Amplifier for revel f12

[Sams]

Well, I just ordered a pair of revel f12s. Any suggestions? I will be watching tv and films as well so it needs to have a DAC inside.

The best I've been able to find under 1k is the nad c 356dac. I don't want to spend more on the amp than the speakers which are $1500. I could go cheap and get an integra dtm 40.4(onkyo tx 8050), or an hk 3770, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea. I'm thinking a toroidal transformer would be best? I've also looked at the sub 1k Yamahas, but something about them seems kind of bland.

 

[Irvrobinson]

For a classic Class AB amp I recommend this ATI 1202 for $600:

http://www.classicaudioparts.com/index.php/amplifiers.html?mode=list


If you're more broad-minded, this Crown for $250 is an awesome deal:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/crown-xls2000-drivecore-series-power-amp?cntry=us&source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=CjwKEAjwmZWvBRCCqrDK_8atgBUSJACnib3lj94iV09eIWm_tCGqffmySld88LHZ9m2OkDnuMknaSxoCk1jw_wcB&kwid=productads-plaid^57302083147-sku^485461000000000@ADL4MF-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^80277274107

 

[Irvrobinson]

One more thing, ignore Classic's "B-stock" BS story. These are really A-stock products. Several people I know have purchased these B-stock amps, I've purchased two, and they always look just like A-stock.

 

[Sams]

One more thing, ignore Classic's "B-stock" BS story. These are really A-stock products. Several people I know have purchased these B-stock amps, I've purchased two, and they always look just like A-stock.

Thanks for the links. So you think separates would be my best option, as in, an amplifier and a separate pre amp *or DAC?

*edit

 

[Sams]

For a classic Class AB amp I recommend this ATI 1202 for $600:

http://www.classicaudioparts.com/index.php/amplifiers.html?mode=list


If you're more broad-minded, this Crown for $250 is an awesome deal:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/crown-xls2000-drivecore-series-power-amp?cntry=us&source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=CjwKEAjwmZWvBRCCqrDK_8atgBUSJACnib3lj94iV09eIWm_tCGqffmySld88LHZ9m2OkDnuMknaSxoCk1jw_wcB&kwid=productads-plaid^57302083147-sku^485461000000000@ADL4MF-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^80277274107

I've heard about the crown blowouts, do you know why class d is looked down upon for sound quality?

 

[Irvrobinson]

Why not just get an AV Receiver with pre-outs? Or go up-market in an AVR and forget a separate amp completely?

 

[Sams]

Why not just get an AV Receiver with pre-outs? Or go up-market in an AVR and forget a separate amp completely?

I have thought about that too, example: the marantz nr 1506 and an amp or the denon 4520ci new at accessoriesforless. *Although with the denon, all the subjective reviews I've read about with amplification suggest avrs aren't dynamic enough to play music and that toroidal transformers sound superior for convincing sound.

*edit

 

[Irvrobinson]

I've heard about the crown blowouts, do you know why class d is looked down upon for sound quality?

Class D involves a complex digital processing system with pulse-width modulation and filtering. Some people think that adds distortions of various types, so the amps don't sound as good. I'm not sure what I think.

 

[Irvrobinson]

I have thought about that too, example: the marantz nr 1506 and an amp or the denon 4520ci new at accessoriesforless. *Although with the denon, all the subjective reviews I've read about with amplification suggest avrs aren't dynamic enough to play music and that toroidal transformers sound superior for convincing sound.

*edit

Transformer type is irrelevant to sound. I think the statement that AVRs aren't dynamic enough to play music is silly. It all depends on how much power you need and into what load. Your speakers aren't a tough load. How big is your room?

 

[Sams]

Transformer type is irrelevant to sound. I think the statement that AVRs aren't dynamic enough to play music is silly. It all depends on how much power you need and into what load. Your speakers aren't a tough load. How big is your room?

The "room" is 18x18. It's part of an open concept basement so technically it's about 50x18.

 

[Sams]

Transformer type is irrelevant to sound. I think the statement that AVRs aren't dynamic enough to play music is silly. It all depends on how much power you need and into what load. Your speakers aren't a tough load. How big is your room?

Gotcha, part of the problem is I read to much.

 

[PENG]

Gotcha, part of the problem is I read to much.

Reading too much is not a problem as long as you don't take subjective reviews too seriously. The 4520 should be able to drive a pair of F12 in that room even if you sit 4 to 5 meters from the speakers. It also has very capable TI DACs, the one just below the flagship model.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would just get a brand new Denon X3100 for $499 (MRSP $1000). It has pre-outs if you actually need it. But just try the Denon by itself. It will probably be just fine by itself powering the Revel.

 

[PENG]

I would just get a brand new Denon X3100 for $499 (MRSP $1000). It has pre-outs if you actually need it. But just try the Denon by itself. It will probably be just fine by itself powering the Revel.

I agree with you, but for those who believe DAC makes a noticeable difference, the 4520's DACs (equal to current D&M, Yamaha and Onkyo/Integra flagship AVRs/Prepros) can calm their nerves somewhat.

 

[Sams]

I agree with you, but for those who believe DAC makes a noticeable difference, the 4520's DACs (equal to current D&M, Yamaha and Onkyo/Integra flagship AVRs/Prepros) can calm their nerves somewhat.

I ended up splurging on the 4520 new. It's made in Japan's too-which I like. I also hit up blue jeans for my cables. Thanks guys.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I agree with you, but for those who believe DAC makes a noticeable difference, the 4520's DACs (equal to current D&M, Yamaha and Onkyo/Integra flagship AVRs/Prepros) can calm their nerves somewhat.

If the budget allows it, the higher end Denon models are definitely preferred.

That's why I'm always keeping my AVP-A1HDCI and AVR-5308CI.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I ended up splurging on the 4520 new. It's made in Japan's too-which I like. I also hit up blue jeans for my cables. Thanks guys.

A very awesome model for sure. Congrats!

 

[Sams]

A very awesome model for sure. Congrats!

Well, looks like the dealer still hasn't ordered the revels yet. Just noticed rbh sells the mc series on empteks website. Thoughts vs the f12? http://emptek.com/mc6ct.php

I have a pair of vanatoo transparent ones and like the aluminum drivers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well, looks like the dealer still hasn't ordered the revels yet. Just noticed rbh sells the mc series on empteks website. Thoughts vs the f12? http://emptek.com/mc6ct.php

I have a pair of vanatoo transparent ones and like the aluminum drivers.

Certainly comparable.

MC-6T bass extension @ -3dB = 40Hz
F12 bass extension @ -3dB = 52 Hz