Need rec re: amp for Audio only

[SSIM]

I'm upgrading my audio-only system (2 front channels only) and I bought some B&W 804s speakers to go with my 20 years-old Adcom amp... Sounds a little thin. Any recommendations on a medium hi-end amplifier. Don't need video capabilities.

 

[rnatalli]

Welcome!

The 804's have a 90+ efficiency so I don't see an Adcom amp having trouble driving them. Did you audition the 804's before buying? I'm guessing it's the speakers and not the amp, but being 20 years old, the amp is a possibility. Do you know the specs of the Adcom?

You say you're looking for an amp without video capability. I assume you meant a receiver. What's your budget?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Is that just an Amp or Integrated Amp? Are you upgrading the Preamp too?

 

[SSIM]

Amplifier recommendations

Thanks for your quick response. I did audition the speakers in the store where they sounded considerably "larger", but I like the high frequency characteristics of the new speakers. I replaced some 20 year old Polk audio floor standings that had a much larger sound but were basically worn out.
My budget is probably about $1000 but I can spend more or less depending on value.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks for your quick response. I did audition the speakers in the store where they sounded considerably "larger", but I like the high frequency characteristics of the new speakers. I replaced some 20 year old Polk audio floor standings that had a much larger sound but were basically worn out.
My budget is probably about $1000 but I can spend more or less depending on value.

If you need just a 2Ch amplifier, the Emotiva XPA-2 (250 WPC @8 ohms/ 500 WPC @4 ohms) should be good for $800 new.

What kind of preamplifier or pre-pro/receiver are you using?

 

[bandphan]

if the adcom is on it's last leg, for 650 more than the Emotiva ADTG mentioned, the 2 ch ICE m10000 amps from http://www.d-sonic.net/ are rated at 525wpc @ 8ohm, which would allow some nice headroom since those dip into the 3ohm range...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

if the adcom is on it's last leg, for 650 more than the Emotiva ADTG mentioned, the 2 ch ICE m10000 amps from http://www.d-sonic.net/ are rated at 525wpc @ 8ohm, which would allow some nice headroom since those dip into the 3ohm range...

Okay, I see the rating for 8 ohms, but where is the rating for 4 ohms or 2 ohms? Are there any 3rd party measurements to verify the handling of 4 ohms or 2 ohms loads?

 

[bandphan]

ill find them, but im assuming that if those modules are good enough for Jeff Rowland Design Group, PS Audio, and Bel Canto Design(amoung others) that they will suffice.

from bel canto....
Power Output: >1000W into 4 ohms, >500W into 8 ohms
Minimum Load: 2 ohms
Frequency Response: +/-0.5dB 20Hz-20KHz, all loads
THD+N: 0.007% 1W, 1KHz, 4 ohms
IMD (CCIF): 0.0007%, 1W, 14:15KHz, 4 ohms
Output noise: 90uVRMS A-weighted 10Hz-20KHz
Voltage gain: 27dB (single ended or balanced input)
Damping factor: >1000
Output Impedance at 100Hz <8 milliohms
Dynamic Range: 120dB
Input Voltage for Max Output 3Vrms
Input connections: Single-ended RCA or balanced XLR
RCA input impedance: 10Kohms
Balanced input impedance: 20Kohms
Output connections: 1-set WBT 5-way safety binding posts
Standby Power: 15W
Size: 8.5x3x12[inches], 216x76x305[mm] (WxHxD)
Weight: 13lbs, 6Kg



ok reveiw http://www.acoustic-reality.com/articles/eng_asp.pdf

 

[SSIM]

If you need just a 2Ch amplifier, the Emotiva XPA-2 (250 WPC @8 ohms/ 500 WPC @4 ohms) should be good for $800 new.

What kind of preamplifier or pre-pro/receiver are you using?

Preamp is also a 20 years-old Adcom

 

[jcPanny]

Room acoustics

Your rooms acoustics also make a big difference. What kind of layout and furnishings do you have?

Emotiva also offers a 2 channel seperates setup for >$1k. I think they are in the middle of a redisign on the stereo pre-pro. Maybe your local dealer can let you borrow an amp to experiment on your home system.

 

[Seth=L]

I believe the problem you are experiencing is more than likely the room they are in. Adcom makes very good amplifiers and preamps, and their amplifiers hold up very well over time. I see no reason why they would color your sound in any way unless they where damaged. I would toy with speaker placement as well as accoustic treatment. Did the dealer have those speakers in a treated room? How where they arranged? Getting speakers to sound good isn't as simple as throwing them in a room where it looks like it would sound good, it takes a lot of careful placement and treatments. Unfortunately I don't know much about setting this stuff up, but I know a poorly arranged and treated room will not do those speakers justice.

Before anyone haggles me about my setup and it's unbelievably poor accoustic arrangement, sue me, cause I just don't have time to set the darn thing up or the energy.

 

[PENG]

Preamp is also a 20 years-old Adcom

My pair of GFA555 and GFP565 are still performing like they were new. If you Adcom pair did okay with your old Polk Audio tower speakers then you amps may not be the problem. Even the GFA535 can provide 60 WPC of clean power with excellent head room.

Did you check and make sure that you had not accidentally connected the speakers incorrectly (I mean the polarity)?

 

[SSIM]

The 804's work fine now

I believe it was Phil Mickelson who said, "I am an idiot".

The wiring was not well connected and one of the bi-wire configurations was polarity reversed (thanks to my old-fart eyes). The B&W's are great now.

Thanks for the help.

BTW, the Adcom is a great amp. Now on to building a home theater in the other room...

 

[PENG]

Those 804S are great speakers. They are accurate sounding and will do a great job for you if like classical music. Fantastic with Brass instruments!

 

[Seth=L]

I believe it was Phil Mickelson who said, "I am an idiot".

The wiring was not well connected and one of the bi-wire configurations was polarity reversed (thanks to my old-fart eyes). The B&W's are great now.

Thanks for the help.

BTW, the Adcom is a great amp. Now on to building a home theater in the other room...

Good catch, glad it's going strong now.