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Integrated Amplifier with 2 Optical Inputs?

post #1 of 7
5/20/12 at 9:23am
Thread Starter 
I'm looking for an Integrated Amplifier that has 2 optical inputs. Any suggestions? Budget = $500.

My latest setup:

NAD TT - RCA Input
Apple TV - Optical Audio Input
Mac Mini/iTunes - Optical Audio Input
Onkyo CD Player - RCA Input

I never use a Standard Radio Tuner ... so it's not really necessary. I would be powering Smaller Advents/Klipsch SW-110 sub.

I have been using a Onkyo 8050 receiver (it works fine) ... but *might* consider making an upgrade.
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post #2 of 7
5/21/12 at 5:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamITR View Post

I'm looking for an Integrated Amplifier that has 2 optical inputs. Any suggestions? Budget = $500.

My latest setup:

NAD TT - RCA Input
Apple TV - Optical Audio Input
Mac Mini/iTunes - Optical Audio Input
Onkyo CD Player - RCA Input

I never use a Standard Radio Tuner ... so it's not really necessary. I would be powering Smaller Advents/Klipsch SW-110 sub.

I have been using a Onkyo 8050 receiver (it works fine) ... but *might* consider making an upgrade.

You've got some options besides an amp with two optical inputs.

If the amp has a coax (RCA jack) digital input, then optical-to-coax converters are bit-perfect and reasonably inexpensive.

There are also such things as optical switches that let you run two different optical sources into the same optical input without cable swapping.
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post #3 of 7
5/21/12 at 6:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamITR View Post

...Apple TV - Optical Audio Input
Mac Mini/iTunes - Optical Audio Input...

Why do you still need the ATV, if you have the Mac Mini?
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post #4 of 7
5/21/12 at 7:59am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by underminded999 View Post

Why do you still need the ATV, if you have the Mac Mini?

I use the Mac Mini on my desk for normal computer use (Photoshop, etc.) with a computer monitor ... and also use it for iTunes ... The Apple TV for an occasional movie. Am I doing this wrong??
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post #5 of 7
5/21/12 at 8:05am
The Onkyo TX-8050 has pre-out and main in. If you would simply like more amplifier power, you could add a power amp.

If you are looking for better SQ, then sell your speakers or sub and upgrade to get the most for your money. For example, a good sealed sub like the SVS SB12-NSD would be an upgrade over the Klipsch SW-110. What model Advents do you have?
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post #6 of 7
5/21/12 at 8:34am
Thread Starter 
I have the "Smaller Advents" ...

Info here:

http://www.stereophile.com/historical/506advent/

Interesting idea regarding a power amp, never thought of that.
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post #7 of 7
5/21/12 at 9:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamITR View Post

I have the "Smaller Advents" ...

Info here:

http://www.stereophile.com/historical/506advent/

You might ask on the AVS speaker forum if $500 would get you a significant upgrade in SQ over the Advents. (I don't know. )

Looks like from this page that the sensitivity is fairly low. Upgrading those speakers to a more sensitive rating of 89 or 90db would give you a little more volume without upgrading the amp. For instance, if you upgraded your amp to get double the power, you get 3db more SPL.

Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamITR View Post

Interesting idea regarding a power amp, never thought of that.

Maybe you can find a used one on Audiogon or Craigslist.
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