Multi Channel Power amps

[admin_exported]

Hi all

Looking at adding a Multi power amp to my Onk 875, but notice in the Onk manual that there is no mention of speaker settings (ie distance, Dbs etc) if you use the pre outs. Do the settings stay as you have set or does the multi amp override and give no option on settings ?

Thanks Chewie

 

[Anonymous]

The settings remain the same, even if you add a multi-channel power amplifier via the pre-outs.

Dan.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Dan

Im in Gold Coast and debating between the NAD M25, the 8003 Marantz or the local Elektra Theartron. How much did the Nad cost you and why the Marantz processer ? Or rather why not bith Marantz

Cheers Chewie

 

[aliEnRIK]

Personally I bought the AV8003 pre as it was by far the best thing on the market at the price I could get it for (I particularly wanted a pre amp with HD processing). I use an Arcam P1000 as the power amp and the results are truly awesome

The reason I use the arcam is because I picked it up with a 1200 quid knocked off the price and that as a standalone amp its very good whilst the marantz has been said to not be THAT good

 

[Anonymous]

G'day Chewbacker,

Before this current Pre-Amplifier and Power Amplifier combination, I had a humble Integra DTR7.8 A/V Receiver.

I had always wanted a dedicated Pre-Amplifier/Surround Sound Processor and dedicated Power Amplifier. I had been drooling over the NAD M25 for over a year, and was leaning towards it.

However, I did quite like the look of the Marantz AV8003/MM8003 combination. The pricing was reasonable, and I did contemplate purchasing the combination.

However, the lack of heft of the Marantz MM8003 8-channel Power Amplifier led to me deciding not to purchase it. I thought that it was perhaps a Class D Power Amplifier, but then thought that it was a bit too heavy to be Class D, but very light for a Class A/B Power Amplifier. Plus, I liked the 'mono-block' like approach to the NAD M25, and the fact that it looked at least one level above the MM8003, was extremely heavy, and based on inside information from NAD, the maximum power consumption of the NAD M25 is 1,440W! The maximum power consumption of the MM8003 is only about 800W, despite claiming 8 x 140W.

I know that it is not all about power out-put and heft, but the NAD M25 is a truly stunning Power Amplifier and comparing both, the NAD M25 is clearly the superior Power Amplifier - to my ears, anyway.

The NAD M25 retailed for $4,999.00 when I was purchasing mine. I paid just under $4,000.00. RRP has now increased to $5,999.00, so I would think about the high $4,000.00's might be attainable, if you haggle really hard.

The Elektra Theatron 7 is very popular amongst Australians, but I have not personally listened to one to make a comment on it.

The Marantz AV8003 Surround Sound Processor - I read a lot of reviews, including owner comments on various Forums on-line, and was happy with what I read about this unit, and took the plunge. It has a lot more than what I require, but most importantly, sonically, for movies and music, it is a superb performer. It is, after all, a Marantz. It is reliable, and you can tell that music is the priority at Marantz.

Dan.

 

[Anonymous]

Chewbacker,

I would also suggest to be open-minded to Class D Power Amplifiers.

I have had several days (thanks to a friendly local retailer whom I purchase pretty much all my gear from) to play with a Rotel RMB1085 5 x 100-watt Class D Power Amplifier. RRP of this unit in Australia is only $1,100.00! I must admit that the sound quality is excellent, not only for the money, but even if RRP was 50% more, I would still say it is a bargain! This thing powers my big Krix floor-standers (4ohm rated, and my front loudspeakers and centre channel loudspeaker are 6-driver, 3-way loudspeakers) with aplomb and to reference levels without breaking into a sweat.

If you look at the Rotel RMB1077 (which What Hi Fi gave 5 stars back 2-3 years ago, but the review has strangely gone missing), with its 7 x 100-watt Class D amplification with ICEPower modules that Rotel spent 18 months with Bang & Olufsen to tune them to Rotel's liking, RRP in Australia is only $2,200.00, I think. Absolute bargain. Great thing is that the unit is small and light, but an absolute powerhouse. Add to that the fact that it runs cool and doesn't consume a lot of power - savings on electricity bills to be had!

Dan.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks again Alienrik and Dan

Im not in any great hurry to buy and have been watching out for a while. Main thing is Ive got the epicentrix as well and will move my current Aslan front speakers (as they are wasted in HT setup 8K worth) to another room and will replace them with the Neuphonix in the next year.

I changed the Onk 605 to an 875 10 months ago and the change was extremely obvious so I now starting to lean your way.

As usual, hers indoors notices major changes (but not the onkyo - too similar, or the Pioneer BP 71) and has okayed the speaker change as we like music when playing in the games room.

I am just testing at the moment. I can hear the NAD locally, also the Rotels (but a very pushy salesman) not sure if Harvey Norman can demo the Marantz, might have to go to Brisvages. No where to test the Elektra though it is down from 4k to 2.6k so buying blind may not be a let down. All reports Ive seen are positively glowing.

Cheers thanks for the input Chewie