Good (budget) 2-channel amp?

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dannylongshanks

dannylongshanks

Enthusiast
So your running a 7.2.4 setup? you have two Subs? Your 1st post doesn’t Exactly say if you have all that, just said you looking around, so what gear do you have? or you looking to get into Atmos? If so do you have the Source yet? like 4K blu-ray player or 1080 blu-ray player? TV? 4K? or lesser? Budget? Limitless a limited? Room size? A Dedicated HT room? living room where everyone hangs out in?
So for the details, I'm currently running 5.1.2 with a Denon S920W and Monoprice 10565 speaker set (plus two in-ceiling speakers). The Denon AVR-X3600H is only about 80 watts per channel at 8 ohms when pushing 5 channels (according to Audioholics testing), so will be less when pushing all 9 right? The speaker set from Pioneer I'm looking at is 6 ohm, and the front towers are 130 watts (and the surrounds are about 80-90 at 6 ohm). That's why I'm thinking the Monoprice amp, because it will do 100 watts at 8 ohm or about 133 watts at 6 ohms per channel, so it seems like that would be a good pairing (at least trying to get a better setup on a budget).

Let me know what you think.

Thanks!
 
Pogre

Pogre

Audioholic Slumlord
So for the details, I'm currently running 5.1.2 with a Denon S920W and Monoprice 10565 speaker set (plus two in-ceiling speakers). The Denon AVR-X3600H is only about 80 watts per channel at 8 ohms when pushing 5 channels (according to Audioholics testing), so will be less when pushing all 9 right? The speaker set from Pioneer I'm looking at is 6 ohm, and the front towers are 130 watts (and the surrounds are about 80-90 at 6 ohm). That's why I'm thinking the Monoprice amp, because it will do 100 watts at 8 ohm or about 133 watts at 6 ohms per channel, so it seems like that would be a good pairing (at least trying to get a better setup on a budget).

Let me know what you think.

Thanks!
Those wattage ratings are pretty meaningless. 2 channel driven @ 8 ohms is the one I pay most attention to. As far as "pushing all 9", unless you're a fan of playing sine waves in all channel stereo mode that's a scenario that you'd almost never experience.

Did you play around with the spl calculator I posted earlier?


It takes a lot of watts to make any kind of significant difference. If I were looking to amp my fronts I would want to get as close to doubling my power as possible (make it worth it), and if budget is too tight then I'd get the smaller amp and put it on surround or atmos duty.
 
dannylongshanks

dannylongshanks

Enthusiast
Those wattage ratings are pretty meaningless. 2 channel driven @ 8 ohms is the one I pay most attention to. As far as "pushing all 9", unless you're a fan of playing sine waves in all channel stereo mode that's a scenario that you'd almost never experience.

Did you play around with the spl calculator I posted earlier?


It takes a lot of watts to make any kind of significant difference. If I were looking to amp my fronts I would want to get as close to doubling my power as possible (make it worth it), and if budget is too tight then I'd get the smaller amp and put it on surround or atmos duty.
Haven't checked yet but I definitely will. I think what I don't understand is when you say double the power. I wouldn't want to push 200 watts per channel to speakers that say 130 watt max would I? Or am I missing something (which is why I'm asking the question...I thought the goal was to match wattage between the amp and speakers)?

Thanks!
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
dannylongshanks

dannylongshanks

Enthusiast
Okay, I see what you are saying. So, in this case, I could get this 2-channel Monoprice amp that is 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms (or ~200 watts per channel 6 ohm) to pair with the 130 watt 6 ohm front towers and be okay so long as I don't crank it (which I really shouldn't do anyway, given how small this room is)? Basically are you saying that will (ultimately) give me better sound/performance from those speakers than the 100 watt per channel at 8 ohms?
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Okay, I see what you are saying. So, in this case, I could get this 2-channel Monoprice amp that is 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms (or ~200 watts per channel 6 ohm) to pair with the 130 watt 6 ohm front towers and be okay so long as I don't crank it (which I really shouldn't do anyway, given how small this room is)? Basically are you saying that will (ultimately) give me better sound/performance from those speakers than the 100 watt per channel at 8 ohms?
You could use either amp, as to whether it offers better performance depends on your actual use. I'd generally put the more powerful amp on the mains as that's where the biggest demands will be. Having more power than you need is better than the other way around....and just using the volume knob sensibly will keep you out of trouble....but drunken parties turning it up to 11, who knows....
 
dannylongshanks

dannylongshanks

Enthusiast
You could use either amp, as to whether it offers better performance depends on your actual use. I'd generally put the more powerful amp on the mains as that's where the biggest demands will be. Having more power than you need is better than the other way around....and just using the volume knob sensibly will keep you out of trouble....but drunken parties turning it up to 11, who knows....
Cool. I'll do it man. Thanks again! And yeah, I have kids, so accidents happen. Thankfully you can set an electronic limiter on the Denon receiver to not go above a certain amount AND I have it automatically turn on at HALF of that volume. Pretty handy setting for a parent.
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Cool. I'll do it man. Thanks again! And yeah, I have kids, so accidents happen. Thankfully you can set an electronic limiter on the Denon receiver to not go above a certain amount AND I have it automatically turn on at HALF of that volume. Pretty handy setting for a parent.
Heck that setting is useful for single curmudgeons like myself, too. I have my startup volume set to -40dB, and max of 0 even just for myself (and for my outdoor speakers a max of -20dB :) ). You realize your avr volume control is not linear but rather logarithmic? i.e. "half" is every 3dB :)
 
Pogre

Pogre

Audioholic Slumlord
Cool. I'll do it man. Thanks again! And yeah, I have kids, so accidents happen. Thankfully you can set an electronic limiter on the Denon receiver to not go above a certain amount AND I have it automatically turn on at HALF of that volume. Pretty handy setting for a parent.
Don't get too wrapped up with speaker power specs. The ones that count the most are sensitivity (more sensitive speakers take less power to play loud, A LOT less power) and resistance. Your speakers are 6 ohm speakers, but most any decent receiver should do fine with them and you have a very decent receiver. The reality is for most casual listening most folks don't use more than 1 watt. Matching amps and speakers isn't as complicated as you think.
 
Pogre

Pogre

Audioholic Slumlord
Heck that setting is useful for single curmudgeons like myself, too. I have my startup volume set to -40dB, and max of 0 even just for myself (and for my outdoor speakers a max of -20dB :) ). You realize your avr volume control is not linear but rather logarithmic? i.e. "half" is every 3dB :)
That's exactly where I have my limits set too!
 
G

Gmoney

Audioholic Ninja
Heck that setting is useful for single curmudgeons like myself, too. I have my startup volume set to -40dB, and max of 0 even just for myself (and for my outdoor speakers a max of -20dB :) ). You realize your avr volume control is not linear but rather logarithmic? i.e. "half" is every 3dB :)
Loveinthehd, please tell us why your (curmudgeons) (taken out of context).
it’s really SAD (Cheap shot, to say the least.. (Must be the meds.)
Please stay.on the OP’s Topic. No one needs to know how Dishearteningi it can be watch you fall all over the place. Just for your safety may I recommend them safety hands rails that you see in bathrooms that Handicap people use to hold onto when getting up from using a Toilet.
:cool:;):p

Assuming, someone doesn’t know the meaning or Definition or the Proper use in a Sentence. (Pun) Used in, Slang of the Proper use. :D (Curmudgeon) Definition: highly likely to Embrace distrustful views: (Chris, I really didn’t know You Suffer this, my bad man. All this time on AH I thought you where just a mean person. Really Chris we All have Shortcomings and character defects. Nothing sad about that, That’s Human nature
I
 
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G

Gmoney

Audioholic Ninja
So for the details, I'm currently running 5.1.2 with a Denon S920W and Monoprice 10565 speaker set (plus two in-ceiling speakers). The Denon AVR-X3600H is only about 80 watts per channel at 8 ohms when pushing 5 channels (according to Audioholics testing), so will be less when pushing all 9 right? The speaker set from Pioneer I'm looking at is 6 ohm, and the front towers are 130 watts (and the surrounds are about 80-90 at 6 ohm). That's why I'm thinking the Monoprice amp, because it will do 100 watts at 8 ohm or about 133 watts at 6 ohms per channel, so it seems like that would be a good pairing (at least trying to get a better setup on a budget).

Let me know what you think.

Thanks!
You have a starter HT setup no Pun Intended just my take your setup. So your wanting to upgrade just about everything right? What is it you want to replace first? Your AVR isn’t a lack, as much as there’s better to be had. If I may make a Suggestion? Keep your AVR, wait to buy a amp, Put as much coin on your LCR first. If you can not all three upfront? Than put all of your money into buyIng the best front L/R main speakers. Like ADTG. posted up on Another thread if you happen to hit Lottery or windfall of cash falls in your lap buy everything! get a Reference system. Don’t know what a Reference system is? See Gene owner of AH or ADTG and some other’s member on AH have Reference systems those cost tens of Thousands

Okay, getting back to Your Original first post on your thread. Chris and I have History to say the least. But to my Defense Loventhehd aka Chris did ask I give him my answer, when I posted up (Audiophile) which I do know the Definition of and what it stands for. It was used as (Pun) . a shot at lower end amps. Meaning No Audiophile would Consider a lowerend amp or the company who made them didn’t have a person of Audiophile types in mind. Most of those makers of amps like that will even use Slogans of we even put in or spec up with Audiophile- Quality. that’s just a Example Not Fact. Sure don’t want Chris biting my Ankles again like a little Chihuahua.. ;):)
 
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killdozzer

killdozzer

Audioholic Samurai
Wittgenstein once put it in quite a witty way:

The limits of my language are the limits of my world.
 

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G

Gmoney

Audioholic Ninja
Wittgenstein once put it in quite a witty way:

The limits of my language are the limits of my world.
@killdozzer, or how about just get (Mr. Audio-Correct) = Chris, :cool:;):p:)aka is a Expert in the field of Auto correction I bet Loveinthehd has a Big Red Botton next to his PC. I’m sure Chris is a great guy to chill out with and have a beer or two with. But he sure does remind me of that Mailman that worked for the Postal service on that Sitcom Cheers. Me? I remind myself of Norm! No way in hell would Norm drink any beer that tastes nasty. There are those who live to drink beer and there are those who drink beer to live. :)
 
Kvn_Walker

Kvn_Walker

Audioholic Field Marshall
I gotta say...this thread really went off the rails but it was a lot of fun to read.
At least you stuck around. I've seen threads where the OP never posted beyond the first page after two people went on bickering for dozens of posts. Such is the internet though.
 
G

Gmoney

Audioholic Ninja
Wittgenstein once put it in quite a witty way:

The limits of my language are the limits of my world.
And my advice to you would be not to think you be Special, Some of your guy’s really need to lighten up. Specs are great they are there for a reason. But what some don’t get on AH is not everyone that comes on AH wants to go to Electrical engineering school. Explaining something in layman’s terms isn’t something most can not do. You gave it a good shot but used most of what I posted up to go off of to take your best shot at me personally. Anyone who really believes a Recommendation from an Internet forum and I do mean any Including this one. Is asking to get taking cleaned. Genes site, anyone wanting a Expert opinion or facts explained on specs? Pay Gene! He is the Audio Engineer. As far as I’m Concern with post on this Forum Genes post, Threads are the Only ones that Qualify as Truth in Audio. The rest on here are guess to Genes website and Forum. No member Including older members are Not Qualified. until any members or member can post up a Photo of their Degree of Science that’s not been Photoshop. Everyone is just a Educated opinion at best on Genes Forum.
 
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Gmoney

Audioholic Ninja
At least you stuck around. I've seen threads where the OP never posted beyond the first page after two people went on bickering for dozens of posts. Such is the internet though.
OP, he is right Kvn-Walker, today was my turn to get hit. There have been many other members that have been Attacked not just me. A few older members believe they have a right of Passage to Browbeats, chastise even Bully and harass. What those older members do not realize is it Chases new members away. I have seen all out A lot worse even to the point of some say Gene needs to take his website back from a few older members who believe they are Special because of the time they’ve been on Genes forum. OP my Apologies, but yeah some funny s..t lolo
 
G

Gmoney

Audioholic Ninja
OK, otherwise it comes across as condescending.
Have you ever been to South Louisiana? If not? Than let me school you up on Slang use of words from folks down here, but I’ll use a little Cajun gravy on it ok?
Ready, now don’t let my Style of Slang use of words get passed you. Down here in Cajun country the people who have lived down here all their lives loves their culture like no other person in the world does. Lets take “ Culture” a way of a lifestyle that’s Uniquely Our way of life “Cuisine” food that’s uniquely ours. My use of “bottom feeder “ Catfish” it feeds on the very bottoms of the Bayou water ways here in Louisiana. Catfish are one of the Tasties fish you’ll ever eat. Cost is around 5 bucks on sale low price low-end food. Now let’s take Crawdads, or Crawfish or Crayfish again some of the Tastiest Little bugs you’ll ever eat. But they are a Bottom Feeder you’ll find those little “mudbugs” over there in that great big Bayou next to where Dey ran Dem long 4 road to Baton Rouge. That would be I-10 Interstate over the Atchafalaya basin. So I wasn’t trying to or Nor was it my intentions to make out I was Superior in anyway.
Please do not be Insulted for “ me” That would mean one you , lol using some of that Cajun gravy on you. :) You wouldn’t be the first on AH who doesn’t like or my even Hate Cajun slang, Don’t believe me? Check out Chris >Loveinthehds post to Make personal attacks on my post. Google: Cajun slang, I Highly recommend it while your at it check out some of what South Louisiana has to offer you may well be Pleasantly surprised. Who Dat!

Crazy Cajun Hot Sauce I Telya make you wanna slap your mama! I just put some of Dat Cajun gravy on you enjoy!
 
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Gmoney

Audioholic Ninja
They don't have trigger connections.
Research crown amps you may be Pleasantly surprised to find that down here in Cajun country dey are widely used and enjoyed. Man dat photo on your profile? Dats one Big Ant hill! Dats one of da Biggest I’ve ever seen! What like umm .0005 % of THD? That stands for in Cajun country The Hill Dear. lolo:p:D;)
 
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