Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 40
  1. #1
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111

    Question do i need an amp?ohm help please

    im looking to get a denon avr 3808ci. it says it is rate for 6 and 8 ohms. my front tower speakers are 2 ohms. how does this effect sound? what doed ohms mean? i know it means power some how but not sure. if 2 ohms is lower, shouldnt it be better? my friend said that i should get an amp to run the front tower speakers. what do you guys think?

  2. #2
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    i also have a http://sportsbil.com/sony/STR/STR-S/STR-SE391_v1.1.pdf
    can i use this as an amp?it looks like 8 ohms but not sure

  3. #3
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    What speakers do you have that are rated at 2ohms? If they are truly rated at 2 ohms then you need an amp that is rated down to 2 ohms otherwise the amp can over heat and burn up!

    Here are a few amps rated at 2 ohms, I don't think that you will find any receivers that go down that low.

    avahifi - Power Amplifiers Comparison Grid

    I own some AVA gear and it is well made and the customer service is second to none. You may be able to find some good buys on used ava gear-

    avahifi - Used Equipment

    Ava gear has an old school look for the elctronics are state of the art and hand made here in Woodbury, MN my home town. Give the owner and designer Frank Van Alstine a call and he will steer you in the right direction for the right amp for your needs.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  4. #4
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    That sony wont work. What speakers do you have we can check the specs?
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  5. #5
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    sorry, they are 4 ohms, Dynaudio Audience 60 .i want the best CLEAR sound. im going to be running a 7.1

  6. #6
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    and can somebody explain ohms to me?

  7. #7
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    Those are pretty inefficient speakers rated at 86 dB sensitivity and they will need a good amp rated at 4ohms. Preferably one that high current. You may want to look at some NAD receivers or even Emotiva separate amps and preamps if you are on a budget.

    Emotiva Audio: Audiophile Quality Multi Channel Amplifiers, Stereo Preamplifiers, Audio/Video Processors, and Award Winning Speaker Systems At Direct Prices

    The XPA 5 is a 5ch amp and will do 300wpc at 4ohms.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  8. #8
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    And here's a nice 7ch amp-

    Model 7125 Seven Channel Power Amplifier
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  9. #9
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    Quote Originally Posted by rightaway View Post
    and can somebody explain ohms to me?
    This pretty much sums it up-

    All About Ohms

    Speaker Impedance Explained - Ohms
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  10. #10
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    how does an amp effect the reciever do it is job with all the effects?

  11. #11
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    do you think that i sould look for a different reciever? i'm looking used around $350 and the denon seems like the best bang for the buck

  12. #12
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    You need to get a preamp/processor

    Emotiva Audio UMC-1 Audio-Video Processor

    Or you can buy a receiver that has preamp outputs so you can conncect it to a stand alone amp and use the preamp's processor for the effects and sub woofer. Many mid to higher end home theater receivers have preamp outputs.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  13. #13
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    Separate preamp and amps are a good way to go because everyfew years new effects and codecs come out making some HT receivers and processors obsolete if you feel you must have the latest and greatest effects. But the amp never becomes obsolete.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  14. #14
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    That denon does have 8ch preamp outputs so you could in effect use it as a preamp-processor and buy a separate 2,3, 5 or 7 channel amp. You could jsut use the Denon for the center and rear channels along with the subwoofer and use a separate 2ch amp for the front channels. I have an Adocm AVR and use it for all channels except for the fronts for which I use a Parasound amp.

    Denon AVR-3808CI First Look — Reviews and News from Audioholics

    By the way, are all your speakers Dynaudio?
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  15. #15
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    the denons have pre amp outs. what is a amp only that is good. does that mean that i will have to turn both volumes up or are the connected some how?

  16. #16
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    Quote Originally Posted by rightaway View Post
    the denons have pre amp outs. what is a amp only that is good. does that mean that i will have to turn both volumes up or are the connected some how?
    Separate power amps do not have a volume control, they need a preamp to control the volume. (only integrated amps have volume controls-they are a power amp and preamp all in one with no tuner or processor)

    So with the Denon, you would hook the preamp out to the input of the separate power amp and then hook what ever speakers you are using for that amp to the amp. The preamp will be able to control the volume of its internal amp and the separate power amp at the same time.

    By the way, are all the 7 pairs of speakers Dynaudio?
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  17. #17
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    no, all speakers are different. yahama center, bose for the rear speakers. i still do not have 2 other speakers for the complete 7.1. i just want the amp to run the tower speakers. what watts should i looks for?

  18. #18
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    If I were you, I would run only 5.1 system. I really do not know what you gain with a 7.1 system. I would also consider buying a Dynaudio Center channel to match the Fronts for the best sound. Save your money and stick with 5ch's and build a system that is coherent with the same brand at least and model of speakers for the center and fronts. The less mixing of different brands of speakers the better.

    And one more thing, ditch the bose!
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  19. #19
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  20. #20
    Suspended
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Posts
    4,380
    Like BR said, you will need more power/current to drive the 60s to their potential. They will sound lifeless and just like any other speaker will with a $350 mass market receiver. A used Stratos will do the trick or a B&K, Hafler, Rotel or similar should be considered if you really want the Danes to sing.

    The new Excite series can be driven with lesser amps or integrated setups to pleasing sound, but not the original Audience line or the second generation where they upped the number by 2, as in 62, 82, 42 and 52, 72.

    You may want to seek out a pair of 42s for rears and the 42C for center to have a coherent setup that is properly matched.

  21. #21
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    how do i know what amps are 4 ohms or doesnt it matter?

  22. #22
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    i didnt see any of those amp on amazon and i didnt see the Dynaudio Audience 42C on amazon or ebay. since im only want to run the front speakers, i'm looking to spend 200-250 for a amp. any suggestion?

  23. #23
    Suspended
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Posts
    4,380
    Quote Originally Posted by rightaway View Post
    i didnt see any of those amp on amazon and i didnt see the Dynaudio Audience 42C on amazon or ebay. since im only want to run the front speakers, i'm looking to spend 200-250 for a amp. any suggestion?
    Here is a decent one by Rotel

    Rotel RB-1080 200 Watt Per Channel Stereo Amplifier | eBay

    It will do 4ohms as stenciled on the back. See manual

    http://www.rotel.com/content/manuals/rb1080_multi.pdf

    Acom Amp will do 4ohm

    ADCOM GFA-555-II Stereo/Mono Power Amp/Amplifier! Listing #2/FREE UPS Shipping! | eBay

    with an Output of 200 REAL Watts into 8-OHMS, 325 into 4

    Here is a nice B&K in your price range that will do 4ohm

    Excellent B&K Components ST2020 Stereo Power Amplifier | eBay

  24. #24
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    111
    with the adcom, do you have to switch it back to 4 ohms or is it set up for it?

  25. #25
    Suspended
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Posts
    4,380
    Quote Originally Posted by rightaway View Post
    with the adcom, do you have to switch it back to 4 ohms or is it set up for it?
    It will handle down to 2ohm with no user interaction

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •