazy good deal! It sounds excellent. I have all kinds of cheap amps, Dayton, Lepai, Topping, SonicImpact ... this $150 tubie sounds much better than any of them.
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,021 Likes: 1
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,021 Likes: 1 |
Hi Tom
It is a crazy good deal! It sounds excellent. I have all kinds of cheap amps, Dayton, Lepai, Topping, SonicImpact ... this $150 tubie sounds much better than any of them. This begs for a blind test.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
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OP
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You're invited. Southern California in the winter season, perfect venue for the blind test!
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 90
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 90 |
I just got this amp yesterday; decent build quality, excellent sound. IF it needs some burn-in... it will sound amazing. Vinyl sounds perfect to my ear! The bad: the cost for us Canadians is: ~$200 CAD for the product and $50 border fee/tax... which sucks. That being said, I still think it's worth though. The power rating is a little misleading; it's 15W RMS and 25W peak into 4 ohm. So for 8 ohm you'll get around 8W or so I would guess. But don't be fooled, while I don't think you can run a party on this amp it does reach loud enough level for comfortable listening.. The tone control (which is not defeatable), especially the treble, cuts/adds a little too much into the mids. I still hope that some burn-in might address some sound quality issues. I was already drooling over that Monoprice tube amp. I mean, I think it's a tube preamp stage with a Class D amp stage, but oh so pretty. So glad to hear it sounds good. I think it's a smart and attractive product. It is a hybrid: tub preamp and A/B final stage. And yes, I'm with you... it is a smart product, I love the idea.
M80 v3, 2 x Emotiva UPA-1 Monoblocks, XPA-5, UMC-1 PrePro Pro-Ject RPM Genie, Carver C2 Phono Preamp
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458 |
I just got this amp yesterday Which one? The Monoprice tube amp? (There have been several mentioned in this thread)
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2002
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The $150 ($149.xx) monoprice tube amp.
Silly Good.
Adrian, you are right about the output. This amp has no trouble driving M3V2s. The combination is really sweet ... and you can get into swapping tubes in search of ... more.
What phono stage are you using for vinyl?
Last edited by 2x6spds; 01/22/16 10:25 PM.
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37 |
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
Monoprice has site wide 15% off today!!...that takes some of the sting out of the exchange rate.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
Well, I figured Mark might try and buy the last one so I ordered one. Monoprice Amp With another 15% off...about $177US.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Posts: 11,458 |
If I had a use / location for one, I'd consider it just to try it out.
And, of course, to amp-block you.
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2002
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A bunch of us here in SoCal periodically get together for Jazz nights, where we listen to mostly jazz on vinyl on our systems. Yesterday, MK, a self proclaimed audio snob came over, and I set up the little Monoprice, Axiom M3V2, Sherwood CD/SACD/DVDA player.
Now, MK prefers tube MacIntosh amp and Cornscala custom speakers, but ... he was shocked by the Monoprice - Axiom M3V2 combination. We only had a half hour, but sampled Nora Jones, Bill Evans, Pete Ellis, and a SACD jazz sampler.
He said, as to sound quality, if you told me this was a $1,500 system, I would have thought you got a great deal.
This little Monoprice tube amp and Axiom M3V2 combination is SILLY GOOD.
BTW, I know it is described as a hybrid amp, but it looks like it has a pair of 12ax7 type tubes for the preamp section, and some weird EL type tubes for the amp section.
Anyway, if you're on a budget and want to try a tube amp which sounds very good, go get 'em.
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Sep 2004
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I REALLY wish I could justify a use / location for that, because I would like to try it for the hell of it....or for the audio jewelry factor.
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441 |
Mark, the thrill of buying something without any justification can be its own justification...
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458 |
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
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Mark, if Joyce has any questions just refer her to Peter.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458 |
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441 |
She'll have to travel a lot farther to slap me soon.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4
newbie
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newbie
Joined: May 2008
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
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If it is twice as good, it'd really be something!!
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313 |
I really like the looks of the monoprice tube amp. I am thinking of buying some used speakers for my den... a 14 x 14 room. I'm thinking of either the paradigm studio 20 or 40s. Would this amp be enough to drive those speakers?
I don't need it to be ridiculously loud, but don't want to short change those speakers.
PeachTree 65se, PeachTree D5 and SVS SB1000 - Stereo M80s, M22s, SVS PB3000
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313 |
PeachTree 65se, PeachTree D5 and SVS SB1000 - Stereo M80s, M22s, SVS PB3000
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
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OP
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Hi Listener
Checked the Paradigm specs, Studio 20s rated at 90 db. Should be no problem whatsoever. That is a pretty efficient speaker and the little Monoprice is rated at 25 watts per channel, which is much more than enough to drive the 20s at very high listening levels.
Studio 40s rated at 92 db. Even more efficient. Even easier load.
Enjoy!
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 313 |
Hi Listener
Checked the Paradigm specs, Studio 20s rated at 90 db. Should be no problem whatsoever. That is a pretty efficient speaker and the little Monoprice is rated at 25 watts per channel, which is much more than enough to drive the 20s at very high listening levels.
Studio 40s rated at 92 db. Even more efficient. Even easier load.
Enjoy! Thank you.
PeachTree 65se, PeachTree D5 and SVS SB1000 - Stereo M80s, M22s, SVS PB3000
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: May 2014
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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I think with most speakers the amp is putting in less than 5 or 6 watts of power for 80-90% of the time. It is only in the odd occasion that you will need more power. what throws the wrench into most peoples thinking is the want for perfect sound. if you don't have enough power then you get into either distortion or timing issues. The louder you have it the more predominant these issues are. As well, the type of music plays a big roll in where it will emphasize the problems.
As you go up in available watts, the amount of times the speakers need to compromise goes down. what you need to decide or understand is how accurate you need and what you are willing to put up with sound wise.
Sometimes it doesn't make any difference, but to others it will
Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5 Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
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connoisseur
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OP
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I don't usually listen at levels above 90 db. 1 watt at one meter, 90 db sound level = 90 db efficient speakers. I think.
I have some amps with big beautiful dials. Most of the time while listening to music at normal levels, the amp is ticking over at less than 0.5 watts.
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
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Right now you can get the Monoprice "No Logo" 300 watt, 2 channel amp for $180USD as it's on sale for $199(down from $280) plus an extra $20 off.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2002
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I went to T.H.E. Audio Show in Irvine last week.
I picked up a pair of Emerald Physics EP2.8 speakers in the ginko boloba or cocobolo finish with DSP and some mono blocks.
Anyone interested in a pair of brand new M100s in real Cherry with Chestnut finish and outriggers?
Best regards.
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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Re: Silly Inexpensive 2 Channel System
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
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Finally hooked up the Monoprice "No Logo" 2 channel amp I picked up last year...150w per channel @ 8ohms, 235w @ 4ohms. Noticeable difference when I cranked it up vs the Denon AVR's power supply. Time will tell on the reliability side but very pleased so far. Unfortunately, I haven't seen this amp on their site for a while. At the price I paid for it, it was a steal ($177 USD).
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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