[RDavidson]

I'm a 2 channel guy, but have a modest, but surprisingly nice sounding HT setup in a cozy living room that I'm satisfied with. I say "surprisingly" because I would normally associate small speakers that can't hit 80hz as sounding thin. Not the case with the Energy system, when properly setup and used in a room of appropriate size. The wife likes them too. Anyway, my system is comprised of:

Yamaha RXA1000
Energy Take Classic speakers
SVS PB12NSD

Right now I'm running just a 3.1 setup. I have an Outlaw OAW3 wireless transmitter/receiver system I was using for the sub, but we moved a couple of months ago and no longer need to use the OAW3 for the sub. I am going to buy a second OAW3 as I'll need one for each of the two Energy surround speakers.

I've already gone through the thought of using powered monitors like Audioengine A2's for surrounds, but decided against it.

With this premise, I'm looking for a small but sturdy and reliable amp to power the surrounds. Note the speakers will be crossed over at 110hz. I'm considering:

1. Audiosource Amp 100 - Cheap. Should do the job. Not keen on the size, but not entirely put off. Audiosource has been around a long time so reliability should be fine for a $100 amp.
2. Parasound zamp v2 or v3 (used) - Not the cheapest option, but the small size is nice. Reliability should be fine.
3. T-amp - Cheap. Too many options to list. Reliability and overall quality varies widely. The Pop Pulse from Whiplash audio is probably at the top of the list, but am also considering Dayton and other options from PArts Express.

What do you guys think? Anyone else with a similar setup?

[WGH]

I would get an Adcom GFA-535 for about $100 on eBay. 60 watts/channel and built like a tank. Sounds real good too. I now use an Adcom GFA-5400 to power the surrounds, a good friend still uses my old 535 in her stereo and it sounds great. I bought the 535 in August 1991 and it has been in continuous service since then with no problems.

http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/adcom_gfa-535_power_amplifier

Look for the original (not the II). The original does not have the hardness and grain mentioned in the Stereophile review.

[RDavidson]

Thank you very much for the suggestion. This is the kind of info I'm looking for. I was actually thinking about Adcom too as I know the old stuff is well built. Size could be an issue (depth), but we'll see. I'll look into it.

[RDavidson]

The 535 certainly seems like it would fit the bill quite well. The price these amps can be had for is reasonable as well. The only thing that is making me shy away, slightly, is that any 535 would be over 20 years old. I know they're well built but will surely need a tuneup, even just for peace of mind. So, the value proposition is lessened a bit, unless I can find a 535 super cheap.

[RDavidson]

Moved my question about getting the 25 year old Adcom 535 I recently bought a check-up vs waiting then repairing, over to The Lab board.