2. amps-preamps
  3. 164631-158205

Newbie question

I understand that my receiver puts out X amount of watts per channel.. let’s say 50 watts..
Do these 50 watts come from an integrated amp built inside of the receiver?
here’s my question..
if I am going to add a power amp to my receiver does it really matter whether my receiver puts of 50 watts or 150watts per channel if I’m adding a power amp that is let’s say 2500watts per channel..
im looking at buying a vintage receiver but if I’m going to add a power amp of 2500 watts and the receivers wattage is really of no matter then I will buy a 35 w per channel vintage receiver instead of a very costly 180w per channel receiver. Thank you for all your help 
roycerichards
tablejockey
3,894 posts
 
Keep reading....

It appears you're caught up in the "I need more watts" mindset.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
2500 watts isn't nearly enough. My wife's hair dryer has 3000 and she's always complaining it's not enough. One sure way to know you have enough watts is when you turn the amp on the breaker blows. Preferably the main breaker. When you have to add a whole new 200A panel just to serve your amp then you know, ...it is time to add another amp. When you get to 2500 kW then we can talk.
deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
714 posts
 
Yeah, 2,500 watts with the right speakers will make your ears bleed and you’ll be half-deaf in no time. That said, @reubent is 100% correct. An out of date receiver is not the best way to go. If you are trying to add to power your current receiver, you can only add more power to one if it has the pre-outs as stated above.  If you are worried about not enough power, I’d suggest you start with an inexpensive pre-amp and buy an amp with say 200-300 watts, if you find you really want/need then you can swamp it out for a bigger amp. Or even bi-amp. If you like really like retro looking (I do)  buy some used Mcintosh stuff. 
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,600 posts
 
What could we possibly talk about?
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
It's always good to have more than you need, but you got the cart before the horse.. The type of watts you're seeing are typically for BASS work.
500-XXXX watt not uncommon. The issue is "GREAT watts", you have on hand.. 

Say WHAT? 20-100 watts per channel of HIGH quality watts is the place to start. The XXXX will be for the Subs and bass duty.. 

Do a little checking and understand Vintage is wonderful, IF that is how you started.. I started there 50 years ago, I'm still collecting.
For convenience and the sake of MONEY, steer clear of the older stuff for now..

A good integrated amp
A GREAT receiver (there are some)
or
Separates like Parasound for less money but great reliability..
Zpre3 and Zamps or an A21 or 23. You will be very happy..
AND NOT BROKE..

Parasound is entry level to some.. It is top of the line to others.
I see it as good reliable HiFi equipment, not mid fi by any means.

So we are clear, I have  25+ pieces of Mac gear, not to mention another 25 of mixed varieties.. Marantz, HK, VTL, Cary. 

They need proper storage and to be fired up, at least 1/2 dozen times a year to keep things pretty fresh..

Be noisy for a couple weeks, collect some information.. Come up with a budget. AND STAY THERE.. 

Happy hunting, enjoy.  It is a lot of fun..

Regards
More to discover