2 Channel amp for bookshelf speakers

[Tungsten06GT]

Well, I'm focusing my efforts on pimping out the bedroom now. I'm going to be putting a 32" lcd in, and was thinking of doing a simple 2 channel bookshelf setup (and possibly a sub too) with some kind of pre-amp. I was quite intrigued by EMP's tube amplifier, but what would be some other routes to go? Thanks

 

[lsiberian]

Well, I'm focusing my efforts on pimping out the bedroom now. I'm going to be putting a 32" lcd in, and was thinking of doing a simple 2 channel bookshelf setup (and possibly a sub too) with some kind of pre-amp. I was quite intrigued by EMP's tube amplifier, but what would be some other routes to go? Thanks

2 channel amp = Yamaha P2500

It's fantastic. If you want vintage look up rotel amps from the 90s.

 

[walter duque]

For stereo sound I still like the old Threshold Amps. I still own one and they do sound fantasic and are build like tank.
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1271612325&/Threshold-Stasis-II-with-extra

 

[Tungsten06GT]

2 channel amp = Yamaha P2500

It's fantastic. If you want vintage look up rotel amps from the 90s.

Thanks, that Yamaha looks pretty cool, but perhaps a little overkill. This would be something to add a little spice to the room, just to have better sound quality rather than the tv speakers. I was definitely thinking smaller bookshelf speakers and the ability to hook up a small sub, so I probably don't need all that power.

Any other suggestions?

 

[j_garcia]

You could always go with one of these: http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html

Variable x-over for the sub, something that few if any stereo receivers or integrated amps have.

 

[GlocksRock]

how about this, it's basically the same thing as the old Emotiva BPA-1

http://store.audioholics.com/product/1956/0/dayton-audio-apa150-150w-power-amplifier

 

[Knucklehead90]

How about a receiver? Harman Kardon on ebay is selling a lot of 3490 stereo receivers for very good prices. You'd have AM/FM and optical/coax inputs as well. And it has no problem driving 4ohm speakers. I have the smaller 3390 with a pair of Emotiva ERM-1s and a 12" DIY sub. It sounds very good.

 

[KEW]

Well, I'm focusing my efforts on pimping out the bedroom now. I'm going to be putting a 32" lcd in, and was thinking of doing a simple 2 channel bookshelf setup (and possibly a sub too) with some kind of pre-amp. I was quite intrigued by EMP's tube amplifier, but what would be some other routes to go? Thanks

The tube amp line level outputs don't seem well suited for use with a sub (it runs hot), but as long as your sub has speaker level inputs you are fine (most do). Read the Audioholic review of it, if you haven't. It is not a bad amp, but make sure it'll do what you want.

How large is your room and what (how efficient) are the speakers of choice?
If you are considering, the EMP 41se/b that are sold with the tube amp, I have these and highly recommend them.

It sounds like you are looking for a receiver/integrated amp without HT processing abilities. Is that correct.

I guess I'd be inclined to go vintage. Assuming you are correct in believing 40 WPC would be adequate and you don't need a remote, the world is your oyster!!!
By that I mean no one wants the cool old gear with less than ~80 WPC, so you can get them for chump change. Back in the day, watts weren't as cheap as now and 50 Watts was often a high quality unit. True, its possible one might crap out on you before long, but they've held up this long and we're not talking much money.

Here are some examples:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1271858946&/Yamaha-CR-840-a-classic-receiv (60WPC - I love the look of the old Yamahas)

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1272205451&/Luxman-L-3-integrated-amp (Luxman! 35WPC per Audiogon database; seller say 30)

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1270678733&/Akai-AM2450-Integrated-Amplifi (50WPC)

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1270137373&/Proton-AM-455-Integrated-Amp (50WPC)

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1270099894&/Harman-Kardon-A-401-Integrated (20WPC)

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?intatran&1267236803 (30WPC)

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1270013247&/Sansui-5000A-Receiver (55WPC)

Okay, so I got carried away! I love this old stuff!

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Wow thanks this is all great stuff!

I think the Outlaw receiver is a little out of my budget. I was thinking the maximum ~400 like the EMP tube amp is. But, seeing these other choices is making me reconsider.

I definitely like the idea of possibly the Harman Kardon receiver. That would probably be more than enough power for what I'm trying to do. The Dayton doesn't have a sub out, so I think I'll pass on that. And, while the vintage stuff is cool, I'm not sure it's the route I want to go... heh.

And speaker choice, still unsure about that. I was pretty interested in the "budget bookshelf shootout." If I could stay around 2-300 for speakers, that wouldn't be too bad..

 

[Tungsten06GT]

The Dayton doesn't have a sub out, so I think I'll pass on that.

Just realized for the Dayton, I would use the RCA out and then adjust the low pass filter. Duh! My bad...

 

[wire]

Well, I'm focusing my efforts on pimping out the bedroom now. I'm going to be putting a 32" lcd in, and was thinking of doing a simple 2 channel bookshelf setup (and possibly a sub too) with some kind of pre-amp. I was quite intrigued by EMP's tube amplifier, but what would be some other routes to go? Thanks

I run a Onix sp3 in my room , very nice . http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1270514193&/Onix-SP3-melody-mkii-unopened-
Ive seen used go much cheaper than the link

 

[Jeff R.]

I second the HK option. I bought my HK 3490 about 1 year ago and love it. I got it from www.jr.com, it think I paid about $350-375. It has serious power for the price. All the digital inputs you need and sub out. The only negative is that is does not have any bass management system, so the speaker will play full range, unless you run the speaker wires through the sub and let it cross over for you. You may want to check out www.accessories4ess.com They usually have some great deals on refub Marantz receivers that may suit your need.

 

[Chicagorep]

http://parasound.com/ParasoundZ/zampv3.php
http://parasound.com/ParasoundZ/zpre2.php

This is my bedroom setup and it sounds awesome

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Ok let me back up one second. Basic question, if I'm not looking for any video processing since I'm just plugging coax into the back of my tv, then wouldn't I just want an integrated amplifier and not a full receiver?

 

[Chicagorep]

Ok let me back up one second. Basic question, if I'm not looking for any video processing since I'm just plugging coax into the back of my tv, then wouldn't I just want an integrated amplifier and not a full receiver?

Only if your audio outputs on your TV can control the volume output at the RCA's, if not you need a way to control the volume. That's why I have the Z-pre in my system. Well that and I have my Ipod plug into it, so I use it for source selection too

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Here is the back of my tv, Samsung LN32B360. Nothing special I know, but I still wanted to get decent sound somehow. So, there's an RCA audio out, or Optical. I only have the coax cable plugged in.. Are there any receivers where I'd be able to go straight coax in?

I'm really confused about what my options are.. sorry! Please help! haha

 

[j_garcia]

Only if your audio outputs on your TV can control the volume output at the RCA's, if not you need a way to control the volume. That's why I have the Z-pre in my system. Well that and I have my Ipod plug into it, so I use it for source selection too

No, an integrated amplifier has a preamp section so you don't need anything in between. A stereo receiver might have video switching as well, but integrated amps typically do not.

Here is the back of my tv, Samsung LN32B360. Nothing special I know, but I still wanted to get decent sound somehow. So, there's an RCA audio out, or Optical. I only have the coax cable plugged in.. Are there any receivers where I'd be able to go straight coax in?

I'm really confused about what my options are.. sorry! Please help! haha

I believe that is the same TV I have in my second system. You simply connect the R&L stereo outs to any stereo input on the integrated amp and it will work. I use my Marantz PM7200 integrated in my second system: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=681615&postcount=30

 

[Chicagorep]

Ok let me back up one second. Basic question, if I'm not looking for any video processing since I'm just plugging coax into the back of my tv, then wouldn't I just want an integrated amplifier and not a full receiver?

I stand corrected, I glazed over the word integrated and saw only amplifier. An integrated amp will work.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Can anyone comment on the Pioneer Elite stereo amplifiers, either the A-35R or the M-10X? I've got the Elite 21txh already and love it, so it could be kind of cool to stay with the same brand..

 

[Tungsten06GT]

It looks like those Pioneers may be older perhaps? Can't find them anywhere.

But, what about entry level Yamaha or Onkyo, like the RX-397 or TX-8255? They don't have a sub out so would I just run the speaker wires in parallel to speaker in on the sub?