Hunting for bargain speakers - help
- Thread starter KennyL
- Start date
I'm using a Chinese tube amp the Dared mp5:
13 Watts per channel at 8 ohms
20hz - 20khz frequency response
The Energy's have:
88db/w/m sensitivity
40hz-25khz
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Recommended amplifier power 30-130 wpc
Does turning the volume/power up have a negative effect on the speakers?
moinau
Je me Souviens
Although they have a N.Impedance of 8 ohms, they also have a minimum of near 4 ohms.
Your tubes amp will not hurt your speakers, but at 13 watts you don't have enough reserves at certain frequency.
If you have another amp or intend to get one, a good quality 50 watts would be a better match for the Energy.
Your tubes amp will not hurt your speakers, but at 13 watts you don't have enough reserves at certain frequency.
If you have another amp or intend to get one, a good quality 50 watts would be a better match for the Energy.
Hi Moinau, are there any good amps that you could recommend that isn't too expensive?
moinau
Je me Souviens
Are you looking for new or vintage, and what is your budget.
All and all, you don't need a monster amp with the Energy.
Even with your tubes amp, you should get pretty decent sound, although as you mentioned, you do have to crank it up a notch to get the desired volume of sound you prefer.
All and all, you don't need a monster amp with the Energy.
Even with your tubes amp, you should get pretty decent sound, although as you mentioned, you do have to crank it up a notch to get the desired volume of sound you prefer.
How about the Polk RTiA1, they are the present replacement for RTi4.They have the black finish speakers on Amazon for $289.95 a pair. The Cherry Finish speakers are $324.95 for the pair. If you can pay a little more The larger RTi-A3 is available for $399. I have a pair of the A3's and they are fantastic.
Polk RTiA1
Polk RTiA1
I think that the problem with my current amp is I listen to music mostly at a low volume due to where I live and the tube amp when dropped down in volume sounds very flat. However when powered up it is better. I'm hoping to find an amp that could power the Energy's at a low volume while still having a great soundstage and presence.
My budget would be $1000 max. I auditioned the NAD C316BEE, the NAD C326BEE, and the Rega Brio-R today. I thought the Rega sounded very engaging. but I was wondering if there are some other amps for less money vintage or new that is similar in quality to the Rega?
StimpyWan
Addicted Member
Hey, if Cross-Fit induced, please be careful. I just read an article about Rhabdo, and it's possible to push your muscles so far, that they can't recover! Ever! So, be very very careful in the future, when exercising like this, because you can push too far. As you've found out. :sigh:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-robertson/crossfit-rhabdomyolysis_b_3977598.html
Otherwise, glad that you like the Energy's! I've heard Energy's on tubes before, and it made for a very sweet set-up! BTW - the amps were modded Eico's. Nice...! :drool:
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moinau
Je me Souviens
Audiolab 8200A 60 Watts in 8 ohms ?? in 4 ohms
No phono stage input
http://www.audiolab.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?lang=En&Tab2=8200A
Rega Brio R 50 Watts in 8 ohms, and 73 watts in 4 ohms
Has a MM phono stage input
http://www.rega.co.uk/html/Brio-R.htm
Here's two amps in your price range or slightly below.
I'm familiar with both, excellent amps that you should try at your place, or bring your speakers to the shop, although your place is best.
Buying new afford you the chance of making an informed decision.
I understand you already tried the Brio. This one has one option already installed that you might like, a phono stage input, and a very good one at that, while the Audiolab does not include one now with their new model.
You now have the choice between two excellent little integrated amps.
On the vintage side, lots of choices. Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz, Yamaha, Kenwood receivers or integrated amps will also be excellent match for your speakers.
The 40 watts to 80 watts units are usually quite affordable, as opposed to the monster units.
There are to many to name them all, but take a look in here , http://www.hifiengine.com/
when you find some, you might want to ask here or read on that site.
The advantage of vintage, you can find excellent units at very affordable prices. The disadvantages, usually, you can't try them, so if you don't like them, you're stuck with them. You could sell them I guess. Also, you always take a chance with used products, no warranty.
No phono stage input
http://www.audiolab.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?lang=En&Tab2=8200A
Rega Brio R 50 Watts in 8 ohms, and 73 watts in 4 ohms
Has a MM phono stage input
http://www.rega.co.uk/html/Brio-R.htm
Here's two amps in your price range or slightly below.
I'm familiar with both, excellent amps that you should try at your place, or bring your speakers to the shop, although your place is best.
Buying new afford you the chance of making an informed decision.
I understand you already tried the Brio. This one has one option already installed that you might like, a phono stage input, and a very good one at that, while the Audiolab does not include one now with their new model.
You now have the choice between two excellent little integrated amps.
On the vintage side, lots of choices. Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz, Yamaha, Kenwood receivers or integrated amps will also be excellent match for your speakers.
The 40 watts to 80 watts units are usually quite affordable, as opposed to the monster units.
There are to many to name them all, but take a look in here , http://www.hifiengine.com/
when you find some, you might want to ask here or read on that site.
The advantage of vintage, you can find excellent units at very affordable prices. The disadvantages, usually, you can't try them, so if you don't like them, you're stuck with them. You could sell them I guess. Also, you always take a chance with used products, no warranty.
gongli
Musician + Audio Lover
If you want to get a new one, so you don't have to worry about old parts going out on you soon, I really like Teac AI-1000 for $599 on ebay.\ (msrp $1000). They have parts found on much more expensive gears, and sound that way too!
If you can audition one, I think you too will be smitten by them.
Outlaw 1050 can be had for as little as $200 used, and sound good too, for 2 ch.s (it's a surround sound receiver).
I think you are on the right track to the sonic nirvana. I almost bought the Energy speakers too, but went with Paradigm ones. Your speakers will sing with Ixos gamma speaker cable at Accessoris4less.com They are not that expensive, but makes the higher fr. sing!
If you can audition one, I think you too will be smitten by them.
Outlaw 1050 can be had for as little as $200 used, and sound good too, for 2 ch.s (it's a surround sound receiver).
I think you are on the right track to the sonic nirvana. I almost bought the Energy speakers too, but went with Paradigm ones. Your speakers will sing with Ixos gamma speaker cable at Accessoris4less.com They are not that expensive, but makes the higher fr. sing!
Hi Stimpy,
It actually was Crossfit! it was my first time going back into the gym after a long time off and I think the team atmosphere of it really pushed me to try and keep up. Thanks for the link to the article. The frequency of how often this happens and the extreme potential danger is difficult to wrap my head around. I think clients definitely need to be better educated when stepping into the gym for the first time.
By the way what is an "Eico" ?
It actually was Crossfit! it was my first time going back into the gym after a long time off and I think the team atmosphere of it really pushed me to try and keep up. Thanks for the link to the article. The frequency of how often this happens and the extreme potential danger is difficult to wrap my head around. I think clients definitely need to be better educated when stepping into the gym for the first time.
By the way what is an "Eico" ?
Hi everyone thank you so much for all your suggestions. I went back into the store today and brought my Dared MP5 tube amp and Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono to compare with the Rega Brio-R. The difference was just astounding! The music was so full, dynamic and engaging! I walked out of the store with the Rega. I've let it warm up for two hours and have gone through several records now. Wow, I am very happy with the results! I am so happy to have a stereos system now that can provide the experience i set out to achieve two years ago.
Technics sl1200 & Nagaoka MP110 + Rega Brio-r + Energy Connoisseur C2 + JPS Super Blue speaker cables = Audio Nirvana (for me at least
)
I have one question though. The salesman at the store advised that I keep the amp turned on at all times to ensure the amp is sounding its best unless I will be going on vacation for an extended period of time. Now is there truth to this or would I just need to warm up the amp for a couple of minutes when turning it on before each listen?
Technics sl1200 & Nagaoka MP110 + Rega Brio-r + Energy Connoisseur C2 + JPS Super Blue speaker cables = Audio Nirvana (for me at least
)I have one question though. The salesman at the store advised that I keep the amp turned on at all times to ensure the amp is sounding its best unless I will be going on vacation for an extended period of time. Now is there truth to this or would I just need to warm up the amp for a couple of minutes when turning it on before each listen?
mythless
Looking for projects!?
Hi everyone thank you so much for all your suggestions. I went back into the store today and brought my Dared MP5 tube amp and Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono to compare with the Rega Brio-R. The difference was just astounding! The music was so full, dynamic and engaging! I walked out of the store with the Rega. I've let it warm up for two hours and have gone through several records now. Wow, I am very happy with the results! I am so happy to have a stereos system now that can provide the experience i set out to achieve two years ago.
Technics sl1200 & Nagaoka MP110 + Rega Brio-r + Energy Connoisseur C2 + JPS Super Blue speaker cables = Audio Nirvana (for me at least
I have one question though. The salesman at the store advised that I keep the amp turned on at all times to ensure the amp is sounding its best unless I will be going on vacation for an extended period of time. Now is there truth to this or would I just need to warm up the amp for a couple of minutes when turning it on before each listen?
Nice setup.
As for your question, I don't know if there is a truth to it but, they do say if you leave your amplifier on and "warmed" and makes sure everything is fully "charged." As well, if you constantly keep your capacitors "charged" they tend to degrade at a slower rate.
I think there is some truth but, I'm don't know how much truth there is on a scientific scale as I never read into the issue. But, generally, before I listen to my setup I leave it on and walk away for a few minutes before playing. Some people I know turn it on when they get back from work and turn it off before bed.
Kingshead
Professor
I see you already found your speakers before I saw this thread. If still interested in seeing some others, these are an awesome little speaker that originally sold for $1000/pair. If able to grab a pair at anything under $300 it's a steal. The black are more popular, and one has some damage to one corner so this might be an opportunity of a lifetime if a bidding war doesn't ensue. Frequency response is ruler flat; +/- 1.5db 70 - 45k, and image like hell. They are power hungry though, so no wimpy amps need apply.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171322218511?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1431.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171322218511?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1431.l2649