2. home-theater
  3. 137853-117417

Suggestions for an amp

It has been suggested that I should look at a different amp to get the best sound out of my speakers. 
I have a Yamaha Aventage RX-A830. Front speakers are Monitor Audio Silver 8. 
I am mostly interested in something to provide the best sound while listening to music but also be decent for HT. I have an Orbit with a Grado Black 1 cartridge for vinyl. 
I am not looking at spending a ton of money and will definitely consider used (I am looking at several on this site). 
Many thanks!
128x128granburyspring
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Those monitor audio Silver 8 will drop down to pretty low impedance in some areas of the bass/midbass.  If you wanted a different receiver, try to get the biggest heaviest receiver possible.  Maybe used if it's in your price range, like a used Yamaha RX-A3060 or something.  Denon has large receivers as well. 

Ultimately, you might be better getting a dedicated amp with a big power supply to drive those Monitor Audio.  It's going to perform much better than any receiver.  Maybe Emotiva if your budget is low.  Or look into an Odysse Audio amp.

granburyspring's avatar
granburyspring OP
21 posts
 
I am probably leaning towards a receiver in my case.

What do you think about these:
Denon AVR 4100W
Pioneer Elite SC-07
Pioneer Elite SC-27

Thanks again
granburyspring's avatar
granburyspring OP
21 posts
 
Also found a emotive upa 700 and a umc 200 to pair with it on ebay
soix
9,642 posts
 
I assume this setup is also a home theater rig?  Your speakers demand more than a HT receiver, PERIOD.  My recommendation would be to buy an integrated amplifier with a home theater bypass so you can continue to use your receiver for surround stuff but only have the stereo integrated in the loop when listening to more critical 2-channel recordings.  You change between HT and stereo with the push of one button (yes, you heard me right -- one button).  I'd HIGHLY recommend you stick a crowbar in your wallet and buy the Hegel H160 available used here now for $1600 (retail new is $3500).  You seriously won't believe how good your Silver 8s will sound, and you can go on right ahead using your RXA830 for HT.  Don't let the potential of your excellent MA speakers largely go to waste with another AVR. 
caphill
674 posts
 
+1 @soix.
You definitely have to get a stereo integrated amp with HT bypass, even the ones that has no HT bypass feature you can always use a stereo analog audio input on the stereo integrated amp and set the volume at 80 out of 100. 80 is usually a reference for unity gain necessary for HT bypass mode.

If you need a built-in DAC in the stereo integrated amp I would highly recommend either the Rotel RA-1592 ($2500) or the new Parasound Halo Integrated ($2500 to $3k). They both have good quality sounding DAC especially for the money.
With these stereo integrated amps, not only you get much better quality amplifier section for your main front L/R speakers but you also get much better quality stereo preamp and DAC as well. For stereo music playbacks these integrated amps will sound way better than your Yamaha receiver or any receivers period.
More to discover