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Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41900 04/16/04 04:05 PM
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BigWill Offline OP
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I've convinced my wife that with the placement of our QS8s on the back wall, and further from the LP, we need more power to unburden the puny amps in the Denon 2802. To some extent this is true - I have the volume at around -12 for movies w/ the output signal boosted for the surrounds to near max.

I don't want to break the bank, but I also don't want a refurbed receiver (or a new one for that matter) junking up all my nice stuff. The Parasound Halo A23 would be at the upper limits of my budget, and I would prefer to keep it under $500.

And while I don't necessarily subscribe to the "amps all sound different" theory, an amp noted for a little extra "warmth" would be nice for music listening. Of course, whatever I buy has to blend sonically with the Denon for HT.

Can you help a brother out?

Re: Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41901 04/16/04 04:20 PM
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axiomite
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Bigwill, as you know i've had my eye on the Parasound for awhile now. If you get something like the A23 (which i've seen used on Audiogon for as low as $600), i suggest you let it power your main speakers which frees up power from your receiver for the surrounds. The mains are more likely to hit transient peaks than the surrounds and hence are more likely to require a stronger amp source.
The A23 was excellent but you pay for the light show and name.

Another alternative amp that is solid and cheap is the Anthem lineup (MCA). The previous year model MCA2 is cheap on audiogon for the power they put out. The newer versions are a bit more but similar. Often overlooked by newbies looking for a cheap and good quality amp. The only Anthem MCA i see on Audiogon right now is the 5 channel version, but the 2 channel should be about $500 used. Anthem also sells their PVA amps which have slightly less power than the MCA series so again, they will be priced cheaper.

You can see my thoughts again in this old post.


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
Re: Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41902 04/16/04 04:21 PM
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BigWill Offline OP
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C'mon guys. It's been like 5 minutes already!

Re: Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41903 04/16/04 04:24 PM
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axiomite
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Fine.
I will post again.

Anthem, anthem, anthem.


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
Re: Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41904 04/16/04 04:29 PM
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B
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you know i am all about putting in my 2 cents, but i just dont know enough about amps/receivers to make my opinion count here. at this point in the game, i am absorbing knowledge, as opposed to dishing it out..

but i hope you can find a solution.. the wife is convinced, that is half the battle

bigjohn


EXCUSE ME, ARE YOU THE SINGING BUSH??
Re: Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41905 04/16/04 04:49 PM
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I know that this is a bit above your budget, but accessories4less.com has the Marantz MM9000 170wx5 power amp for $749 with free shipping. The original MSRP for this unit was over $2000. I am very happy with mine.

Mark


"Shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff"
Re: Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41906 04/16/04 05:18 PM
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BigWill Offline OP
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Thanks Chess. Your 1st reply wasn't up at the time.
I haven't looked at Anthems at all. I was under the impression that they were quite expensive. Will check it out. Thanks.

Re: Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41907 04/16/04 05:24 PM
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BigWill Offline OP
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That sounds like a lot of power for the buck. What kind of warranty comes w/ that, Mark?

And, at risk of displaying my ignorance, how does an external amplifier affect callibration and volume control? In particular, if I use a 2 channel amp to power my mains must I use the volume controls on my receiver and the new amp independently? That would suck.

Re: Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41908 04/16/04 05:46 PM
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axiomite
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Bigwill,
You would use the pre-out channels on your receiver to plug into the amp (same as you do for a subwoofer right now).
Then your receiver becomes the pre-amp section for your mains. You can still calibrate and setup the speakers as normal in your receiver settings.


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
Re: Outboard amplifier for my HT?
#41909 04/16/04 05:54 PM
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Factory warrantee from Marantz. These are not refurbs or B-stock.

The amp has a pot for each channel in the back that can be adjusted, but with the pots at max is THX reference level (did I mentionthat the unit is THX-Ultra certified?), and I have all of them at max and never touch them. Basically, you use the volume knob on the receiver (or pre/pro) only.

It's a LOT of watts for the buck, and I highly recommend the MM9000. If you google it, or look it up on Audioreview.com, people have mostly good things to say about it.

Mark


"Shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff"
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