2. amps-preamps
  3. 1060155684

How much power/channel for multi-channel amp?

First of all, thank you for reading my post. I have a fairly good Denon AVR 2802, which will be used as pre-amp. As for the surrounding speakers, I love those AR Phantom speakers. The handling power is from 50-250 watt with frequency response from 40Hz-20KHz. I am currently interested in a multi-channel amp. What is the handling power per channel do I need for a normal reasonable movie listening and viewing? Is 80 wpc a good recommendation? Is 100 wpc the standard? Is 200wpc the ideal? I like to take a poll to see what amp power do you have, and if it is more than what you need. My idealistic goal is to spend the money efficiently, i.e. to spend enough money for the power that I need -- not more not less but just right. Apparently, I won't blast the speakers even though they can handle it up to 250w. Besides, the I won't have enough money to acquire a 200wpc channel multichannel amp to test my speakers. Any comment will be truly appreciated.
lej1447
viggen
838 posts
 
I think you also need to state the room size the home theater is in as well as the speakers' sensitivity and impedence. However, I can't see how anyone can go wrong with an Aragon or a Bryston.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
...there is an H/K Signature 2.1 w/100 watts/ch. going for $500 right now - that's only a buck per watt for a pretty nice high-current amp. I'm using one right now and it really does the job for me. It's running Paradigm 80s and a CC-350 in front with Inifinty Silvers for the rears. The room is approx. 20'x15'x8' and it fills it quite satisfactorily.
lej1447 OP
117 posts
 
Thank you for the response. The room size is 12'x13'. The correct response freq is 45-20khz +/- 3db. Sensitivity is 89 db. How important is sensitivity b/c I've never pay attention to it until now? My current HT set up is 5.1. Thank you all for your valuable inputs.
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