2. amps-preamps
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2 Channel Amp for Surrounds: Need Recommendations

Hi,

I need a 2-channel amp to power my back surrounds which are rated at 150 watts.

I plan to bi-amp my VT-2 mains when I add an AV7005 Preamp later this year. My Wired 4 Sound Mini MC-7 puts out 7 x 220 wpc.

I'd like to find a 2-channel amp for $500 or less that delivers about 150 to 200 wpc.

Something that would generate minimal heat is a real plus.

I would love to hear suggestions/ opinions.

Thanks!

My System as of July 2011

Wyred 4 Sound Mini MC 7 Multi Channel Amp
N H T VT-2 Speakers
N H T iC4 In-ceiling Surrounds (4) Monitor
N H T VS-2 Center
Denon 3803 Receiver (Temporary Preamp)
Sony BluRay
DirecTV HD Receiver
760raptor
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
I maintain that surrounds do little...any amp that is offered for sale on audiogon is good enough. Rear channels offer hall reverberation, and extra musical information that does not warrant big expenditures of money. Sure....if one has lots of cash get an Audio Research or Ayre amp. I am a pro violinist and have never been in a situation where the audience is centered with the orchestra around it. Even in Bernstein's Mass where there are 4 channels around the theater, the back channels offer little other than surprise as to where the sound is coming from.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
But dont we want any and all sound to be atleast quality? Iam talking middle of riad used gear not expensive. I just think saying buy anything cause its good enough and doesnt matter is in direct conflict with core values we share. Movie ibformation can be at times intense. At any rate I dont think you need to invest alot but to say it doesnt matter IMO goes too far.
johsti's avatar
johsti
102 posts
 
Why not get a dedicated 2 channel amp for your front left and right speakers and power the rest of your setup with your mc7. I think that would do more good than biamping with a multi channel amp and sharing a power supply with all channels.
bdgregory
1,580 posts
 
Why not get a dedicated 2 channel amp for your front left and right speakers and power the rest of your setup with your mc7. I think that would do more good than biamping with a multi channel amp and sharing a power supply with all channels.
an excellent suggestion.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Stringreen... "Chamber" music was composed for performance in an intimate environment... a chamber (room) in a private house. Likewise a jazz jam session occurs in someone's house.

And then there is an entire class of music, antiphonal, where half the performers are located to the rear.
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