denon avr x3600h with which old amp for preout ? Kenwood or Realistic

[bluedoor]

kenwood stereo power amplifier basic m1d or realistic spa-100 ? I would like to power my front channel speakers with an external amp and have found these two amps for a great deal. The kenwood is rated for 125wpc channel and can power 4 speakers . The realistic is 100wpc and needs no preamp ,powers 2 speakers and looks to be built like a tank ,huge heat sinks on sides and equalizers for each channel, i found a link that said pioneer made these realistic spa-100 amps. Dont have tons of money for expensive amp but found these and thought they might work well for now. Any options would be appreciated im a novice. Cheers and thanks ahead for any info.

 

[lovinthehd]

First, why a power amp particularly? What are the details of the speakers you use? What's your budget?

Well the Kenwood looks to be a power amp with A and B speaker capability, but keep in mind that if you run four speakers simultaneously you have a limit on the impedance of the speakers to keep the amp happy (A and B is more intended for separate use in different rooms than simultaneously).

The Realistic I don't see a manual for but sounds like an integrated amp, you sure it has the option of being used as a power amp (hopefully but no guarantee)?

 

[bluedoor]

Presently i have a 4 speaker set of old radius 1 speakers 12w rms 75w with 1600hz crossover. I would like a modern set of front tower speakers maybe 125w or so. and maybe willing to spend $800cad. The new reciever i have has 2 channels that can be powered with external amp and some more powerful speakers would be nice. Receiver is 9.2 capable of 11.2 rated at 105wpc but drops as surround is added. I can pick up one of these amps for like 40 bucks and want to save some money for speakers. Just trying to build up a system for cheap now. In fact i wouldn't hook up my old speakers to an external amp until i had new front towers. I will give you a link that shows the realistic i saw.

http://orleans.canadianlisted.com/audio-and-video/rare-professional-realistic-spa-100-100-watts-amplifier-all-metal_4287993.html

not from this seller but same unit. Both these old amps seem to be fairly well regarded from what i can see but then again im new to this.

 

[Truthslayer]

First, why a power amp particularly? What are the details of the speakers you use? What's your budget?

Well the Kenwood looks to be a power amp with A and B speaker capability, but keep in mind that if you run four speakers simultaneously you have a limit on the impedance of the speakers to keep the amp happy (A and B is more intended for separate use in different rooms than simultaneously).

The Realistic I don't see a manual for but sounds like an integrated amp, you sure it has the option of being used as a power amp (hopefully but no guarantee)?

They are both just power amps. Only difference being that realistic one he is referring to has a built in EQ (different I know ) but is still just an amp.

Question then would be does he have a preamp or AVR that he can use to drive either amp he has listed.

 

[lovinthehd]

They are both just power amps. Only difference being that realistic one he is referring to has a built in EQ (different I know ) but is still just an amp.

Question then would be does he have a preamp or AVR that he can use to drive either amp he has listed.

That's why I asked why he wants a power amp....interesting about the Realistic, a power amp with just an eq built in....don't think I ever saw something like that. I don't think I'd want that added complexity/potential problems in a power amp.

ps LOL forgot he has Denon 3600 in his thread title.....

 

[bluedoor]

I think the kenwood usually has a preamp with it. The realistic seems to be able to run with no preamp. The receiver i have is a new model this year. I saw a review on audioholics as the best reciever in around $1000 this year and the preout function was well regarded. Denon avr x3600h. When i pick the realistic up its a beast.

 

[Truthslayer]

That's why I asked why he wants a power amp....interesting about the Realistic, a power amp with just an eq built in....don't think I ever saw something like that. I don't think I'd want that added complexity/potential problems in a power amp.

ps LOL forgot he has Denon 3600 in his thread title.....

Ya I guess I didn't see he had the Denon either. (lol) As far as I know that realistic with the eq built in, is unique to say the least. I've heard some people really liked them and some others, well ummm.

 

[lovinthehd]

Presently i have a 4 speaker set of old radius 1 speakers 12w rms 75w with 1600hz crossover. I would like a modern set of front tower speakers maybe 125w or so. and maybe willing to spend $800cad. The new reciever i have has 2 channels that can be powered with external amp and some more powerful speakers would be nice. Receiver is 9.2 capable of 11.2 rated at 105wpc but drops as surround is added. I can pick up one of these amps for like 40 bucks and want to save some money for speakers. Just trying to build up a system for cheap now. In fact i wouldn't hook up my old speakers to an external amp until i had new front towers. I will give you a link that shows the realistic i saw.

http://orleans.canadianlisted.com/audio-and-video/rare-professional-realistic-spa-100-100-watts-amplifier-all-metal_4287993.html

not from this seller but same unit. Both these old amps seem to be fairly well regarded from what i can see but then again im new to this.

First thing stop referring to speakers by their wattage ratings, they're mostly useless except as indicators of speakers' melting points. Each individual channel of your avr has a discrete amp, and it is unlikely they will all be asked to do the same power level at the same time so ACD (all channels driven) ratings are not all that useful either. Sensitivity and impedance of your speakers are much better guidelines, along with how far away from the speakers you are, as to amp needs. I'd start with your avr alone until you settle on speakers rather than worry about the amp at this point. You might also consider something like a new Crown XLS1502, more power, has a warranty....

 

[Truthslayer]

I think the kenwood usually has a preamp with it. The realistic seems to be able to run with no preamp. The receiver i have is a new model this year. I saw a review on audioholics as the best reciever in around $1000 this year and the preout function was well regarded. Denon avr x3600h. When i pick the realistic up its a beast.

Both need a preamp. However your Denon will act as the preamp you need.

 

[lovinthehd]

I think the kenwood usually has a preamp with it. The realistic seems to be able to run with no preamp. The receiver i have is a new model this year. I saw a review on audioholics as the best reciever in around $1000 this year and the preout function was well regarded. Denon avr x3600h. When i pick the realistic up its a beast.

Power amps don't necessarily need a pre-amp, but pre-amps give you switching among sources and volume and tone control generally. Nice when a power amp also has gain control for flexibility with various pre-amps....

 

[bluedoor]

all good info ,asking questions is the way you learn. Like i said im no expert. Thanks for options and equipment recommendations. I lwill ook up your crown recommendations. There are so many amp manufactures that i have never heard of. Thought both of you may have some knowledge of these older amps. Any more suggestions really appreciated. cheers

 

[Truthslayer]

all good info ,asking questions is the way you learn. Like i said im no expert. Thanks for options and equipment recommendations. I lwill ook up your crown recommendations. There are so many amp manufactures that i have never heard of. Thought both of you may have some knowledge of these older amps. Any more suggestions really appreciated. cheers

Nothing wrong with asking questions. No question is a dumb question. That's how we learn. Just read up on all of your options so you can make the best informed decision for your needs.

 

[lovinthehd]

Questions and research are the ticket in audio. Old amps I'm not so enamored of particularly, unless really cheap so if they have issues I'm not in too deep if repairs are needed. The Crown amps are more utilitarian and not particularly "pretty" but the performance is far beyond either unit you're considering and I can pickup a 1502 for USD 400, don't know what they go for up your way (plus comes with a warranty altho I've never needed one for my XLS amps and mine are all expired now; I have four XLS 1500s)