Wondering best amp for the money

[jjahshik32]

I'm willing to spend $1000 for a good powerful amp to drive hdmi with xbox 360 and ps3 both picture and sound. I own a sony bravia 52" xbr4 so I want some good ass quality amp! My speakers are good but not super expensive awesome. They are 2x b&w 805s and for my backs are digital audio sl-8310's.

[twitch54]

I want some good ass quality amp!

Not sure what your description means relative the $$$ you want to spend but if your willing to go used you might have a chance. 1k new is not really going to buy a "good ass quality amp" , IMO!!

What are you going to use as a pre/pro ??

[deke]

Seems a Rotel 1095 may be the ticket... but you'll likely have to pay around 1250.

[Warpdrv1]

Maybe you might want to take a look at the Emotiva XPA-5 coming out, for $799.00 200x5

Their line of amps have proven to offer quite an impressively low THD

http://emotivalounge.proboards54.com/index.cgi?board=amps&action=display&thread=1192051012&page=1

I have the Rotel 1095, and its a spectacular amp, but I figure the Emotiva is worth a shot with the reviews, and measurements that have been shown under testing...

[Hdale85]

Look for an ATI 1505 or 1805 somewhere around there. They go used on audiogon and videogon for around 800-1000. Awesome build quality they weight 80-100lbs. You said to drive HDMI and Xbox360 though so are you talking about a receiver? If so I'm about to purchase a Denon 3808CI which I've found for about 1200.

[audioqueso]

You only have an integrated amp at this time, right? Rotel RA-985BX integrated amp, right. You can not take full advantage of HDMI with an integrated amp.

- If you are content using the stereo left and right channel from the PS3 and Xbox360, then what you want is a pro-amp to combine with your current Rotel RA-985BX. If you like classical, jazz, etc music, I would recommend the Rotel RB-1080 (2ch) or Rotel RB-1095 (5ch). If you listen to any rock or hip-hop music, I would recommend the ATI 1505 that Dougie mentioned, or a Parasound HCA-1500A (2ch) or Parasound HCA-2205 (5ch). I would recommend against the Rotel amp for heavy music. I own a pair of 805s, and after trying them with a Rotel amp, I found them to be too soft and polite for heavy music.

- If you are NOT content using the stereo left and right channel from the PS3 and Xbox360, and plan to utilize the HDMI connection to the fullest, then what you want is to replace your Rotel RA-985BX with a newer AV receiver that supports HDMI video and audio. Currently, the big players are the Denon 3808CI, the Integra DTC 9.8, and Marantz SR8002. These will make the most out of the HDMI signal. (There is the Onkyo 805, but I don't recommend it with the B&W 805s because Onkyo is a little too soft on bass, and since you don't have a sub, the 805 will really sound thin on the bottom end).

At this point, it is your judgement call on whether or not this is good enough for you. Yes, you can overkill it and get an AV receiver (HDMI capable) PLUS one of the above mentioned pro-amps.

[M3-SRT8]

Yamaha RX-V1800. You need a good AV Receiver.

See my post in your other thread.

LJB 8)

[Yasvanth]

Hi

I was wondering what would be the best amp for listening to R'n'B music eg Alicia Key, Toni Braxton, Beyonce etc. Prices anything between £800 - £1500. It must also have a built in phono stage.

Thanks

Jazz

[Briz vegas]

Hi

I was wondering what would be the best amp for listening to R'n'B music eg Alicia Key, Toni Braxton, Beyonce etc. Prices anything between £800 - £1500. It must also have a built in phono stage.

Thanks

Jazz

For that music any amp that is not plugged into the wall or switched on would be most desirable. :takecover:

I know a guy who likes "that kind of music". He says NAD amps are the way to go for a bit of bass on a budget - he prefers them to higher priced Arcam.

[Yasvanth]

Hi Briz,

What about the Musical Fidelity amps, do think they will sound great with this sought of music?

I used to have an Arcam A85 and P85 Pwr amp, but I sold them as I just felt that they sounded weak and underpowered sounding.

Also can you recommend a cd player,int and spk cables for the amp?

Thanks again

Jazz

[iiaudio]

I got my RB-1080 well under $1000. It can cleanly power my N803s beyond what my ears can handle .... +112 dBa.

[Hdale85]

For any cables check out Catcables.com they are easily best for the money.

[RobP]

Musical Fidelity would be wonderful with those 805's, if you was to go pre-owned then a Classe CA-101 would do nicely. Cd Player wise, try a Rega Jupiter, Rotel RCD-1072, or if you can get your hands on one a Classe CDP-10...cable wise....Catcables of course!

[Yasvanth]

Hi

Er no, I was more thinking Musical Fidelity Pre & Pwr amps with Kef Reference 1:2 Spks.

What do you think?

Yas