Thread: Hifi amplifier question

Is it just for music or for an home theatre setup ? I have an old 1999 Yamaha surround sound AV receiver amp that i bought about 5 years ago for $200 and its awesome, doesnt have any component or hdmi inputs but tv has enough so doesnt matter.
I also just bought a Hitachi AV receiver at a local 2nd hand store for $40 that has component inputs so may switch that with the yammy for outdoor system.

Have a look through the classifieds here you might have to sign up first though, if you do it might be worth asking on the forum for advice.

StereoNET Australia

I have run a set of Polk Audio speakers from a small JVC component amp with good results but best with 100RMS per side Marantz.
I bought them In Saudi Arabia in 1984 and my daughter and SIL still have them going strong.
I would go for the NAD personally as they outperform their specs and the Polks are pretty efficient.
Regards Philip A

Thanks guys.

Music only.

Will check out stereo net - probably a better place than on a car forum!! Although there are many and varied interests represented here.

Yeah the polks are great 8ohm 89db sensitivity.
Although these particular ones are a 2 channel bookshelf with a passive sub that needs driving too.

Do older amps still cut it compared to the newer ones. I know the marantz av receiver I had was renowned to run hot and fail - how much risk is there of a second hand quality amp failing?

Originally Posted by mattyg

Thanks guys.

Music only.

Will check out stereo net - probably a better place than on a car forum!! Although there are many and varied interests represented here.

Yeah the polks are great 8ohm 89db sensitivity.
Although these particular ones are a 2 channel bookshelf with a passive sub that needs driving too.

Do older amps still cut it compared to the newer ones. I know the marantz av receiver I had was renowned to run hot and fail - how much risk is there of a second hand quality amp failing?

If looking secondhand, definitely go for the NAD. I have a NAD 3020 from the eighties. Great sound and has never let me down.

For music I'd also say NAD. They always have had plenty of headroom, which is essential. Not only but also a pretty tried and proven circuit philosophy. - Can be repaired by any competant Tech, and parts are universally obtainable.

I used to have a NAD, but decided while it is a great unit I didn't like the sound... a bit flat or compressed?

So I give an other vote for Stereo.net.au.. set your budget and and then go and listen to everything you can.

Rotel are great (I have an RC-1070 and an RB-1070) but they have an almost clinical sound that IMO needs to be balanced out with a warm input and speakers. Paired with an RWA Isabellina with a Miniwatt Dario 7308 and the Rotel sings.

But if you want musicality & warmth... then a 5 to 10 watt valve amp is the only way to go.