I know that I can but I want to know if there is any reason I shouldn't use a power amp used for live music sets as my stereo's power? I'll be using an older elite as my pre-amp and am wondering if i'll hear any issues with good speakers? I.E. magnapans, martin logan, etc...

I know that I can but I want to know if there is any reason I shouldn't use a power amp used for live music sets as my stereo's power? I'll be using an older elite as my pre-amp and am wondering if i'll hear any issues with good speakers? I.E. magnapans, martin logan, etc...

Many live sound power amps are as accurate amplifiers of the signal that appears across their input terminals as anything. One plus is that many of them are designed and rated to drive 4 and sometimes even 2 ohm loads, so its not like your average home audio speaker is going to make them break a sweat.

The down side is that amps designed for live sound usually have fans that may be noisy,

They may not have the input and output jacks of your choice. For example there are power amps with XLR inputs and Speakon outputs, both of which are technically excellent, but that may not be what's on the ends of your cables right now.

What Arny said.

Connectors can be dealt with easily. The issue of fan noise may be difficult, though.

i've used PA amps on occasion for hi fi usage for over 30 years, mainly just to try them out and see what they sounded like as a stereo amp. the first one being a peavey cs-800, a real monster.
also used crown, perreaux, and a few others and they all sounded pretty good to me.

but i don't consider myself an audiophile so what sounds good to me may not sound good to others.

Sure you can use them. I have a cupboard full of Yamaha, Quest, Samson and Jands units to use in the new system as soon as the cabinets are done.

The Behringer EP1500 and EP2500 are very popular and there are easy quiet fan replacements that a google will turn up.

Pro amps have by far the biggest W/$ ratio and because their market is towards the Pro user, tend to be far more sturdy, reliable and actually meet specs with no audiophile grade BS included.

Pro amps do have two very large issues that most audiophiles find insurmountable: they have no brand name cache and no bling. I never gave much of a stuff about the first, and as I tend to mount gear in a rack and put it somewhere out of sight, I'm glad I'm not paying for the latter.

What does one look for when shopping for such an amp? Without all the marketing BS I'm lost (seriously). I think this is a great idea, I was looking at prices and they are SOOOO much lower than an a/v amp. Noise isn't an issue since my room is incredibly noisy already, I've given up any hope for quiet.

Unfortunately, most of the lower cost receivers don't have pre-amp outputs anymore. It's crazy, why should someone have to spend extra $$ on a premium receiver if they're not even using the amp? It should be the other way around. I guess more BS it just keeps stacking up

... It's crazy, why should someone have to spend extra $$ on a premium receiver if they're not even using the amp? ....

Because if they put them on the entry level products there is less reason to buy one of their more upscale, more expensive, and likely higher profit margin products.

With you on the on pre outs/mains ins. I use used Haflers in my system. They were sold for both home and pro use. Some of mine have RCA line level in, some have XLR level in.

Speakers are 99% of the sound quality. There are differences in amps, but not as much as the speakers.

Just thought, you mentioned maggies. Seems to me they were very difficult to drive and you need an amp stable into 2 ohms. Just what I remember.

cool so if that's the case I'm golden!

What does one look for when shopping for such an amp? Without all the marketing BS I'm lost (seriously). I think this is a great idea, I was looking at prices and they are SOOOO much lower than an a/v amp. Noise isn't an issue since my room is incredibly noisy already, I've given up any hope for quiet. That's easy; decide on how much power you want and look around and see what you can afford. More is not a problem, so if you find a higher power version for similar money and quality, grab that.

Most of the 'features' are aimed towards the live sound user. As an HT enthusiast, you need to consider power, cost, quality. That's it.

Quality brands that I have used are;
Yamaha: big fan of these personally as I used and abused them in band situations and never had one fail me. I have several newer lightweight models, but look out for the older P series in black. they weigh a ton, which is not a problem in a fixed install, but lighter is better when loading out. in domestic situations, my fans almost never come on.
Samson: Good all round, reliable, good W/$ and fans stay off most of the time at home.
Peavey: Similar to above
Crown: older models, reliable, a bit heavy (no issue for home)
Perreaux: lots of these in fixed installs. they made basically the same units for home use.
Bryston: Similar to Perreaux, still available new, 20yr warranty, more expensive in general, but prettier.
Quest: love the QA amps, but rare outside Oz.
Jands: Older Oz design, also excellent.

I'd also recommend any of these brands based upon reputation;
QSC - plus Bob is here and helpful and after reading him on bass forums for years, is no BS.
Crest.
Behringer - based upon the good reports of the EP series and the A500 from many HT users.

Many amps have multi speed fans in the feature set. Very often these will not turn on at modest power outputs. look for these and email the brand's customer service for advice.

Unfortunately, most of the lower cost receivers don't have pre-amp outputs anymore. It's crazy, why should someone have to spend extra $$ on a premium receiver if they're not even using the amp? It should be the other way around. I guess more BS it just keeps stacking upYou're looking at it from the wrong perspective. People who buy cheaper receivers are far less likely to be the same one's who add external amplifiers, so the feature set doesn't need the expense or panel space required for them.

I'll either get a new HK 7550 or these for my next "upgrade"...

http://www.crownaudio.com/gen_htm/press/pr145.htm

What does one look for when shopping for such an amp? Without all the marketing BS I'm lost (seriously). I think this is a great idea, I was looking at prices and they are SOOOO much lower than an a/v amp. Noise isn't an issue since my room is incredibly noisy already, I've given up any hope for quiet.

Unfortunately, most of the lower cost receivers don't have pre-amp outputs anymore. It's crazy, why should someone have to spend extra $$ on a premium receiver if they're not even using the amp? It should be the other way around. I guess more BS it just keeps stacking up

The Yamaha 663 was the cheapest new AVR last year with pre-outs, I believe the 665 still has pre-outs.

I have 5 different pro-amps (QSC, Behringer, FACE), I also have a Sunfire amp and a many Outlaw monoblocks. I have had Rotel, Emotiva, B&K amps also. Im in the "Amp do not alter sound therefore sound very, very similar" crowd IF level matched and specs are similar.

The pro-audio stuff is fine...but here are all the concerns you need to address

1. the RCA to XLR thing could be an issue (huming, grounding issues).

2. The Output voltage sensitivity on the AVR is not as high as the voltage input on the AMP. This means, you do not get full power from the pro-amp and you have to purchase a 'level shifter" box like the Samson S-convert or the Art Cleanbox II.

3. Pro-amps are heavy and ugly and usually are just 2-channel.

4. Pro-amps have fans but you can modify them, I have moded ALL my pro amps so they are pretty well silent.



Pro-amps are an incredible way to gain HUGE power, stability down to 2 ohms without wasting huge $$$.

NOTE: My FACE F1200TS (modded fans) is for sale (1/2 price from MSRP)!! Its a 1000W/ch @ 4 ohms amp..Im not using it it at all.