Need a 2 or 3 channel amp for around $1k - whatcha got?

so right now I’m trying to keep my spending under 1200 or so.

I’ve been looking at the Emotiva XPS 2/3, the Emotiva A300, the Monoprice Monolith 3x200, or the Marantz MM7025.

I’m going to be driving a pair of Polk LSiM 705s and a Polk LSiM center Channel. It doesn’t HAVE to be 3 channels but I figure I might as well.

What’s my best option? Is there anything I’m missing here?

 

Gah! Comparing these is driving me nuts. Do I really need more than 200 watts? Would the 150 in the a300 be plenty?

 

Depends on the size of your room and the desired volume level.

What kind of music do you listen to?

 

I listen to mainly funk, jazz, rock, etc. Its a pretty big room (the main living area in our house), and I like to get loud sometimes, but usually run things at between -10 and -20.

I'm also checking out the Parasound 2125 - which looks like a pretty great little 150w amp.

 

Don't skimp on power, you will regret it and invariably spend more money buying the higher end piece after already buying the lesser piece.

 

Shouldn't 150x2 be plenty to drive 88db sensitivity speakers? Am I going to see that much difference in the 150 watts the Parasound delivers and the 200 the Monoprice (ATI) puts out?

 

Also.. I'm looking at starting with the Parasound 2125 (150x2) - and if that's not enough power just adding a second 2125 and using them in bridged mode for each speaker.

BUT then of course Im right at the price of the 3-channel Monolith 200w amp.

 

How are you going to drive three speakers with fewer than three channels?

 

The AVR is going to pick up any slack. My main concern is putting the front two speakers on their own amp - the center channel would just be a bonus.

 

If I understand correctly, the AVR is going to drive the center and, if any, surrounds and you want a better amp for the front left and rights. Correct?

My vote is the Parasound 2125.

 

Monoprice often has 20% off sales during holidays. That would be a decent discount on a 200x2 or a 200x3.

 

Man. I noticed that last month they did 20% off using amazon pay or something. Ugh.

 

Note there's a "v2" version of this amp out now. The Parasound Halo A23+ is very sweet if a little over OP's budget.

 

Thats correct! I think the 2125 is where I'm leaning as well right now. Less money, expandable, and people seem to like the way they sound.

 

So I guess my ultimate question is....

With these speakers that handle up to 250 watts and 88db sensitivity.... is 150 enough, or should I be looking at 200+?

 

In the scheme of things, there's very little difference between an 150 and a 200 watt amp. If your 88dB speakers aren't loud enough with 150 watts, you'd have to double that, to 300 watts, to gain a modest 3dB in output.

Maybe consider this: what type of sound do you like? Warm, soft and musical, or more extended in the treble, with a more accurate balance? From descriptions I've read, the Monoprice amps are warmer in tone, with a softer treble balance, while Parasound amps are cleaner, with perhaps more detail. Which would better suit you and your Polks?

 

Thats true - at the listening levels I usually use I can't imagine the 150 watts wouldn't be enough.... but I just wonder if all the extra headroom would be of much benefit.

 

I kind'a worried about amp power. But I don't listen at extended high power levels at all. So, I feel it's a moot point.

Now, years ago, I bough a NAD 3140 integrated amp. Cool little amp too. LED power meters on the front, which were fun to watch. I set it up as an early video system, with a RCA CED player(!), and Radio Shack Minimus 7 speakers. The first movie I watched was The Empire Strikes Back. I still remember the Walker scene on Hoth. The NAD was showing average levels of about 2 watts. Then the Walker came into view. One of the Walker foot falls peaked at 40 watts, when it stomped down! That surprised me. I didn't think I had the volume loud, but transient peaks can bring some power draw.

 

What about 5 channels?

Rotel RMB-1075 | Multi-Channel Amps | Barrington, Illinois 60010 | Audiogon

I picked up a 2 channel Rotel amp on Craigslist for nothing and it’s been great.

 

You should check audiogon, Craigslist, eBay, etc. for some nice used choices. I got 2 of my used Parasound A23 from Craigslist and ebay for a total of about ~$1200. My other A23 with warranty was a demo from a dealer with a discount.

There is a 5 channels a52 in audiogon (retailed for ~$2800) asking for $1200. You can still offer a lower price and see if you can get it even cheaper. Parasound A-52 | Multi-Channel Amps | Edgewater, Colorado 80214 | Audiogon. The only issue I have with this seller is he has no ratings.

BTW, I am happy with my three A23 driving my mains and surround speakers. In 4.1, with my preamp, it is the best I have heard in my home. Do note that you should at least try some decent interconnect cables like those from Blue Jeans. Don't try to go too cheap with interconnect. There is a difference between the very cheap ones and decent one, at least in my system.