Budget amplifier with speaker level inputs?

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post #1 of 4

12/25/10 at 7:43am

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Hey guys, I have a Pioneer VSX 918 powering a pair of JBL L880 front mains in my LR...from what I've found the 918 only puts out a measured 30-40watts rms. I got the 918 at a great price so knowing it lacked preouts, I bought it anyway hoping the efficient L880s would be ok. Well, not ok. My old Technics 100x5 pushed the JBLs noticeably better so I'd like to find an amp w/speaker level inputs if possible.

I've never needed an amp like this before so would I remove the JBL speaker wires from the AVR, run speaker wire from the AVR's main speaker terminals to the rack amp, then run wire from the amp to the JBL mains?

The audio source amp210 is 90x2 and ranges from $320-500 but is there any other brand or specific amp that would work as well w/speaker level inputs for less? So far I've found a couple of Pyle amps that are in the $200-250 range but wanted to check on other options that are worth it.

Thanks!

post #2 of 4

12/25/10 at 9:21am

27,482 Posts. Joined 3/2004
Location: NYC + Connecticut
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You can easily build or buy speaker-to-line level adapters which will permit you to use any power amp with regular line inputs. I really wonder if the AudioSource amp would be an improvement despite the specs.

http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/speaker_to_line.html
http://www.hometech.com/audio/spline.html
http://www.ochomeaudio.com/p-136-adp...l-adapter.aspx

post #3 of 4

12/25/10 at 10:19am

18,238 Posts. Joined 11/2006
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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For $300 to $400 you could also get a pro audio amp that would likely outperform that Audio Source amp by quite a bit. You may want one with low fan noise. There are a few like that. The Crown XLS 1000 seems to hold a lot of promise, but the one I got in had a lot of hiss - they are sending me a replacement, and then I can better evaluate it.

The Emotiva UPA-1 is on sale right now, and may also be better than that Audiosource amp, I am not sure though.

post #4 of 4

12/25/10 at 11:35am

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Ok this is the info I was looking for, thanks guys....I know Emotiva and Crown are good brands, any others? I wasn't sure how brands like Pyle (which are junk in the car audio arena) performed in the Pro Audio field, which seem to be more their forte....

I'm not in a rush so I will wait to see how you like your replacement and will be checking out other amp options as well in the meantime....right now, the 918 has the L880s sounding like some giant midranges...

EDIT: Here we go!