Need Stereo Amp Recommendation

[sddt]

Hello, just wondering if I could get some advice on a decent amp to power a pair of these Axiom outdoor speakers:

http://axiomaudio.com/outdoor_speakers.html

Right now I have them running on zone 2 of a onkyo surround receiver and it just aint cutting it. Would like to keep it under $300 if possible. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[sddt]

How about this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-M-282-2-Channel-Power-Amplifier/dp/B000069E2V/ref=sr_1_10?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1310663012&sr=1-10

Any good? Seems to fit the specs about right, and the price is quite reasonable. A little too reasonable??

 

[j_garcia]

$202 is WAY overpriced for that amp. The Audiosource amp100 that came up as "similar products" is a better choice at $97 and is also $99 at Partsexpress. Free shipping from both.

http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-2-Channel-Bridgeable-Amplifier/dp/B00026BQJ6/ref=pd_cp_e_1

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=302-601&FTR=amp100

I own one and it has surprisingly good output for the price. As long as you aren't looking for concert levels, it should be plenty for outdoor.

 

[sddt]

Is there a better one that might put out a bit more volume? Not concert levels of course but as close as I can get for the speakers I have. Those speakers max out at 175W @ 8 ohms. I guess I would like to get every ounce of performance out of those Axiom speakers, willing to spend at least $200. Thanks for the heads up on the Onkyo!

 

[j_garcia]

I don't think there's anything wrong with that Onkyo, but I don't think it is a good price for it. The Audiosource amps are actually quite decent, especially for the price. The Amp200 is $175 on amazon and is a bit beefier, but it is also a lot larger (normal component size vs the fairly small size of the 100). The 100 can also be used without a preamp - you can plug a source directly into it and it has the ability to switch between two sources as well, something fairly unusual for a basic amp.

I picked the 100 up used for $50 and was quite surprised by it. I also own two Amp300s.

 

[sddt]

I think the amp100 would leave me wanting. The amp300 would be ideal but they seem a bit pricey. Couldn't find one for less than $250 for a refurb on ebay:

http://compare.ebay.com/like/290475054118?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y

Any concerns buying these things refurbished?

Is there any inherent advantage with the amp200 over the onkyo I posted? I would like at least 100W running to each speaker in stereo...

P.S. that $175 price on amazon for the amp200 is for a used unit.

P.P.S. the amp 300 seems to get poor reviews on Amazon. Should I be concerned? You said you own 2 of them. You haven't had any problems?

 

[j_garcia]

Zero problems with any of them, and I've had them for years. The 300s are beasts; really plenty of power. Audiosource isn't what I'd call a top tier manufacturer, but their stuff is underrated IMO. Yes, the 300s are pricey, but I got one used for a ridiculous price and the other brand new on clearance for an even more ridiculous price, so they can be found. Sorry, I didn't see that that amp200 was used. Refurbs are OK if you get a warranty with it.

I have heard good things about that particular Onkyo from Seth=L here, but when looking for amps they wouldn't necessarily be top of my list. I thought there was someone on here selling one used, but I don't see the listing.

If you can stretch the budget, the Emotiva UPA-2 is on sale for $349 shipped.

I'd actually look used also, craigslist in your area if you are in a larger city. Marantz monoblocks (MA500s, or MA6100s, both THX cert) can usually be found for $100 each.

This might be of interest too:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKM282/Onkyo-M-282-Premium-2-channel-Amplifier-2-X-125-Watts/1.html

Refurb 282. I've bought from them previously a number of times too. Full warranty.

 

[sddt]

What advantages are there with the Emotiva UPA-2 over the amp300? Is it worth the extra $100? I would say that $350 is the max I am willing to spend.

 

[j_garcia]

I haven't heard the UPA-2, but their amps are excellent quality and the service is absolutely first rate. I love my XPA-3, and I don't hesitate to recommend them. The advantage being that if anything ever happens to it, this is the kind of company you want taking care of you You'd get a solid amp, but I guess some of what you'd be paying for is kind of like insurance = piece of mind I guess?

I think the 300 and possibly even the UPA-2 may be a bit of overkill for those speakers though, but better to have more than enough than not enough. We aren't talking about receiver type of watts here, these things are going to put out their true rated power.

 

[sddt]

Now I'm leaning back to the M-282. Seems like for the $160 refurb one you posted it would be hard to beat. Does a unit such as this put out a true 100W per channel?

 

[sddt]

Ended up going with the emotiva UPA-2. Figured I might as well get a good quality amp.

 

[bikdav]

how about a Behringer A500 power amp? It's lots of amp for the money.