Amplifiers for music? 4 ohm

[Jfs]

I am interested in a stereo amplifier for music. I would consider a multichannel that could be set for 2 channel. I have read that amplifiers that have good ratings for 4 ohm speakers are better to allow for dips in impedance or if I want to run 4 ohm speakers in the future. What kind of specs are good to look for? Any recommendations? Hoping to find something budget or retail up to $1000 if I can find a sale.

I understand 2 channel amps, but multichannel seems complicated. I am not familiar with all the terminology, and don't think I need all the options. What are good choices for my needs?

 

[lovinthehd]

Hard to know if you want just a 2ch setup or multi-ch. You could easily just use two ch for stereo on a multi-ch amp, or a full set of speakers for surround sound, or switch back and forth at will....up to you as to what your needs are.

Do you mean a receiver? Or an integrated amp? Or a power amp?

 

[Mikado463]

I understand 2 channel amps, but multichannel seems complicated. I am not familiar with all the terminology, and don't think I need all the options. What are good choices for my needs?

complicated ?? why / how if you understand a 2 channel amp ??

answer lovin's questions and you'll get all the help you could imagine .........

 

[Jfs]

Sorry for the confusion. I want something for stereo to listen to music. I could go for a 2 channel amp, either an integrated or a receiver. I also thought I could use a multichannel receiver and use it for stereo. I find the AVR receivers a little confusing with all the options since I haven't owned one; 2 channel seems more straight forward, but I could learn. Am thinking somewhere between 50- 100 watts depending on what I can find a deal on.

 

[MrBoat]

Sorry for the confusion. I want something for stereo to listen to music. I could go for a 2 channel amp, either an integrated or a receiver. I also thought I could use a multichannel receiver and use it for stereo. I find the AVR receivers a little confusing with all the options since I haven't owned one; 2 channel seems more straight forward, but I could learn. Am thinking somewhere between 50- 100 watts depending on what I can find a deal on.

If you look for a 2 channel, which is my preference as well, it would do you well to look for one that has a pre/sub outs at least and some bass management.

If not for the AVR's that I already have, I would get one of these.

I still may get one if they go on sale and I happen to have extra cash.

I am using an older multi channel AVR as a 2.1 system and I don't like fussy-fiddly things. Since we don't have to blow our whole wad at once, and can build onto a system as we learn it, and is nice to have the extra features. I never thought I would be interested in subwoofers and now I have 5. Thankfully, the AVR had the sub out capability and crossover options up to 200 hz because a lot of different speakers will now work in here.

 

[lovinthehd]

Nothing wrong with using an avr for even 2ch needs, and few 2ch units have bass management as avrs do. They're fairly cost effective compared to a lot of 2ch stuff....take Mr Boat's example, that's an $800 two ch receiver, and does have some bass management, albeit a tad limited. If a tv isn't handy for using the menus for setup of an avr, that might be a consideration, as they're easier to use with a tv in many cases and the front panels aren't always easy to read/use.

The Denon 3300 sometimes can be found for less money than the price shown here but this is $100 less than the Outlaw 2160. It's not the current model but has almost everything the replacement 3400 does. You can read the Audioholics test of the 3300 here http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/denon-avr-x3300w-1/measurements

Might also want to check out accessories4less.com for refurbs or closeouts to save some $.

 

[TechHDS]

I just added a XPA-5 1st gen, I use it all the time for 2.1 (music) love it!. I also picked up a AVR with pre-amp outs from accessories4less at a Steel of a price. "lovinthehd" advice is solid .

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would just get something like the mentioned $1,000 Denon X3300 on sale on Amazon for $599 brand new (sale goes on and off).

I have one that I use just for Stereo music in my living room.

Good thing about these AVRs is that if you ever need to add more speakers (like 7.1), they are ready to go.

Depending on your need, you might even get the $800 X2300 on sale for $449 brand new.

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X2300W-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01E69LWWA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1515516189&sr=8-2&keywords=Denon+X3300

 

[PENG]

Nothing wrong with using an avr for even 2ch needs, and few 2ch units have bass management as avrs do. They're fairly cost effective compared to a lot of 2ch stuff....take Mr Boat's example, that's an $800 two ch receiver, and does have some bass management, albeit a tad limited. If a tv isn't handy for using the menus for setup of an avr, that might be a consideration, as they're easier to use with a tv in many cases and the front panels aren't always easy to read/use.

The Denon 3300 sometimes can be found for less money than the price shown here but this is $100 less than the Outlaw 2160. It's not the current model but has almost everything the replacement 3400 does. You can read the Audioholics test of the 3300 here http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/denon-avr-x3300w-1/measurements

Might also want to check out accessories4less.com for refurbs or closeouts to save some $.

I agree with you. The thing is, even the old AVR-X3300W has more up to date features than the new Outlaw 2160. I like the Outlaw brand and the look of the 2160, but for practically use it does not offer advantages that the outdated D&M AVRs typically offer. Even in terms of clean power output, it is not superior, just comparable.

 

[lovinthehd]

I would just get something like the mentioned $1,000 Denon X3300 on sale on Amazon for $599 brand new (sale goes on and off).

I have one that I use just for Stereo music in my living room.

Good thing about these AVRs is that if you ever need to add more speakers (like 7.1), they are ready to go.

Depending on your need, you might even get the $800 X2300 on sale for $449 brand new.

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X2300W-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01E69LWWA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1515516189&sr=8-2&keywords=Denon+X3300

The only thing about the 2300 is you lose pre-outs for any future amplification flexibility....