|   Amp recommendations | johnnyboy
Oct 14, 2003 11:35 PM | | Hello, I currently have a Denon 3300 with Paradigm studio 60 v2, Studio CC, SVS 20-39 PCI sub and some cheap JBL surrounds. I'm looking for improvement on the musical end. For now, I want to look into getting an amp (not sure if I want 2 or 5 channel) Are there certain brands that would sound better with my Studio 60's? Am I better off going with the 5 channel amp instead of the 2 channel? If I added the 2 channel amp, my sub will be operating off of my Denon 3300, correct? Sorry for so many questions. Your help is appreciated.
Thanks,
John |
| Price Range? | topspeed
Oct 15, 2003 12:54 PM | | Hi John,
First, read the thread below as it will answer 90% of your questions. As far as 2 vs 5 channel, it depends on your budget and whether or not you listen to multi-channel hi rez or good 'ol stereo. The more info, the better :) |
| Price Range? | johnnyboy
Oct 15, 2003 11:29 PM | | Hello again, My price range would be from $800 to $1000. I mostly listen to 2 channel stereo + my SVS sub. Part of me wants to just go ahead and get a 5 channel. I have a feeling if I get a 2 channel I'll get upgradeitis and wind up with 2 or 3 amps. Any suggestions for 2 and 5 channel?
Thanks! |
| Price Range? | topspeed
Oct 16, 2003 4:55 PM | | If you listen to more music than HT, you shouldn't worry about getting bit by the upgrade bug because your Denon will be fine for the surround channels.
Here's the deal, the vast majority of 2 channels will kill 5 channel amps at the same price point. That's just economics, friend. More good stuff in the 2 channel (caps, power supplies) and more compromises in the 5 channel. I would get a 2 channel now and if you find your really want to go multi-channel later, then buy the 3 channel. BTW, you'll probably want to replace your surrounds before you buy the addn'l amp anyway.
For new amps I'd look into what RGA said as well as those mentioned in the thread below. Your price point is slightly higher so I would most definitely add the Odyssey Stratos (2 or 3 channel) and the PS Audio HCA2 (albeit Used to hit your price). I just added the PSA to my Denon 3803 and the difference is stunning. RGA always mentions how apalling the amps in receivers are and brother, he ain't just whistling dixie!
The PSA is a digital amp as opposed to solid state analog like the Odyssey and just about everything else. Goto their website for the details. A few important benefits to digital switching amps is that they run cool, are relatively compact, and consume almost no power when in standby (unlike pure Class A amps). I'm actually doing a shoot-out between the Odyssey and PSA this weekend to decide which one I'll keep. Both companies have 30 day return policies so you can demo them in your system. A very cool feature indeed.
While the B&K's I mentioned are great amps, I'm replacing mine with the PSA/Odyssey winner so you know where they reside on the food chain. Of course, at 2-3X the price of the B&K, they should damn well be better! Bare in mind, this is only my opinion and only on my system. Your mileage may vary :)
http://odysseyaudio.com/products.html
http://psaudio.com/products/hca.asp
Good luck and buy what moves you. |
| Price Range? | johnnyboy
Oct 16, 2003 10:52 PM | | Thanks Topspeed! Your help is greatly appreciated! I think I've decided to go 2 channel. I'm still going to get some new surrounds anyway those damn JBL's just don't cut it.
John |
| HCA2 wins! | topspeed
Oct 18, 2003 11:52 PM | | Hi John,
Just wanted to let you know that after a 3 hour comparo using blind testing and an spl meter to level match the amps, the HCA2 won. Even the owner of the Stratos who previously swore they could kill even the mightiest of Jeff Rowland amps picked the HCA2. It killed him! If you have a chance, definitely audition one of these. If you want to know how they compared with each other, let me know and I'll give you a detailed description.
Good luck! |
| re: Amp recommendations | RGA
Oct 15, 2003 10:57 PM | | Follow topspeed's advice...assuming you want to save a bit of money my choice here is going to be a USED Rotel - 2 or 5 channel will be up to you.
2 channel is fine for 2 channel stereo. But Rotel can be had for sane money...it may actually be cheaper foor you to get three used 2 channel Rotel amps than one 5 channel amp. I take the 3 2 channel units anyday.
Another cheap but usually pretty good option is Adcom. Adcom doesn't carry as big aname and that may benefit you on the used market. |
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