Battle of the Amps.. Which one?

[rolyasm]

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I know this is one of those questions that may generate a lot of opinion, and has been tossed around a million times, but here goes. I am in the process of buying speakers. Not sure what kind yet, but my room size is 18x24x9. I want to get my amplifier so when I buy my speakers, I am ready to listen and test. Here are the brands/models I have narrowed it down to. I am undecided as to power, but I have the feeling I want more. The levels of amps are basically either 100, 200 or 300 watts per channel. Not sure if I need that much, opinions welcome. Since the Sherwood and Sherbourn are the cheapest, I will add the extra cost over these models for the rest. Parenthesis are rated 4 ohm power.
.....................................8 Ohm (4ohm) ..........Added Cost:......(lb.)..........Class
Sherwood Newcastle:......100w(160) x 7............Same.................80.............AB
Sherbourn 1250 A :......125w(175) x 7.............Same...................62............AB/G
Sherbourn 2100 A : ......200w(300) x 7............+$500..................110...........AB/G
Adcom GFA 7707 : ......200w(300) x 7............+$1100...................78............AB
Earthquake CineNova:....300w(600) x 7 ..........+$1700.................122..............AB

The Sherwood is the only model that doesn't have fault protection LEDs. I actually read one review that tested the Sherbourn 1250 at 150w x 7. I know the added headroom is nice and I plan on keeping my amp for a long time. The speakers I am looking at are mostly "brighter speakers". Most SNRs are around 105-110, the Adcom states 125 with THD of .009. The others are around .01. Obviously the Earthquake is the Mac-Daddy. It is the only one that lists a 2 ohm rating, which is 750w. Thanks for any reponse. And please limit your responses to these brands.
Roly

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Roly,

You should also list the weights of the units. If these are all class a/b components, the weight should reflect some quality, as larger transformers and heat sinks will keep the amps playing longer, with less chance of shut down.

 

[Tomorrow]

Roly,

You should also list the weights of the units. If these are all class a/b components, the weight should reflect some quality, as larger transformers and heat sinks will keep the amps playing longer, with less chance of shut down.

Hey BEF1. If your 32 pound receiver minimum requirement and your device weight - weighting system ever gets out to the manufacturers, we'll surely see 500 lbs. of lead in these things.
"BUY OURS, CUZ IT WEIGHS A LOT"

 

[mtrycrafts]

I am in the process of buying speakers. Not sure what kind yet, but my room size is 18x24x9. I want to get my amplifier so when I buy my speakers, I am ready to listen and test.

That is placing the cart before the horse. The speaker will drive the amp requirement. Best not to rush things and find the speakers first, then, based on its impedance, sensitivity, your need for volume, you search for an amp/receiver.

 

[jcPanny]

Emotiva Big Dog

Add the Emotiva MPS-1 7 channel amp to your short list. 200 Watts into 8 ohms and 300 into 4 x 7 monoblock channels for $1700 from av123.com. Fully balanced design. See the review and measuments on this site. Outlaw also has a comparable amp for $2k.

 

[rolyasm]

I edited my first post to have weight and class. The reason I put class on there is that Gene did a review of the Sherbourn and had this to say,

One point of interest about the 7/2100 is its multi biasing scheme that keeps the amp biased at Class AB for lower power levels and then switches to Class G for high power output to maintain high efficiency and reduce power and heat consumption

I think all the others are just AB.
Here is the link if you want to read the full review.
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/SherbournPT700072100.html
I know buying the amp first is a little backwards, but I also don't want an amp that will run some Polks, but not B&W. Sure I may buy some mid-range speakers now, but in a few years (or months) if I upgrade I don't want to have to purchase a new amp. So I want something that will do the job for just about anything. I have read many threads where people seem to think 100 watts RMS is enough. Always that gray line. Also, I appreciate the thought JC, but these are the amps that I have the most access to at good pricing.

Roly

 

[PENG]

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And please limit your responses to these brands.
Roly

In that case, I would say go with the Earthquake. However, if you end up auditioning one of those B&W diamond series speakers, the rep may suggest the Classe, Krell, or at least a Bryston.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Hey BEF1. If your 32 pound receiver minimum requirement and your device weight - weighting system ever gets out to the manufacturers, we'll surely see 500 lbs. of lead in these things.
"BUY OURS, CUZ IT WEIGHS A LOT"

LOL, I think I'm upping the ante to 37lbs. Those new Yamahas and Pioneers are coming in heavier and heavier. Have you seen the weight of the RXV1600? Geesh.

I'm all for class D/G/H amps as long as they can maintain the excellent characteristics of the good ol' class A/B amps.

 

[rolyasm]

I was looking at the Bryston site. Any idea what the 300 w x 5 costs? I see it doesn't match the Earthquake into 4 ohms. I thought all the best amps doubled their power with a reduction to 4 ohms? Nothing to that wives tale? After a day or two, and talking with my inner self, I realize I will only be happy with a bigger amp. So I guess that makes me look at either the Earthquake or the Sherbourn 200 w/channel. Here is what I know about the
Earthquake: 300 w 8 0hm, 600 w 4 ohm, 750 w 2 ohm. SNR 112, THD .01, or .001 depending on rating. Input Impendance of 27k ohms. 1 taroidal transformer with 168,000 microfarads. Has 7 individual monoblocks, so if one goes bad, you can listen to the others. Low/High pass filter for each channel, weights 122.
Sherbourn 2100A: 200 w 8 ohm, 300 w 4 ohm, not rated 2 ohm. AB class at lower outputs, changes to class G at higher outputs. Probably runs cooler than the Earthquake. 7 taroidal transformers for 150,ooo microfarads. SNR 110, THD 0.3. Input Impedance of 40k ohms. Does have 12v trigger options of always on, source or 12v. 2 power cords to assure better power presentation. 110 lbs.

I wonder if the 100 watts would make alot of difference? The THD is much better for the Earthquake. The Sherbourn in about $800.00 cheaper for me. I do have dedicated 20 amp circuits, so don't know about the dual power cords. Thoughts?
Roly

 

[mtrycrafts]

. So I want something that will do the job for just about anything.
Roly

Then you want he most power both into 8 ohms and 4 ohms for the least cost. Who knows, maybe you will pick a speaker in the future that goes down to 2 ohms or something.

 

[kgb540]

The Earthquake is in a different league than the others you mentioned initially. The Bryston is comparable to the EQ. I am not speaking out of term here, I own a Cinenova Grande 5. Runs very very cool and seems to have limitless power reserves........perfect for power hungry B&W's. I have never owned a Bryston but I did own a couple lexicon amps that were made by Bryston and I would not trade my EQ for those amps again, not by a long shot. At what you can get the Cinenova 5 or even the Cinenova 3 (I have seen them for under $1000 at audiogon!!!), they are some of the biggest bargains ever in audio. Most will say get the Bryston or Classe or Krell or some other brand that makes them feel like they really said something bold, but take it from someone who has owned way too many amps (and I still own the EQ) and go for the Cinenova. Good luck!

 

[vlad335]

Earthquake...

● Power Output: 300 Watts RMS x 5
into 8 Ohms; 600 Watts RMS x 5 into 4
Ohms
● MFR: 20 Hz - 20 kHz ± 0.1 dB
● Input Sensitivity: 1.9 Volts
● Input Impedance: 27 kOhms
● XLR and RCA Input Jacks
● S/N: 110 dB
● THD: 0.006%
● Variable Pass Filter for Each
Channel: 20 Hz - 5 kHz
● Dimensions: 9.25" H x 18" W x 21" D
● Weight: 141 Pounds
● MSRP: $4,499 USA

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=418666

Sorry... But perhaps PT Barnum was born alittle too early. He would make a killing today.

Save your money and spend it on your family.

Read the thread I posted above. (Its massive but very informative.)

 

[AdrianMills]

Add the Emotiva MPS-1 7 channel amp to your short list. 200 Watts into 8 ohms and 300 into 4 x 7 monoblock channels for $1700 from av123.com. Fully balanced design. See the review and measuments on this site. Outlaw also has a comparable amp for $2k.

I would 2nd that one! It seems to be an amazing amp for the money and you can get it for 1699 US$! You people in the US are lucky SOBs - an equivalent NAD amp here (which is relatively cheap compared to others) would set me back 2x as much.

 

[Sheep]

Um, Hello?!

You can't buy an amplifier BEFORE speakers! How will you even know which to get? And don't bass(haha, puns) your decision on power ratings alone. 650 watts into 4 ohms x 7 ain't happening. As a matter of fact, nothing over 1200 watts total is happening.

SheepStar

 

[Dad5]

I would 2nd that one! It seems to be an amazing amp for the money and you can get it for 1699 US$! You people in the US are lucky SOBs - an equivalent NAD amp here (which is relatively cheap compared to others) would set me back 2x as much.

I also have the emotiva MPS 1 it is an awsome amp !

 

[AdrianMills]

Um, Hello?!

You can't buy an amplifier BEFORE speakers! How will you even know which to get?

SheepStar

Well, that's not entirely accurate.

If you buy a powerful amp that's capable of driving <=4 ohm loads then it's a safe bet that it'll drive any speakers you're likely to get afterwards.

650 watts into 4 ohms x 7 ain't happening

Now that depends on how you read that; if you interpret it as 7x650W ACD then no, not really. If you see it as 650W into any one of 7 channels, then yes, of course it's a possibility.

 

[AdrianMills]

I also have the emotiva MPS 1 it is an awsome amp !

I've just asked on AV123.com if it's available over here or what the shipping charges are if it isn't - it'll cost me an additional 30% to import it though+shipping.

Damn, you guys get cheap gas too.

 

[PENG]

I was looking at the Bryston site. Any idea what the 300 w x 5 costs? I see it doesn't match the Earthquake into 4 ohms. I thought all the best amps doubled their power with a reduction to 4 ohms?

Just on this point, if I remember correctly, one reviewer commented that it was due to the limitation of the 15A outlet. If you want to know for sure, call Bryston, they will tell you real reason.

 

[Biscokid]

Don't forget brystons 20yr warantee and unmatched customer service.

Anyway don't be stupid by 10 of those cheapass looking behringers! You will never know the difference....really!

 

[rolyasm]

Sheep,
What formula are you using to get the 1200 watts total so I can figure it out myself next time? Also, does using a 20 amp circuit change that rating at all? I know that most of the time I wouldn't be using all the power in each channel. So say I happen to be using the full 300 watts x three front channels, giving me 900 watts usage, that would still leave me with 300 watts for the surrounds, correct? Don't receivers put out like 35 watts RMS? Another question. The Sherbourn utilizes 2 power cords, so basically 2 x 15 amp plugs, or in my case, 2 x 20 amp plugs. Does this change the scenario, or am I being limited somewhere else? I have always been poor at understanding electricity. So I am hearing a lot of different opinions, which makes my decision harder. Thanks for all the replies.
Roly