Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Added an amp to my HT

2x6 generously loaned me a spare Onkyo 282 100W 2 channel amp to see if it would help solve some issues in my HT. It has solved some of them.

For 2 channel listening not much difference, maybe none. Big difference for HT, though.

The Onkyo powers the mains, my Denon 2802 powers the center and surrounds. I feel much more comfortable turning up the volume now during movie watching, but the volume doesn't need to be cranked like before. Using an spl meter it hit 101 db at -12 on the volume scale during the whale scene of "Nemo". That was after recalibrating w/ all channels set near 0. Apparently the Denon is able to power 3 channels to much louder levels than 5.

My suggestion to those of you who feel your receiver may be lacking power, and/or damaging your speakers, would be to add an amp, but IMO it doesn't have to be a multi-channel monster. The results from adding this relatively inexpensive Onkyo have been pretty damn impressive.

When are you going to want this thing back, 2x6?

So does this mean you will be out shopping for another amp?If so what do ya have in mind.

you are now on your way to seperates!

$$$

And here I was thinking that I'd be immune to upgraditis, but that post.... Hmm... amp good!

BigWill, I got an ACURUS with your name on it! Just let me know!!!!! lol

Glad it's working out, BigWill! I think the way to go is with used high end 2 channel amps. I have that spare M282 because I put a big Yamaha M80 in its place. It's a monster - stable with 2 ohm loads, 250 watts per channel continuous, 380 RMS into 8 ohms Damping factor 250 1kHz/8ohms. Can be picked up for about $300 used. Onkyo Integra amps, M504, M506, M508 and if you're into the true monster of them all the M510 are also excellent 2 channel amps. 504/506s can also be had for about $300-400. Those are 2 of my favorites, there are many, many more out there, of course.



or the big Technics amps

Those aren't nearly as pretty! You're falling down on the job!

They're not bad looking for big sand amps!

I prefer blue lights with brushed aluminum, and maybe a few red lights.

Mmmm.... Marantz 2252B.... (I know, not an amp, but...)