Question: Amp or No-Amp

[spikedfuel]

With the following config: Would you use the amp? or just go off the receiver?

Yamaha RX-V659 (RMS 100W X 7)

Adcom GFA-545II (Continuous 100W X 2)
http://www.adcom.com/data/manuals/gfa545IImanual.pdf
(specs are on page 11)

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

With the following config: Would you use the amp? or just go off the receiver?

Yamaha RX-V659 (RMS 100W X 7)

Adcom GFA-545II (Continuous 100W X 2)
http://www.adcom.com/data/manuals/gfa545IImanual.pdf
(specs are on page 11)

1) Are you an audioholic?
2) If your answer to question #1 is YES, then, of course, you must use the amp!

 

[j_garcia]

Use the amp. Absolutely no question.

 

[spikedfuel]

OK! Thanks for your input! Could either of you help me out with the "why"? I guess I'm not seeing difference since both are 100W output.

 

[j_garcia]

Try it both ways and I think you will understand why. 100 Yamaha watts does not necessarily equal 100 Adcom watts. The Adcom does only one thing - amplifiy, thus all of its real estate and gear is dedicated to doing just that. Compared to the receiver, which has a lot of other stuff to do in that same box, which means tradeoffs must be made to fit all of those features they think we all want.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

What the heck are we powering here?

Agreed, amp the mains and let the 659 supply the power to the center and surrounds.

 

[spikedfuel]

What the heck are we powering here?

For now - would power two Ascend Sierra-1 mains (still building the system as $$/space allows)

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Good start...Enjoy!

For now - would power two Ascend Sierra-1 mains (still building the system as $$/space allows)

 

[spikedfuel]

*tear* now if they would only ship the speakers *tear* I'll be able to start plugging things in!

seems the ladies & gents @ Ascend are a little busy

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

T

100 Yamaha watts does not necessarily equal 100 Adcom watts.

In terms of the famous "ALL CHANNELS DRIVEN", this is true with ALL receivers, except for Harman Kardon receivers!

For example, a 100 wpc receiver x 7 is more like 40 wpc with "all channels driven".

However, a lot of people don't believe that all channels are always driven at the same time, so it might not be an issue.

But like Greg says, it all depends on the speakers you are using.

However, regardless, most audioholics must have that separate external amp.

I mean, come on, what's to distinguish us from non-audioholics?

 

[Thaedium]

I mean, come on, what's to distinguish us from non-audioholics?

Interest and Awareness

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Interest and Awareness

I knew that. I was just testing you.

 

[Soundman]

Try it both ways and I think you will understand why. 100 Yamaha watts does not necessarily equal 100 Adcom watts. The Adcom does only one thing - amplifiy, thus all of its real estate and gear is dedicated to doing just that. Compared to the receiver, which has a lot of other stuff to do in that same box, which means tradeoffs must be made to fit all of those features they think we all want.

Absolutely! This is very true. Also remember that even if the Yamaha watts were rated the same as the Adcom, it would still be a benefit to use the Adcom amp, especially for muti-channel playback. By integrating the amp, it allows your Yamaha to not have to work as hard, so it will only have to drive 3 channels instead of 5 (assuming you were using it for 5.1 surround). Or only have to use 5 channels instead of 7. You see what I mean. The point is that by not driving it as hard, it will give you better, cleaner sound.

 

[j_garcia]

I run all 4 Ohm speakers, so amps were a must for me The main reason is I ask a lot of my system, so by letting the mains be run off separate amps, the receiver only has to handle the other 3. Think of it sort of like giving your receiver an extra set of legs

 

[mtrycrafts]

... 100 Yamaha watts does not necessarily equal 100 Adcom watts. .

You mean they test it differently and use different standards?
If the Yam is rated for that in continuous operation, then that is what it will output to however many channels they rate it for individually, in stereo or whatnot.

 

[mtrycrafts]

...
However, a lot of people don't believe that all channels are always driven at the same time, so it might not be an issue.

When are they ever driven all at the same instant some of the time? Never heard of such source material with that requirement

 

[j_garcia]

You mean they test it differently and use different standards?
If the Yam is rated for that in continuous operation, then that is what it will output to however many channels they rate it for individually, in stereo or whatnot.

I didn't check specs, but I have a feeling they are not rated the same. If both were rated using the same exact specs, I'd expect the Yammie to have a lower actual output.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I didn't check specs, but I have a feeling they are not rated the same. If both were rated using the same exact specs, I'd expect the Yammie to have a lower actual output.

A preconceived notion that Yam would be fudging their specs. After all, it is a mass market company.
Sorry, your feelings did you no good this time.

AH has a very nice review of this Yam, actually, and they measured it.
In reality it seems it is better than the published specs and a very good power delivery component at that, even into 4 Ohms.

 

[mtrycrafts]

With the following config: Would you use the amp? or just go off the receiver?

Yamaha RX-V659 (RMS 100W X 7)

Adcom GFA-545II (Continuous 100W X 2)
http://www.adcom.com/data/manuals/gfa545IImanual.pdf
(specs are on page 11)

What is the speaker load? Impedance and sensitivity?
How far away do you listen from? How loud?

Checking the measured data on that Yam, that is a workhorse of an amp.
AH has a review of it at home page. Check it out.

 

[j_garcia]

A preconceived notion that Yam would be fudging their specs. After all, it is a mass market company.
Sorry, your feelings did you no good this time.

AH has a very nice review of this Yam, actually, and they measured it.
In reality it seems it is better than the published specs and a very good power delivery component at that, even into 4 Ohms.

I read the review and yes it did get good marks. I still doubt that it will outperform the Adcom. We've also seen that at least one person who frequents here was able to push it to the point where damage occurred to the speakers, so that means that while it may be capable, it isn't a beast.