|   The best Stereo amp for under $1200? | ben99z28
Mar 8, 2001 3:50 AM | | HT is not my goal, I just need a good 2ch stereo amp to power a pair of Acoustic Research AR3 speakers that i'd just ordered two days ago and should be able to receive them tomorrow or saturday. These speakers have a built in 300w Sub-amp so the new amp will be use to power the mids and tweeters only. I have the AudioSource Amp Two which is rated at 80w x2@8ohm or 200w x1 bridge but I don't think it's powerful enough to run them speakers, each speaker can handle up to 250W. I'm thinking about getting another Amp Two and bridge them to run each speaker, the question is...will the sound quality get a big hit though?
I'm also considering the Denon AVR-3801 but this amp is design to run HT system and it suppose to drive up to like 8 speakers or something and rated at 105w/ch. Will it be a waste to get this amp to run in Stereo mode only?? The Outlaw 750 is rated at 165w x5@8ohm and 250w x5@4ohm, the specs and reviews looks nice and it fit in my price range as well, again...i don't need 5 channels though. please advice....thanks
Regards,
Ben |
| Well, it depends | KeithR
Mar 8, 2001 2:43 PM | | Just because a speaker can handle 250 watts, doesn't mean at all that you need a bigger amp. It is more dangerous to run below the minimum recommended speaker wattage, than above even. This is really an impedance/sensitivity issue. If the speakers are <86-88db, than you probably need a good 2 ch. amp. I would try out the AR3 and see how it works. I would NOT buy a receiver or 5 ch. amp, as you don't want HT. Why pay for stuff you don't use or need?
If you do decide that you want an amp, probably the best amp for $1k is the Odyssey Stratos. Total cost for that amp including shipping is 1197 including capacitance upgrade and your choice of color faceplate. Check it out!
www.odysseyaudio.com
Good luck! |
| Well, it depends | 46minaudio
Mar 8, 2001 3:40 PM | | I agree with Keith I would listen to the amp you have first.I think you will be pleased with it... |
| re: The best Stereo amp for under $1200? | HTguy
Mar 8, 2001 4:01 PM | | Look in the used market, for $1200 you could get a $2500 amp. There are no moving parts and I find that the more expensive the equipment the better it is taken care of. This is a general statement but as you go up the ladder you start thinking resale value and tend to take better care of it . No longer just throw it away. I recently sold an amp, preamp and cd player that were 7 years old for over $1600 combined. I take good care of the gear and save all original boxes and manuals. Then I have more money to go play. For $1200 you could get a Classe CA-150 (150wpc) or a Proceed AMP 2, some really good stuff. I was even able to find a Classe CA-200 for $1200. This is an awesome amp. Good luck and happy hunting. |
| re: The best Stereo amp for under $1200? | Throttle
Mar 14, 2001 3:35 AM | | Totally agree with HTguy, you can get some huge bargains used. I just bought an Exposure Super 15 amp for £200, in perfect condition. This amp retails for £1000 here in the UK! The grin hasn't left my face all week.... |
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