Best Amp to power Speakers...

[Noah03]

I currently own a Marantz SR7011. Around March I was considering upgrading my mains with a pair of Sonus Faber Venere Signature S’s. They are 4ohm, and have a sensitivity of 90db. In my current setup I have the SF 2.5’s which are 6ohm, I have no concern that the Marantz can drive them. I know theoretically the Marantz can drive the Signatures, but I want to make sure I am getting the full dynamic range of these speakers. Could anyone give some suggestions to what amp would be good without breaking the bank? I have been reading a ton of stuff in this forum and others, but am not sure. I know Monoprice has the new monolith series, but I was curious about other options as well. Would Crown pro-amps work?

 

[lovinthehd]

I'd think the Crown XLS 1502 would be an ideal candidate and quite cost effective. I have several 1500s and no complaints. On the other hand, if you're not turning up the volume to the point an external amp is necessary....

Happy New Year and welcome to the forums...

 

[Noah03]

Thanks for the quick response and the welcome! I have never really considred crown amps until I started looking into the new amp issue. Also, Crowns are made in my hometown. I remember as a kid driving past the factory. I was also looking at odyssey, ATI and outlaw, but I know cost wise the Crowns blow those out of the water. I wonder why more pro amps are not used. I have read fan noise can be an issue, but I think it is very minimal. Is that your experience?

 

[lovinthehd]

The fan noise on the Crowns I've never noticed, even very close up, you really have to work at it IME. You sure the amps are still made locally? Pretty sure they're sourced in China now. There's a general stigma about pro gear use...."audiophiles" are kinda touchy about that at times.

 

[Mikado463]

what's your budget ? as far as fans, not a 'fan', they never get quieter for one thing.

 

[lovinthehd]

what's your budget ? as far as fans, not a 'fan', they never get quieter for one thing.

How would you know if you don't use them? Maybe the bearings "burn in" and become more musical....never know.

 

[Mikado463]

How would you know if you don't use them? Maybe the bearings "burn in" and become more musical....never know.

how dare you speak like some deranged audiophile.......

on the serious side, had an ARC amp years back with fan cooling and over time it became noticeable during softer passages.

 

[Noah03]

I have been looking at reviews and videos on line on the 1502. Man I am having a hard time justifying why you would not use a 1502. Granted they are not the most attractive of amps, but power wise they are off the charts. My sitting postition would be probably 8ish feet away from it so fan noise probably would not be an issue.
I have a set amount I am trying to spend for speakers and amp. I have looked at a number of speakers Salks, etc...But I already have a Sonus Faber setup so going with the Signature S’s just made sense. Although they hit my budget pretty hard, which limits Amp cash. Going with a crown would maybe enable me to add another sub to the system. Going with something like a Odyssey amp would use up all the funds I would have. I am a little confused on how to connect the crown to the Marantz. Not from the preout standpoint, but from the gain control on the 1502 itself.

 

[lovinthehd]

how dare you speak like some deranged audiophile.......

on the serious side, had an ARC amp years back with fan cooling and over time it became noticeable during softer passages.

LOL.

Don't know ARC but the Crown XLS Drivecore amps are vewy vewy quiet....their fans are just not an issue.

 

[lovinthehd]

I have been looking at reviews and videos on line on the 1502. Man I am having a hard time justifying why you would not use a 1502. Granted they are not the most attractive of amps, but power wise they are off the charts. My sitting postition would be probably 8ish feet away from it so fan noise probably would not be an issue.
I have a set amount I am trying to spend for speakers and amp. I have looked at a number of speakers Salks, etc...But I already have a Sonus Faber setup so going with the Signature S’s just made sense. Although they hit my budget pretty hard, which limits Amp cash. Going with a crown would maybe enable me to add another sub to the system. Going with something like a Odyssey amp would use up all the funds I would have. I am a little confused on how to connect the crown to the Marantz. Not from the preout standpoint, but from the gain control on the 1502 itself.

Well if you get the amp from someone with a satisfaction guaranteed type return policy it should be an easy test but I'm thinkig you likely wouldn't return it. Like any amp with a gain adjustment (like your subs if you use them) it's simply a way to match the line level output of your pre-amp to the amp. You set the gain/attenuation where you need it....consumer amps you usually get no gain adjustment and are simply stuck with what it is....

 

[Andrein]

Transformer noise and hiss in speakers sometimes are more noticable than fan noise...

 

[Noah03]

Most everyone I have read says the hiss is not noticeable at all. Could this be run through a power conditioner or surge protector? Or better to run directly from the wall?

 

[lovinthehd]

Most everyone I have read says the hiss is not noticeable at all. Could this be run through a power conditioner or surge protector? Or better to run directly from the wall?

That would depend on the units you're plugging into, mine go into a smart surge strip to turn on/off the amps with the avr (and note even though the 1502's have a trigger mechanism, the trigger is not the normal type found on consumer amps, a little funky to setup, my 1500s don't have that feature at all, tho). Don't see what a power conditioner would do for you as regards any inherent hiss in your electronics, though, but as long as it wouldn't restrict power, maybe.....never saw the need for one OTOH.

 

[Noah03]

Can I ask what strip you have?

 

[lovinthehd]

These https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006PUDQK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1, use 'em in two setups.

If you get the 1502 here's some info in this thread on setting up the trigger to work with your 7011's trigger....there are other more specific threads on the subject there, too, IIRC.

 

[Mikado463]

Transformer noise and hiss in speakers sometimes are more noticable than fan noise...

if your transformer noise is that apparent it's time for bulk trash ............

 

[Andrein]

if your transformer noise is that apparent it's time for bulk trash ............

Or it is a good quiet fan.