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How do I select a new/used amp for a new system?

I need advice about how to select the proper amp/pre-amp/integrated amp to use in a new system I want for my master bedroom. I want to be able to run CD's for classical/reggae/rock and DVD's for surround sound. I am NEW in high end A/V equipment and do not have speakers yet. I am amazed(!)with the sound of Linn speakers I heard at a Linn dealer and would like a similar sound either with Linn's or other's you may suggest. The distance from me to the Plasma TV is 14 feet. The room is 14x18 feet. I know the amp/power is very important and do not know how to match it (watts/channel, ohms, etc.)with whatever speakers and sub I get. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Price range max $5,000.00 retail for the amp but will consider used equipment to save some $$. Speakers I have considered are Linn Katan, Keilidh; B & W CM1, B & M 805x; Ariel, Vienna (still investigating speaker choices). Gary
drlinn
riffer
362 posts
 
"Tvad
Pick your loudspeakers first. Pick your amp to compliment the speakers"

I agree 100%.

Speakers first, then ask the speaker manufacturer for a shortlist of amps to demo.
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elevick
2,636 posts
 
When looking at speaker/amp combinations
90db speakers at 1 watt will generate:
93db @ 2 watts
96db @ 4 watts
99db @ 8
102 @ 16
105 @ 32
108 @ 64
111 @ 128
112db is ultra THX
110db is THX
You have to increase by 10db to get a perceived doubling of loudness. Therefor, you really won't hear a difference between 100 watts and 140 watts per channel.
Also, not all amps double wattage output if you go from 8ohms to 4 ohms.
drlinn OP
14 posts
 
Bob,
Thanks again. I have been checking the websites and going back through your threads and others to learn more. I can't believe how much information and knowledge you A/V guys have. I feel like I need to learn a new language. Frankly, its a little intimidating to ask for help but I am really interested and want to learn.

I looked at the ATC and M&K sites, also checked PMC, Mackie & Genelec as suggested by Alun and everything looks great. I need to take the next step and "test drive" a few to narrow it down.

Referring to my original request, if I am looking for a MC system rather than a strict stereo so I can go to either CD or DVD, how do I narrow down the speaker choices (price is an obvious decision point)? I was totally spun around, but willing to go with the suggestion that I look at the "active" speakers (never new they existed).

I continue to see the comments that higher wattage and (lower ohms?) are needed to drive higher end speakers (without built in power sources). If the speakers have built in power sources, will the resulting sound quality be of similar quality to speakers (Linn for example) without a built in power source or do I need an additional power source/amp. with the "active" speakers?

Is the AV pre/pro the only additional component I need, besides a DVD/CD player? Whats a 5.1 DVD system? The prices for new ATC's are up there (not $150,000 for sure, but how many Bill Gates are out there anyway?). Is it reasonable to search for used ATC's (or M&K, Genenlec etc.) to save a few dollars?

Thanks to anyone who responds!
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