Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Small, inexpensive 2-channel amps?

I've browsed some forums on other sites for feedback, but I thought I'd bring-it-home to the Axiom group to see what kind of advice I can stir up here.

At my wife's request, I am trying to set up a 2.1 channel system in our master bedroom. The sources will be either XM Radio or iPod, and so I see no need for a dedicated AV receiver. My wife is incredibly accepting of home audio, but she wouldn't be too thrilled with an AV receivier sitting on a shelf in the bedrooom. From that, I think a small, discrete amp hooked up to an iPod dock sitting on the nightstand next to the bed will be best. The speakers for the moment will be a pair of Energy Take 5's and a Kenwood powered sub (which will handle the crossover duties). Remnants of our old main system. I would very likely soon replace the Take 5's with either a pair of M3's or maybe some Onix X-Series speakers. Not quite sure which...

Anyway, I am being drawn towards the small, relatively inexpensive digital amps such as the original T-Amp at $40, the bigger T-Amp + at like $139, or the Trends Audio TA-10 at ~ $129. Based on my satisfaction of the Emotiva LPA-1, I'm also thinking about their small (non-digital) amp, the BPA-1 at like $190.

I fully understand that the digital amps don't put out that much power. I don't need large amounts of power because this is going to be in the bedroom and used for background music while reading, lounging, etc. That said, I do still want it to sound good when needed, and that puts a bit more weight in favor of the BPA-1, with it's more serious wattage.

I've read some pretty good reviews of the Trends amp, and so that seems to jump out. Anyone have any experience with these, or any other of the small, dedicated amps?

Or is this a dumb idea and instead I should just get a refurb AV receiver from eCost for <$150?

I will be watching this thread as well! Actually, to add to his questions about a small 2 channel setup, I have an 8 year old JVC mini stereo that came with two 6ohm bookshelf speakers. I am assuming that the internal amps in the mini system will be ample to drive 2 M3s right?

Peter, I think those are all excellent choices.

The Emo has a MUCH larger footprint than the others.

I sort of like vintage integrated amps (old Kenwood, Sansui, Yamaha, Pioneer), especially if they have VU meters.

So, no integration with a TV in the bedroom?

No intent for whole house audio?

Hey, you didn't think I was going to "help" did you?

Wonder how much yet unnamed Axiom powered computer sub/speakers would be?

Might be a good solution for you (no amp required).

Peter,

going on the previous posters response, you could always just use the subs amp, the EP400 would suit your needs perfectly.

I do realize that the Emotiva is about the size of a shoebox, and the Trends is little bigger than a deck of cards.

Nope, no TV in the bedroom.

As far as whole-house audio... well, yeah. If/when we move/build a new home, a whole-house system will be something that we will consider. For right now, it's not an issue.

I just bought a used Marantz (no, not one of the silver faced ones) off of eBay for ~$80. Works just fine for second room audio.

I have no need for such a killer sub in the bedroom. Besides, I'd still need an amp. The EP400 can't drive mains, just itself (right?). I might replace my crusty Kenwood with an HSU STF-1 sometime, but it's low on the priority list. My Kenwood is acceptable for this application. I'm also not about to spend $1,100 for a sub in a mini-system. Remember, I'm not talking about setting up a reference 2.1 room, just a mild-but-nice system for the bedroom.

Yes, I had thought about the upcomming Axiom office system. I suspect it would be perfect for my needs, though I'm not sure when it will be released.

Thanks for the idea about the Marantz. I've been browsing eBay for used-but-good equipment. The problem is that I don't know what exactly to look for when it comes to older/used Marantz, Rotel, Adcom, etc gear.

for some reason I thought the EP400 - 600 could drive some bookshelf speakers...I have no idea why I thought that...Man that would be a sweet addition to the EP400 - 600 line. Negating the need for an amp, just a CD player with an RCA L/R out to the sub.

-Hutz

Take a look at a used Parasound Zamp. They are half width components which are actually built pretty well. I believe you can get one used off audiogon for about 150.