Amps, Limiters and graphic equalisers

[ikhan42]

Hello everyone,

I am a newbie to audio and brand new to this forum.

I am writing to get some information/advise/help.

I have a pair of TIC outdoor rock speakers (300watts each) have them in my backyard and I know I will never run these speakers at 300watts but hey nice to know i can :).

I am installing a media centre server in a cabinet (old linen closet) running RAID5 servicing movies to the TV witin the house, running as a Digital TV recorder and having my library of MP3 to provide music outside when gardening or entertaining.

Now I know I need a amp thats a given but do I need a pre amp? I am ssing that since the speakers are outside a graphic equaliser is a good idea is this a fair assumption? and should I look at putting in a limiter as the music being played will be MP3 and levels wont be consistent from MP3 to MP3.

Also how does all this get put together I understand that the equaliser gets connecting to the back of the amp in the EQ in and EQ out ports but all the info I can find refers to the pre amp not the amp. Also where does the limiter fit into the sceme of things?

OKay thats all the confusions I can think of at the moment I am sure more will arise as I get further into this.

THANKS GUYS and GALS

Have a great day
ikhan42

[dakatabg]

First - what amplifier do you have? If you have integrated you won't need preamp but if you have power amplifier you will need one for sure. Equalizer is an option but I doubt you will feel big difference since you will use rock speakers. 300w is overated for the speakers. If you wanna use the rock speakers you won't need something powerful.

[atomicAdam]

As dakatabg says - you wont need a pre-amp if you have an integrated amp. Basically an amp that has several inputs and a volume control. If your amp has these things, your set.

The limiter is a good question. Having a lot of mp3s myself, I am well aware of the issue of levels between them. If I were you I would look for a software solution. A limiter, like what you can by at a pro-audio shop, will clip the audio and it will sound bad in that way.

[Hyfi]

If you go with an equalizer, I have an AudioControl 10 for sale