Hi!

So I have my Axiom M22ti's and EP125 and am trying to figure out how to finish out my system. I've been back and forth between receivers, integrated amps, and amps/preamps. looked at integrated amps for a while, then decided to look at some older used components. I've been primaily looking at audiogon.com and a bit on ebay.

I've been looking at all sorts of components and it's driving me crazy - some vintage stuff from the 70's and newer used. Even used McIntosh stuf is out of my price range. I've been looking at Onkyo, Denon, and Rotel.

Right now I'm leaning heavily toward a slightly used Rotel RB-1050 (70x2). My listening area is about 12x12, but is only half of the whole room, which is closer to 25' long. I won't be blasting it all the time but still want enough power to play with. Would the 70w be enough? The sub is only 125W so would it make sense to go for the next rotel amp, the 1070 at 130x2?

Then I've got to pick out a preamp...any suggestions? I can get an (older) Onkyo Integra P-304 (from late 90's) for a decent price, but the unit doesn't come with a remote. I'm not sure if I'd be bothered by that or not.

What I'm trying to do is looking at certain companies. There's too much to look at all the used stuff out there! Suggestions on any other companies?

Thanks in advance, these forums are great!

matt

Hello Masterkato. Are you a two channel stereo only guy? Or will you be using your m22's as a home theater setup? Or a combination of both?

This system is for 2-channel only - that's why I was looking into possibly someolder components.

Ok I think I have narrowed down things to the following (all used)

Rotel RB-1050, 70x2 for $250
Anthem PVA-2, 125x2 for $350
Adcom GFA-555, 200x2 for $399

What's the best match for the M22's ?

I'm trying to get my avatar to work...looks like these boards save existing messages statically rather then referring to a database...guess that explains why my first post has no avatar at all, hadn't added one yet.

Since no one else has replied to this thread yet, I'll just say that the M22s are very easy to drive. Maybe someone else who's familiar with these amps can come along and nudge you in one direction or another.

Hey dmn23, I see you have the 175w sub - i'm wondering if I made the right choice with the ep125. will it have enough power to match the m22s? I suppose it comes down to what power amp i get eh?

I think I'd go with the rotel 1070, (130x2) if I can find a nice used one.

whats with the avatar.. is it like a Zoro cop?

looks like the DJ at a village people reunion

bigjohn

Kato is the Green Hornet's sidekick. I believe Bruce Lee played the part in the old TV series.

mwc wins the prize! Bruce Lee played the part in the show - the avatar is a pic of Lee in the duds.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059991/

For the size of your listening area, I'm sure the EP125 will be fine. I bought a HSU STF-2 a few weeks ago on impulse, thinking it would be a no-brainer upgrade to the EP175. Now I'm starting to be less impressed. CAVEAT - IN MY LISTENING ENVIRONMENT - the HSU seems to exhibit a little less control. It's almost overkill for the room where the EP175 seemed to blend in better. I'm going to play around with both for a few more weeks before deciding which one to keep.

Back to your question, though. I'm in a similar sized room (11' x 16'), and the EP175 never had to be turned past 9 o'clock. I'm sure the EP125 will be fine in your room.

FWIW....Bruce Lee used to live around the block from my family when he was on the Green Hornet. My Parents used to see him and his wife with their kids at the local park. I guess I used to play with Jason....but I don't remember.

My Father also knew the Lee brothers back in Hong Kong when he was growing up.

Bruce Lee's brother attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo the same time my Father did. Apparently his sport of choice was fencing.

Just more Bruce Lee info...since it came up.

I had my 2 channel set-up in a room very similar to yours.
M-22's, RB-1070 and a Parasound pre that goes for 249. new at audioadvisor.com. The most I was able to turn the gain on the pre was @ the 9:00 position, giving me about 70-80dB's. I would recommend saving for the 1070 although you would probably do just fine with the 1050.
Now the Parasound pre isn't the finest unit out there, but there are reviews (try e-cost) out there that may alleviate any concerns you may have about the price. (249. is cheap)

Parasound pre
review

and here

and here

Just to reassure you about the EP-125, I live in an apartment with a very similar listening area - about 10x12'. I'm using an M2i/EP-125 combination for most of my music listening (not being into "all channel stereo" even though it's a 5 channel setup for HT).

I find the EP-125 to be more than enough for bass. I find that it gives wonderfully tight bass that's not "boomy" or muddy no matter what kind of music I play. (Mostly classical, jazz, and blues, with reggae thrown into the mix!)

When I first ordered my speakers about a year ago, I had a bit of "buyer's remorse" until I hooked them up and tuned the system. I too wondered if the sub would be enough, especially after reading many posts on this board. Well, I found it to be just right for what I needed!

To this day I'm still hearing new things in my records and CD's! (Yep, still have a turntable!) The EP-125 also does a great job in the HT role.