Amp choices to pair with new Integra 9.8

[ChicagoTC]

Yes I know, not another what amp thread, but here goes...

I picked up my Integra 9.8 on Saturday and so far all I've opened is the user manual. The Integra and amp will be replacing my Pioneer Elite 74TXVi and powering a 5.1 system with Axiom M60s fronts, VP150 center, QS8 surrounds, and SVS PB12-Plus/2 sub. I don't currently need or forsee a near future need to power 7 channels. I would however, like to "futureproof" myself as much as possible.

I'm interested in all opinions but especially those who already have a 9.8 up and running. I'm 90/10 movies/music and eventually will be moving the entire audio setup into a dedicated theater room.

I would really like to keep the amp under $1500 and don't mind used. After 3 days of research here is my current list

Anthem PVA-7
Sherwood Newcastle A-965
Sherbourn 7125
Adcom GFA-7607
Rotel RMB-1077 probably way over $1500
Emotiva IPS-1

 

[Seth=L]

Are you buying from an Internet retailer?

 

[ChicagoTC]

Based upon my current gear you would assume that, but I'm not set either way.
I bought the Axioms and SVS subs based totally on user opinions and I wasn't disappointed.

The Integra and Pioneer were both bought from a dealer. I heard the Integra powered by the Rotel through B&W 803s. It sounded very nice, but I have no way to hear any other combo.

 

[mazersteven]

You could get 5 Outlaw Mono Block 2200's for $1222

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/2200.html

 

[adk highlander]

I have the Onkyo 885 which is a clone of the Integra 9.8 and I am using an MPS-1 for an amp. I could not be more satisfied with the 885/MPS-1 combo.

The MPS-1/2 has the balanced inputs so you can take advantage of using them. Even there is no sound quality difference that I can tell, it does look cool. One of the other nice things about the MPS is that it runs very cool. I have never heard the fans come on or even felt it get warm. The 885/9.8 gets very hot so give it several inches on the top and room on the sides as well. The IPS would be a good choice as well and should stay cool as it uses the same class of amp that is in the MPS.

I upgraded from a 72txv and was supprised at the difference is sound quality. With the 885/9.8 I heard much more detail in music and movies.

I don't know what sources you are using with the 9.8, but the REON does a great job for upscaling SD DVD's and TV.

Did you check to make sure it has the most recent firmware?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You could get 5 Outlaw Mono Block 2200's for $1222

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/2200.html

I second the Outlaw Audio Mono Blocks.

 

[ChicagoTC]

thanks for the feedback so far, Outlaw was the one option I forgot to mention. I like the idea of monoblocks however, I really don't have the space for them until the dedicated room is ready.

I can definitely add the 7125 or 7500 to my list.

 

[Rickster71]

I'll have to second the nomination, for the Emotiva MPS-1
I have that unit, and agree with ADK Highlander.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'll have to second the nomination, for the Emotiva MPS-1
I have that unit, and agree with ADK Highlander.

Emotiva and Outlaw seem to be the 2 choices to me.

 

[erick.s]

I have a Sunfire Cinema Grande 200~7 that will be used with my 9.8 if I ever get it.

 

[jcPanny]

Emotiva amps.

I have the low end emotiva LPA-1 amp. They will have a new 200 Watt x 5 channel amp out soon for a very reasonable price (<$800). If you end up buying a 7 channel amp you could use 2 channels to bi-amp the mains or to power a distributed audio system.

 

[ChicagoTC]

Ok I just bought the Emotiva IPS-1, I figured for $900 is worth a shot. I had narrowed it down to the IPS-1 and Outlaw 7125. I figured the Emotiva had 25 more wpc and was less expensive so why not.

Erick,

I know a dealer in Philly who had one in stock. He took my order then realized he couldn't ship to Chicago for whatever reason. Shoot me a PM if you want his info.

 

[wire]

Ok I just bought the Emotiva IPS-1, I figured for $900 is worth a shot. I had narrowed it down to the IPS-1 and Outlaw 7125. I figured the Emotiva had 25 more wpc and was less expensive so why not.

Erick,

I know a dealer in Philly who had one in stock. He took my order then realized he couldn't ship to Chicago for whatever reason. Shoot me a PM if you want his info.

Yeh , off topic abit . Emotiva ?
Why is priced so good , H classed amps . Is all there gear built in China ? To get such good pricing ?
ChicagoTC , looks like a choice , lets us know the outcome and how they you like the Amp .

 

[erick.s]

Erick,

I know a dealer in Philly who had one in stock. He took my order then realized he couldn't ship to Chicago for whatever reason. Shoot me a PM if you want his info.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to stick with my dealer. He gave me a good price and has been honest with me. I'm just getting impatient after 3 months waiting.

 

[zippy]

Linkwitz Orion Speakers

I second the Outlaw Audio Mono Blocks.

I see you have the Linkwitz and the Revel Salon - top choices of The Audio Critic. Anything you can say about the two in comparison? How about amplification for the Orion? I know it is a bit tricky, maybe needing two or three or even four amps to provide the 8 channels.