2. amps-preamps
  3. 1312162061

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
madhf
170 posts
 
There's a Forte model 6 for sale on AGON for $500.00 obo. Great amp.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
A great amp is a Parasound HCA800, more power than ever needed, Carver TFM35 is capable of driving most any speaker so its good as a emergency spare 2 channel.
760raptor OP
2 posts
 
Wow, all the advice here is fantastic!!!

So far I have been looking at most of the brands mentioned, but most of my research was done looking for 7-channel amps (I just recently made the 7-channel W4S MC-7 purchase).

When it comes to 2-channel amps I am starting with virtually no knowledge base on the models available, what's good, better, best for my price range.

That's why its especially helpful to see recommendations for specific 2-channel models. This will help me narrow the field on the best choices.

Keep 'em coming gentlemen, I enjoy reading online reviews and forum discussions and I'm not in a big hurry!
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,393 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.
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