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2.1 HiFi amp?
http://x404.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=274		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  F_A_F [ Thu Apr 30, 2009 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  2.1 HiFi amp?
Really simply, I'd love to get hold of a decent stereo amp, with a sub out as well. It seems that all AV amps are 5.1 or above, which doesn't interest me (small lounge) and all decent stereo amps don't have a sub out.

Does anyone know of an amp that fits what I need? Richer Sounds would be ideal as there are no decent stereo stores down here, apart from Richer in Plymouth. All suggestions welcome :)
Author:  dogbert10 [ Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
I'd forget about the sub and just get a decent stereo amplifier. Mine doesn't have a subwoofer but it still sounds excellent.
Author:  snowyweston [ Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
What you're looking for really depends on the sub you intend to use... You don't actually need a dedicated sub-out to run a sub, most active subs will accept a "high level" feed - ie. from speaker terminals - although it is not the preferred option. There is also the option to use, (if you're not already) the "Tape Out" of [u]any[/i] normal integrated 2 channel amp - all you need is buy a 'Y' lead to run to your sub - but both of these options require the sub you're using to remove the parts of the full range it doesn't want (which is fairly common with all)

If you are thinking of running a passive sub then you will only need either: an amp with additional speaker outputs or an amp that can drive down to combined impedance of your sub+speakers wired in parrallel - but unless your sub has the exact same sensitivity as your full-rangers you'll not be able to get your levels controlled.

Hope this helps / makes sense.

EDITS IN BLUE
Author:  vdbswong [ Thu Apr 30, 2009 6:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
Could you elaborate on that Snowy since i believe i'm in a similar situation to F_A_F

For example, i'm currently running a set of computer speakers for my TV/HTPC/360 etc. and have them currently connected to the TV Audio Out since this appears to be the only way to get sound working from all the aforementioned boxes.

However ideally i'd like to remove the dependancy on the TV as a throughput for convenience.

I'm quite new as to the whole AV scene as such and it's just for a small apartment so a 5.1 amp/receiver isn't needed.

Was wondering if there was a product that could do this? And whether or not there'd be any point in doing this ?

My speakers are Altec Lansing MX5021's which are a 2.1 set and run speaker cable from the sub to the satellites.

Thanks =].
Author:  snowyweston [ Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
vdbswong wrote:
Could you elaborate on that Snowy since i believe i'm in a similar situation to F_A_F
No I'd say yours is an entirely different kind of enquiry - go on start a new thread, you know you want to... ;)
Author:  BigRedX [ Fri May 01, 2009 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
In my listening experience subs always sound very artificial even on 5.1 or 7.1 . For stereo if you have a decent amp and speakers you'll be able to get plenty of real bass with no need for a sub.
Author:  okenobi [ Fri May 01, 2009 9:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
Kev, you already got speakers? What's the budget? What do you watch/listen to mostly?
Author:  snowyweston [ Fri May 01, 2009 12:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
BigRedX wrote:
In my listening experience subs always sound very artificial even on 5.1 or 7.1 . For stereo if you have a decent amp and speakers you'll be able to get plenty of real bass with no need for a sub.

That's a common reaction to poorly configured / unmatached partnering equipment - yes a decent amp with decent speakers can do the job - but very very few speakers have the downward reach that external subs can offer - and those that do will be priced well beyond most mortals.
Author:  saspro [ Fri May 01, 2009 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
snowyweston wrote:
BigRedX wrote:
In my listening experience subs always sound very artificial even on 5.1 or 7.1 . For stereo if you have a decent amp and speakers you'll be able to get plenty of real bass with no need for a sub.

That's a common reaction to poorly configured / unmatached partnering equipment - yes a decent amp with decent speakers can do the job - but very very few speakers have the downward reach that external subs can offer - and those that do will be priced well beyond most mortals.


True, my sub hardly kicks in during average viewing etc but when there's the LF information coded in it sounds great.
Really add atmosphere and depth.

Just sticking a sub in and turning it up so it's always doing something spoils the entire beauty of properly setting up a system.
Author:  F_A_F [ Fri May 01, 2009 12:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
okenobi wrote:
Kev, you already got speakers? What's the budget? What do you watch/listen to mostly?


No speakers atm apart from these which I haven't used in a year as one has developed a nasty buzzing when bass thumps....sounds like a torn cone but it isn't.

Anyway I'll probably find some cheapish ones rfom Richer, not too concerned as I don't play them loud. All I want is something to make films/games/MP3's sound a little better in the lounge. I guess I can live without a sub :)
Author:  snowyweston [ Fri May 01, 2009 12:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
F_A_F wrote:
No speakers atm apart from these which I haven't used in a year as one has developed a nasty buzzing when bass thumps....sounds like a torn cone but it isn't.
Before spending any money on anything new try and troubleshoot the buzzing - connect one up at a time, and play sweeps & tones (if you have them - otherwise use music you know well) - and listen out for where the buzzing emits from - it could be something as simple as a loosen driver (tighten all the screws you can get at - and do this periodically) - or shaken-about cabinetry which may need re-gluing/fixing (front baffles are usually the culprit here) - it could also be cone rubbage - push the driver in slowly but firmly as if to mimmick it's movement during playback - it should glide without steppnig,jolting or rubbing sounds - if it does any of those, you've a driver that once was asked to go further than it ever wanted to - and will need expensive realignment (not really worth it unless your drivers cost £200+ eac)

F_A_F wrote:
Anyway I'll probably find some cheapish ones rfom Richer, not too concerned as I don't play them loud. All I want is something to make films/games/MP3's sound a little better in the lounge. I guess I can live without a sub :)
Being able to play loud should have little bearing on any purchase really (unless that's the primary requirement) - quality first and foremost - which is where you may find you can make your money go further by having a sub - a well paired combo of bookshelves w/ a competent sub will more often than not often afford you greater control, deeper bass, and ask less of your existing (or new) amplification... thus generally improve on the sound quality of a pair of similarly priced floorstanders.

For consideration:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/B-W-Solid-Solutio ... 7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/REL-Q100E-ACTIVE- ... 7C294%3A50

http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Sub_Woofers/Gemini.htm
http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Sub_Woofers/XLS200-DF.htm

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Superb-Castle-Aco ... 7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Philips-Bookshelf ... 7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tannoy-Fusion-Spe ... 7C294%3A50

http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct ... -CUSTOM-F1
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tannoy-Mercury-F1 ... 7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tannoy-R1-bookshe ... 7C294%3A50
Author:  okenobi [ Sat May 02, 2009 9:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
I think you'd be amazed by what standmount speakers and a reasonable amp will do for you. I have an old Rotel RA-931 amp and Acoustic Energy Aegis Evo 1 speakers with QED cable and there's plenty of weight, punch and deft musically for everything from d&b to jazz, hip-hop to classical. If my room wasn't such a state at the moment, I'd offer for you to have a listen!
Author:  F_A_F [ Sun May 03, 2009 4:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2.1 HiFi amp?
I too have a Rotel Amp from about 1977'ish, which I can't use as it's about 2mm too wide for the TV cabinet. It might end up under the monitor on the PC desk if I ever decide to play music in the spare room, I haven't decided yet....
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