Center Channel Stand-Alone Amp?

[msmith65]

Hi, newbie here.

I have a vintage Sony STR-AV970X receiver powering my surround speakers. It sounds fine, but the only connectivity problem is the center channel output is a pair of non-amplified RCA jacks.

My center speaker needs power. Is there a stand-alone amp out there that can take the RCA output and convert it to something that will power a single center speaker?

(Or some other solution you've thought of?)

 

[djpain75]

Sorry, checked the sony website for that model and they dont even have that listed. I think that receiver you have is a stereo model which would mean it would only have outputs for 2 or possible 4 speakers. If you wanted surroud sound of any kind i think your gonna need a new receiver dude, sorry.

 

[jcPanny]

Center channel

An inexpensive Audiosource 2 channel amp would be a good solution for your center channels ($50-75). Most of them can be bridged to great a more powerful 1 channel amp. Also make sure that the amp has a volume/gain control so you can balance the center channel with your other speakers.

 

[msmith65]

That's the guidance I was looking for. I'll look around for that brand name. If you know of any others, I'd be grateful to learn of them.

djpain75: The Sony receiver-amp does have outputs for four front speakers and two rears, plus the center channel, plus "DRLC" in another room. The latter two require external amplification. I currently have all the powered outputs taken up with A, B, and rear speakers. Thank you for looking into it.

 

[j_garcia]

While there are other connection types, nearly all external amps use standard RCA for signal, so all you really need to know is how much you want to spend.

 

[msmith65]

...all you really need to know is how much you want to spend.

I have a wife at home, a little one in diapers, and another on the way, so my price is "not much."

 

[j_garcia]

Audiosource is probably a good bet then. I had an Amp One/A and thought it was pretty good. Current price is under $100 at www.ubid.com if they have any.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I have a wife at home, a little one in diapers, and another on the way, so my price is "not much."

Then let me ask. Why do you think you need a center amp? What are the issues that maybe something else can fix?

 

[highfihoney]

here are a few monoblock's with gain control that will work for you.

jamo

http://cgi.ebay.com/JAMO-MPA-101-Power-Amp-New-in-Box_W0QQitemZ5855091337QQcategoryZ67786QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

audiosource

http://cgi.ebay.com/AudioSource-amp-5-2A-monoblock-amplifier-no-reserve_W0QQitemZ5855143919QQcategoryZ67786QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[j_garcia]

Then let me ask. Why do you think you need a center amp? What are the issues that maybe something else can fix?

It sounds like he only has preamp outputs for the center, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[jcPanny]

Another Budget Option

Look for the sonic impact with the Tripath digital amplifier for about $25. It only outputs about 10-15 Watts, though.

 

[Jack Hammer]

I bought an Audiosource Amp One/A from Ubid in early December to power my zone 2. It works great and only cost $80 delivered (msrp is $250).

Audiosource sells factory refurbished units on Ubid a couple of times a year at a very cheap price. If you're not in a huge rush, you might want to keep checking back there until you find something.

 

[msmith65]

Look for the sonic impact with the Tripath digital amplifier for about $25. It only outputs about 10-15 Watts, though.

That is exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you!

 

[mtrycrafts]

It sounds like he only has preamp outputs for the center, if I'm not mistaken.

Yes, you are right; I forgot by then. Must have been a surround amp without center amp?
That would explain it.