Amplifier to enable surround back speakers on Onkyo NR509?

[MikeLeone]

I could use some advice. My NR509 says that it will do 6.1 or 7.1 surround, but to do that, I would need to connect an amplifier to the pre-outs and run those speaker(s) from that amplifier (if I understand it correctly). I've never used a separate amplifier, just receivers.

So can somebody expand a bit on what I need, and perhaps a recommendation on what to get? I'm guessing that since all I'm really looking for is something to power 1 or 2 surround back speakersspeakers, I don't really need something high end or really powerful. I'd need an amplifier with pre-out inputs? And connections for at least 2 speakers, of course. The NR509 is an 80 watt receiver, I believe.

Thanks in advance

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I could use some advice. My NR509 says that it will do 6.1 or 7.1 surround, but to do that, I would need to connect an amplifier to the pre-outs and run those speaker(s) from that amplifier (if I understand it correctly). I've never used a separate amplifier, just receivers.

So can somebody expand a bit on what I need, and perhaps a recommendation on what to get? I'm guessing that since all I'm really looking for is something to power 1 or 2 surround back speakersspeakers, I don't really need something high end or really powerful. I'd need an amplifier with pre-out inputs? And connections for at least 2 speakers, of course. The NR509 is an 80 watt receiver, I believe.

Thanks in advance

What are the speakers you intend to use for surr back?

This amp SHOULD be fine with speaker with 8 or 6 ohm impedance, but not with 4 ohm

 

[jonnythan]

Good call, I'd recommend the same unit.

You can also check Craigslist. I often see people selling older 2-channel amplifiers. Amp technology hasn't really changed much in the past 20 years - a 100 watt x 2 channel amplifier made in 1985 does the same thing as a 100 watt x 2 channel amp made in 2011. For example, there's a circa 1986 NAD 3155 (55wx2 @ 20-20k Hz, 0.03% distortion, with 3dB headroom) for $50 near me right now.

The Dayton is a bit of a different beast, being a Class T, but it'll work quite well with your surrounds.

 

[MikeLeone]

What are the speakers you intend to use for surr back?

This amp SHOULD be fine with speaker with 8 or 6 ohm impedance, but not with 4 ohm

My main speakers are Pioneers, so I would be re-using my old speakers, which are a set of KLH HT-60 (believe that's the model number) satellite speakers. They're either 6 or 8 ohm. Eventually I may buy a pair of Pioneer BS21s for these, if I decide to go this route.

Thanks; I will check that out.

 

[jonnythan]

My main speakers are Pioneers, so I would be re-using my old speakers, which are a set of KLH HT-60 (believe that's the model number) satellite speakers. They're either 6 or 8 ohm. Eventually I may buy a pair of Pioneer BS21s for these, if I decide to go this route.

Thanks; I will check that out.

Those are 8 ohms looking at the picture on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/KLH-HT-60-6-Piece-Theater-Speaker/dp/B00004SY4D/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

 

[MikeLeone]

Good call, I'd recommend the same unit.

Hmm .. If I set this amp to a certain volume on this amp, and change the volume on the Onkyo, it will change the volume coming from the speakers connected to this amp by the same percentage, right?

 

[jonnythan]

Yes it will.

 

[MikeLeone]

Yes it will.

Excellent. I saw the volume control on the amp, and wondered. I wouldn't want to have to go to it to change the volume from those 2 speakers, when I could change the volume from all the others with the remote.

Thanks. I will think about it. Not sure how much I want those 2 back speakers, as I'd have to run a couple more wires under the floorboards to connect the speakers on the other side of the room. Still, at least I know my options.

Thanks