Looking for slim 2 channel amp

[autoboy]

Hi,

I recently got a 40" Sony 1080p LCD in my bedroom. The pictrue quality is amazing but the audio just plain sucks. To fix the audio I got some Def Tech Twos and a monitor audio R720 sub (it fit between my dresser and the door opening, had high WAF and was half price but I get severe port chuffing on Prirates of the Carribean 2 when installed in my large media room. I might take it back but I will try it in the smaller bedroom first).

I use the system mainly for watching TV so I will stick to stereo. I want to keep the system as simple as possible with high WAF so I want to keep everything out of sight and use the TV remote. I figured I could use a slim 2 channel amp under the dresser that had an auto shutoff to power the speakers from the audio out on the TV. The TV would do all the sound processing because everything is conected via HDMI and my wife would never know the difference b/w the TV speakers and the Def Techs except that it sounds awesome. Nothing new to learn! The sub would use the high level inputs and internal crossover. High fidelity is not a huge priority here but I will be watching some movies and listening to some of the digital music stations.

I am looking for a slim 2 channel amp that has an auto shutoff, does not get super hot because it will be under the dresser, and is fairly inexpensive ($200). I have 5 inches of clearance under the dresser so a 4 inch tall amp would leave enough airspace. 2 inputs would be nice (so I could turn off the tv and still get audio for music) but is not required. I have no idea what exists for 2 channel amps. A google search gives only car audio and a few unknown amps. Any suggestions or am I crazy for using the TV audio processing?

 

[JonBaker99]

I've done it a couple of times and it works just fine. It's a great option for a bedroom setup and makes it easy on the wife using the TV remote for volume. Behringer A500 sounds like it would fit the bill pretty well. 4" Tall...Tons of power...Super Cheap.

 

[brendy]

Take a look at Parts Express.Specifically the Audiosource AMP100.$130,3 1/2" high,50WPC

 

[autoboy]

The audiosource 100 looks perfect. Is 50W/channel enough power? I don't tend to listen super loud but it would be nice to be able to reach reference levels. Efficiency of the mythos twos are 91db which is pretty high.

 

[Seth=L]

The audiosource 100 looks perfect. Is 50W/channel enough power? I don't tend to listen super loud but it would be nice to be able to reach reference levels. Efficiency of the mythos twos are 91db which is pretty high.

It should be fine.

 

[abboudc]

The Panasonic XR55 is a little over your budget ($244 at Circuit City), but it's 4" tall and gives you a nice upgrade path should you decide to add more speakers later.

 

[no. 5]

the Audiosource AMP100 is about $90 on Amazon.com.
and refrence level for the main channels is 105dB, 50 watts into 91dB sensitve speakers should get you 106dB (if my math is right, I'm a bit tired).

 

[Tomorrow]

Check out the Emotiva BPA-1, as well. It seems to be on sale, as it used to be $199!

http://www.emotiva.com/amplifiers.html

 

[autoboy]

The Panasonic XR55 is a little over your budget ($244 at Circuit City), but it's 4" tall and gives you a nice upgrade path should you decide to add more speakers later.

I considered this reciever but it will not turn itself off after 15min. I would have to use another remote or manually turn it off. It is under the dresser so this would not be easy. I would need a RF remote or extend the IR above the dresser.

I think the audiosource amp 100 is cheap enough that I can try it out and really not lose much if it does not get loud enough. The other amps do not seem to have the dual inputs which would be really nice. I could also upgrade the the amp 200 but it is more than twice the price. Then again, i have already spent $1200 on the speakers and sub so what is another $200.

The Emotiva is 5.5" high and will not fit under the dresser.

 

[j_garcia]

You can get those audiosource amps on ubid for even less than that every once in a while, so check there. I've owned the Amp One/A and it is pretty good for the size.

Note that you cannot use an AMP alone for what you are trying to do, you need a receiver.

 

[autoboy]

Note that you cannot use an AMP alone for what you are trying to do, you need a receiver.

Why do I need a reciever? I'm pretty sure I don't. I am simply driving the external speakers using the analog audio out on the TV. It will do all the audio switching for me. It will decode the AC3 streams from HDMI on my HTPC, or digital/analog cable into stereo and will pass the low level signal to my amp. It is a good TV with a digital tuner capable of OTA and QAM and has the ability to decode AC3 audio from the HDMI port. The only thing it will not do is DTS audio but I won't be passing it DTS so who cares.

 

[mike c]

Why do I need a reciever? I'm pretty sure I don't. I am simply driving the external speakers using the analog audio out on the TV. It will do all the audio switching for me. It will decode the AC3 streams from HDMI on my HTPC, or digital/analog cable into stereo and will pass the low level signal to my amp. It is a good TV with a digital tuner capable of OTA and QAM and has the ability to decode AC3 audio from the HDMI port. The only thing it will not do is DTS audio but I won't be passing it DTS so who cares.

IIRC, the analog TV outs on a tv cannot be controlled by the volume control of the TV. therefore, you need some sort of way to control the volume i.e. receiver, pre-amp, mixer, etc.

 

[JonBaker99]

IIRC, the analog TV outs on a tv cannot be controlled by the volume control of the TV. therefore, you need some sort of way to control the volume i.e. receiver, pre-amp, mixer, etc.

A lot of TVs have fixed/variable analog audio preouts. If it has variable preouts then you can use just an outboard amp.

 

[JonBaker99]

IIRC, the analog TV outs on a tv cannot be controlled by the volume control of the TV. therefore, you need some sort of way to control the volume i.e. receiver, pre-amp, mixer, etc.

A lot of TVs have fixed/variable analog audio preouts. If it has variable preouts then you can use just an outboard amp.

 

[Tomorrow]

The Emotiva is 5.5" high and will not fit under the dresser.

5" with the feet easily removed. Plus, it's only 6" wide for easy placement somewhere else...perhaps to the side of the dresser.

 

[autoboy]

Thanks for all the help. This is a very helpfull forum.

My TV has an option for fixed/variable volume control on the audio out so for what I am doing an amp will work well.

Keeping the amp under the dresser is the best place for it. I don't have any other places that would keep it out the of way.

There is one more thing I didn't think about. I am using a HTPC for the audio/video source connected with HDMI. Will my TV be able to decode PCM streams from the HTPC? This could be a deal breaker and will force me to use a reciever.

 

[Tomorrow]

Did you look carefully at the Emotiva BPA-1 link? I believe it represents everthing you want...including the fact that it's an integrated amp...just plug in your source. And with it's feet removed, it will make your 5" max size requirement. (I'll double check mine, if you wish.)

Emotiva gets rave reviews. It's rear cooling, so you don't have to worry about top space. It's stable under 4 ohm speakers. And it's pretty darn cheap. And let's not forget....it has those lovely cobalt blue surround lights. IMHO, it's one of the most versatile, coolest little amps around.

What is your objection to it as an answer to your search?

 

[autoboy]

The emotiva looks like a great amp. I initially discarded it because it was too tall. I looked at it again at your recomendation and it looks very nice. Low distortion, rear cooled, high power, cool appearance. However, it lacks the dual inputs that the audiosource has. This will come in handy if I decide to listen to much music with this system. I can turn off the tv and still use the other input to listen to music.

Another thing that has me interested is the "Silent turn on/off - No audible transients" feature that the Emotiva has. I don't mind if the amp has an audible thump when it turns on but I don't want the amp to wake me up 15min after I turn the TV off. Will this be a problem on the Audiosource amp?

 

[autoboy]

Thanks for all your help. I ordered the Audiosource AMP200 for $200. I read some reviews and they said it made a little noise when turning off but turned off within 2-3 min so that is not a big deal.

I was sold by the dual auto switching imputs and I was afraid 50W from the amp 100 would not be enough power. Sometimes when the wife is gone I like to turn it up!

 

[Tomorrow]

Sounds like you made a good find, autoboy! Happy listening. The hunt is half the journey in this hobby...and it sure is fun. Eh?!