kal_s
Member
I just got me a pair of ML Aerius speakers, which need min 60W rms, (max 200 W rms) driving a 4-ohm impedance load. Looking for a decent amp. to go with ...
The idea is not to have to upgrade my amp. when I gradually evolve towards a 5 channel surround HT system. Also, I hate paying retail for anything, so any unit I buy will have to come from online sources only, such as auctions here etc.
Given these constraints, some thoughts crossed my mind:
1. Rotel RB 985: 100W rms/ch x5 into a driving an 8-ohm impedance, retails for ~$1000
2. Carver Premiere AV-705x: 125 watts rms/ch driving an 8-ohm impedance, retails for ~$1200
3. Parasound HCA-120: 135 W rms/ch x 6 driving an 8-ohm impedance, retails for about ~$2000
4. Sunfire Cinema Grand: 200W rms/ch x5 driving an 8-ohm impedance, retails for ~$2500
The questions I have for you experts here are:
1. Which one of the above would be your top pick, from a sound quality/price perspective? (I also looked at the THD figures, but they were close enough that I didn't think too much about a decision based on that...). Any other amps. you can suggest in this wattage/price range would be cool!
2.At this point, I am not considering a pre-amp, given that my source material is all digital. I don't think a pre-amp is necessary: any comments on that?
3. Which one the above can be used with my Aerius in a bi-wired configuration? Any risks in doing so on an amp. with a lower wattage rating?
4. What would you recommend as a good source for online purchases of any of the above items? How much below MSRP can I hope to get them?
Thanks in advance,
---Kal.
The idea is not to have to upgrade my amp. when I gradually evolve towards a 5 channel surround HT system. Also, I hate paying retail for anything, so any unit I buy will have to come from online sources only, such as auctions here etc.
Given these constraints, some thoughts crossed my mind:
1. Rotel RB 985: 100W rms/ch x5 into a driving an 8-ohm impedance, retails for ~$1000
2. Carver Premiere AV-705x: 125 watts rms/ch driving an 8-ohm impedance, retails for ~$1200
3. Parasound HCA-120: 135 W rms/ch x 6 driving an 8-ohm impedance, retails for about ~$2000
4. Sunfire Cinema Grand: 200W rms/ch x5 driving an 8-ohm impedance, retails for ~$2500
The questions I have for you experts here are:
1. Which one of the above would be your top pick, from a sound quality/price perspective? (I also looked at the THD figures, but they were close enough that I didn't think too much about a decision based on that...). Any other amps. you can suggest in this wattage/price range would be cool!
2.At this point, I am not considering a pre-amp, given that my source material is all digital. I don't think a pre-amp is necessary: any comments on that?
3. Which one the above can be used with my Aerius in a bi-wired configuration? Any risks in doing so on an amp. with a lower wattage rating?
4. What would you recommend as a good source for online purchases of any of the above items? How much below MSRP can I hope to get them?
Thanks in advance,
---Kal.
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