[mlong68]

Hi All,


I just received my TASCAM 122MKIII tape back from the shop, where just about everything was replaced. My deck should now last me another 10years. I currently have a Parasound PHP-850 Pre-Amplier hooked to this deck, and was thinking about getting a AMP for it as well. Just not sure which way to go. My budget is $1,000.00


Should I purchase a Parasound HCA-1500A , and them maybe upgrade the pre-amp to PLD-1100 ? Or keep the PHP850, and just add the Parsound 1000A Amp ?


I upgraded my headphones to the Grado SR80i , and I can hear everything which is what I want, just missing that solid BIG bass.


Any suggestions would appreciated!



Thanks,



Matt/Indy

 

[lovinthehd]

Might help to know what speakers you're using. Parasounds are nice but pricey, quite a few options out there depending on your requirements.

 

[mlong68]

As for speakers, I have a pair of old Definitive BP30 . I just want to get the best sound I can out of my system for 1,000.00 investment.

 

[arnyk]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mlong68  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24351593


As for speakers, I have a pair of old Definitive BP30 . I just want to get the best sound I can out of my system for 1,000.00 investment.

That's easy:


(1) Subwoofer


(2) Test and adjust room acoustics as required.


With electronics at the level yours are already at, trying to squeeze better sound out of that area is generally futile.

 

[lovinthehd]

This is easier to see some specs with http://reviews.cnet.com/separate-speakers/definitive-technology-bp30/4505-7869_7-6898749.html


Does your preamp have XLR outputs? Do you use them?


Since they're 8ohm speakers with 91 dB sensitivity you could drive those with pretty much any amp. If you want to have something in a matching brand, you could do the Parasound route. However, a home audio type amp from Emotiva on this page http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers?page=2 is probably more cost effective than the Parasound (haven't priced the Parasound you mentioned). Personally am using a pro amp but you may not like the looks, lack of 12v trigger, connections....

 

[mlong68]

My pre-amp doesn't have XLR outputs, only my cassette deck does. I'm using regular RCA cables from mono-price to connect the cassette deck to my pre-amp, and some cheap monster speaker cables for the speakers.

 

[lovinthehd]

How loud do you listen, how big is your room....i.e. how much power do you need?

 

[mlong68]

My room is 20x20, not sure how to describe how loud. There are times when I like to listen via headphones, then there are times when I want to listen via speakers. I definitively want to hear that boom in my bass, but not wake up the neighbors. Not sure how to determine the power I need, since this is a first time setup for me. I have cassette tapes from the late 70's-90's that I mainly want to listen to, so this is reason for this setup.

 

[lovinthehd]

There are audio calculators like this http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html , and if you need a way to translate the spl numbers (sound pressure level, expressed in dB) try this search page and pick one you can relate to https://www.google.com/search?q=dB+equivalent+chart&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-N_8UpPpNNXZoAT8o4GYBg&ved=0CDoQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=771


Basically take the sensitivity of 91 dB (assuming the usual 1 watt at 1 meter distance from the speaker) and for each additional 3 dBs you'll need a doubling of amp power (for the same distance from the speaker for example's sake):

91 dB - 1 watt

94 dB - 2 watts

97 dB - 4 watts

100 dB - 8 watts

103 dB - 16 watts

106 dB - 32 watts


106 dB is quite loud and considered the THX standard for peaks in a movie soundtrack (85 dB average). Your speakers may not be able to play without excessive distortion or compression at that level but you'd need to see some additional specs (which I couldn't find). I'd think 100w/ch (and somewhat average for say a receiver) would be more than enough and likely you'd be quite fine with less....but sometimes you change speakers, too, and need to consider less sensitive or lower impedance speakers' needs down the line.

 

[arnyk]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mlong68  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24351861


My room is 20x20, not sure how to describe how loud. There are times when I like to listen via headphones, then there are times when I want to listen via speakers. I definitively want to hear that boom in my bass, but not wake up the neighbors. Not sure how to determine the power I need, since this is a first time setup for me. I have cassette tapes from the late 70's-90's that I mainly want to listen to, so this is reason for this setup.

The standard 21st century way to describe "how loud" is to whip out your SPL meter and take some readings. SPL meters are inexpensive (compared to good hifi gear) and easy enough to use:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8928-Decibel-Meter-Digital-Accurate-Sound-noise-pressure-Level-tester-40-130-db-/271167212819

 

[Emetw]

Buy these Channel Islands monoblocks, incredible deal for one of the best sounding amp modules out there (Hypex based):

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ele/4291416689.html

 

[cegadede]

I use a behringer ep4000 as my power amplifier (used to have a Mcintosh, but after a friend showed me I couldn't tell the behringer from the mcIntosh just by ear in a ABX test, I've sold it, bought the behringer and purchased a lot of room treatment with the price difference).


It costs just $329 on amazon.com. The only mod I made was replacing the stock fan with a silent PC case fan. It's a steal for a amp that can outuput almost 2x500W in 8ohms and is compatible with 2,4, and 8 ohms speakers, has clipping protection and can be bridged.

 

[MUDCAT45]



Quote:
Originally Posted by arnyk  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24351994


The standard 21st century way to describe "how loud" is to whip out your SPL meter and take some readings. SPL meters are inexpensive (compared to good hifi gear) and easy enough to use:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8928-Decibel-Meter-Digital-Accurate-Sound-noise-pressure-Level-tester-40-130-db-/271167212819

Is the above statement a double standard?

Not so long ago you said below.

Quote:
Originally Posted by arnyk  /t/1516840/differences-in-dacs-is-it-that-noticeable/30#post_24342705


You matched levels with a SPL meter? Sheez, how many times do I have to point out the obvious inherent inaccuracies of acoustical measurements?

 

[arnyk]



Quote:
Originally Posted by MUDCAT45  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24353610

Quote:
Originally Posted by arnyk  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24351994


The standard 21st century way to describe "how loud" is to whip out your SPL meter and take some readings. SPL meters are inexpensive (compared to good hifi gear) and easy enough to use:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8928-Decibel-Meter-Digital-Accurate-Sound-noise-pressure-Level-tester-40-130-db-/271167212819

Is the above statement a double standard?

Not so long ago you said below.

Quote:
Originally Posted by arnyk  /t/1516840/differences-in-dacs-is-it-that-noticeable/30#post_24342705


You matched levels with a SPL meter? Sheez, how many times do I have to point out the obvious inherent inaccuracies of acoustical measurements?

Not a double standard.


Estimating power from SPLs and matching levels for a DBT are two very different tasks in terms of requirements for precision.


Matching levels needs to be done within a few tenths of a dB. Estimating power for SPLs is order-of-magnitude.

 

[mlong68]



Quote:
Originally Posted by cegadede  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24352687


I use a behringer ep4000 as my power amplifier (used to have a Mcintosh, but after a friend showed me I couldn't tell the behringer from the mcIntosh just by ear in a ABX test, I've sold it, bought the behringer and purchased a lot of room treatment with the price difference).


It costs just $329 on amazon.com. The only mod I made was replacing the stock fan with a silent PC case fan. It's a steal for a amp that can outuput almost 2x500W in 8ohms and is compatible with 2,4, and 8 ohms speakers, has clipping protection and can be bridged.

Hi cegadede,


The behringer ep4000 looks interesting. I'm curious to know if this will work/match my current PHP-850 Pre-Amplier?

 

[lovinthehd]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mlong68  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24355448

Quote:
Originally Posted by cegadede  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24352687


I use a behringer ep4000 as my power amplifier (used to have a Mcintosh, but after a friend showed me I couldn't tell the behringer from the mcIntosh just by ear in a ABX test, I've sold it, bought the behringer and purchased a lot of room treatment with the price difference).


It costs just $329 on amazon.com. The only mod I made was replacing the stock fan with a silent PC case fan. It's a steal for a amp that can outuput almost 2x500W in 8ohms and is compatible with 2,4, and 8 ohms speakers, has clipping protection and can be bridged.

Hi cegadede,


The behringer ep4000 looks interesting. I'm curious to know if this will work/match my current PHP-850 Pre-Amplier?

You'll need to use rca cable adapters to work with the EP4000's XLR and TRS input connectors and for output from the EP4000 you might need a speakon/professional type connector on the amp end of your speaker cable (not sure what touch proof binding posts are I see).


My Crown XLS1500 uses XLR, TRS as well as RCA inputs so easy to work with my existing gear (I have only an XLR input on my sub, but just rca outputs from my pre-amp section). One thing with pro-amps with some pre=amps is inadequate output voltage from the preamp for the amp's input requirements, spec I see on the Parasound page for your preamp is output voltage is >10 volts before clipping so doubtful you'll have any issues there; the pro-amps generally have a gain adjustment whereas home power amps often do not.


PS the fans in my Crowns are either not coming on or so silent to never notice....and that comment I've heard several times about this series (XLS Drivecore).

 

[arnyk]



Quote:
Originally Posted by lovinthehd  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24355528

Quote:
Originally Posted by mlong68  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24355448

Quote:
Originally Posted by cegadede  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24352687


I use a behringer ep4000 as my power amplifier (used to have a Mcintosh, but after a friend showed me I couldn't tell the behringer from the mcIntosh just by ear in a ABX test, I've sold it, bought the behringer and purchased a lot of room treatment with the price difference).


It costs just $329 on amazon.com. The only mod I made was replacing the stock fan with a silent PC case fan. It's a steal for a amp that can outuput almost 2x500W in 8ohms and is compatible with 2,4, and 8 ohms speakers, has clipping protection and can be bridged.

Hi cegadede,


The behringer ep4000 looks interesting. I'm curious to know if this will work/match my current PHP-850 Pre-Amplier?

You'll need to use rca cable adapters to work with the EP4000's XLR and TRS input connectors and for output from the EP4000 you might need a speakon/professional type connector on the amp end of your speaker cable (not sure what touch proof binding posts are I see).


My Crown XLS1500 uses XLR, TRS as well as RCA inputs so easy to work with my existing gear (I have only an XLR input on my sub, but just rca outputs from my pre-amp section). One thing with pro-amps with some pre=amps is inadequate output voltage from the preamp for the amp's input requirements, spec I see on the Parasound page for your preamp is output voltage is >10 volts before clipping so doubtful you'll have any issues there; the pro-amps generally have a gain adjustment whereas home power amps often do not.


PS the fans in my Crowns are either not coming on or so silent to never notice....and that comment I've heard several times about this series (XLS Drivecore).

+1 to the system integration of pro amps in consumer systems.


I notice that some pro amps come with only Speakon connectors for the outputs, which may take some people back until they realize how readily available they can be and easy they are to use. I don't think that Radio Shack stores carry them, but Guitar Center stores do.


Noticed the same quiet fan action on a XTi 2000. I think Crown is addressing the audiophile market more aggressively.

 

[cegadede]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mlong68  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier/0_100#post_24355448

Quote:
Originally Posted by cegadede  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24352687


I use a behringer ep4000 as my power amplifier (used to have a Mcintosh, but after a friend showed me I couldn't tell the behringer from the mcIntosh just by ear in a ABX test, I've sold it, bought the behringer and purchased a lot of room treatment with the price difference).


It costs just $329 on amazon.com. The only mod I made was replacing the stock fan with a silent PC case fan. It's a steal for a amp that can outuput almost 2x500W in 8ohms and is compatible with 2,4, and 8 ohms speakers, has clipping protection and can be bridged.

Hi cegadede,


The behringer ep4000 looks interesting. I'm curious to know if this will work/match my current PHP-850 Pre-Amplier?

Yes, the PHP-850 will work just fine with the ep4000.


To conect de preamp to the ep4000 you'll need a rca to ts adaptor, like this one:




And the ep4000 doesn't need speakon plugs to conect the speakers, they can take bare wire/banana plugs just fine.

 

[lovinthehd]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Emetw  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24352601


Buy these Channel Islands monoblocks, incredible deal for one of the best sounding amp modules out there (Hypex based):

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ele/4291416689.html

Or, you could spend 2-3 times as much on these used "audiophile" amps with odd shaped boxes and get 2/3 the power and less features and larger form factor compared to something like the XLS1500.

 

[mlong68]



Quote:
Originally Posted by cegadede  /t/1517600/need-2-channel-amplifier#post_24355899



To conect de preamp to the ep4000 you'll need a rca to ts adaptor, like this one:




And the ep4000 doesn't need speakon plugs to conect the speakers, they can take bare wire/banana plugs just fine.

Is this the correct connector adapter?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O3S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1O2CMDNFF0GO1&coliid=IC6W1SPF5JQVE