[Wind Chaser]

On impulse I ordered a cheap pair of speakers.... Pioneer SP-BS22-LR.

I don't plan on rocking out beyond 90 db, but given they are not very  efficient... what is and isn't recommended? New or used, doesn't matter. I'm not interested in DIY projects.

[JLM]

Try Parts Express and look for a T-amp. Next step up if look for factory rebuilds from Harmon Kardon.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

What is you budget and do you want an integrated amp, receiver or separates?

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-50324-marantz-pm6004-integrated-amp.aspx

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-105156-onkyo-reference-a-9050-integrated-amp.aspx


http://www.musicdirect.com/p-12627-marantz-pm5004-integrated-amp.aspx

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100

Also look at the HK 3490 receiver

[Brad]

Look for one of the assembled TPA3116 amps
In the same price range as your speakers   
Plus some of them now offer 50x2 plus 100x1 in case you want to power a sub.

[Folsom]

Look for one of the assembled TPA3116 amps
In the same price range as your speakers   
Plus some of them now offer 50x2 plus 100x1 in case you want to power a sub.

The three channel ones don't have good as a reputation for sound quality. But a TPA3116 would be a great choice over smaller T-amps.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I use a parts express Dayton Audio DTA 100a with a pair of Monitor Audio S1's in my bedroom.  It sounds great and plays fairly loud since the speakers have a sensitivity of 89db but those Pioneers are rated at 85db.  The amp has nice air and transparency and is very dynamic with nice bass  Feed it a good source and you will rewarded with great sound.  The little digital amps will work but you won't be able to play them very loud.  They are rated at 50wpc at 10% THD.  Parts Express had improved the DTA amp, the new model is a DTA 120a with a little more power and better speaker binding posts.  It is on sale right now for about $100

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dta-120-class-t-digital-mini-amplifier-60-wpc--300-3800

You have to be careful with the rca jacks as they can easily pull out.  But the are easy to put back in.

[Wind Chaser]

Try Parts Express and look for a T-amp. Next step up if look for factory rebuilds from Harmon Kardon.

Factory rebuilds?  I like HK and it probably would have more grunt in the bottom end on account of the bigger power supply...

Should have mentioned I'm willing to spend up to $400, maybe even a little more if merited.

[Wind Chaser]

What is you budget and do you want an integrated amp, receiver or separates?

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-50324-marantz-pm6004-integrated-amp.aspx

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-105156-onkyo-reference-a-9050-integrated-amp.aspx


http://www.musicdirect.com/p-12627-marantz-pm5004-integrated-amp.aspx

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100

Also look at the HK 3490 receiver

All those look good.

[Wind Chaser]

Look for one of the assembled TPA3116 amps
In the same price range as your speakers   
Plus some of them now offer 50x2 plus 100x1 in case you want to power a sub.

Is there a vendor who sells finished amps?

[Wind Chaser]

How about a small SET tube amp by Musical Paradise...  http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=54

The TBI Millenia?? ...or the $200 Pioneer receiver that some claim is as good $11000 separates??

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=68889.0

[jarcher]

Id' second the Marantz PM6004.  Alternatively if you're willing to go beyond $400 and want something new, the new NAD 3020 @ $500 is interesting because for $100 more it gives you a decent DAC that you can hook up to a computer.  Non-audiophiles like the bluetooth streaming function as well.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-155651-nad-d3020-hybrid-digital-amp.aspx

Of course in used there are many options as well.  I've gotten happy results from super cheap used things such as an NAD 314 integrated amp (similar to the original 3020) for $30, and Fatman Itube / Dared MP5 (same thing) hybrid integrated tube amps for around $150 or less off of Ebay.

[viggen]

This guy is under $200 and is very good.

http://www.amazon.com/Nuforce-ICON-AMP-BLACK-Stereo-Amplifier-Black/dp/B002YDYIW2/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392335980&sr=1-4&keywords=nuforce+dia

[JLM]

I had a receiver for a few years, out performed a Rotel all the way around at 1/4th the price. And yes it excelled at low end grunt with its beefy power supply.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Take a look at this Onkyo digital 9555 integrated.  I would jump all over this one.  Its a nice amp.  You won't do any better at its price.  In fact, I may buy it for my daughter as I have been looking for one of these.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-onkyo-a-9555-digital-integrated-amp-2014-02-10-integrateds-34994

[Brad]

Is there a vendor who sells finished amps?

The only completed ones I see right now are the 2.1 versions
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-TPA3116-2-1-completed-in-case-50W-50W-100W-Class-D-Amplifier-board-/161137677418?pt=US_Amplifier_Parts_Components&hash=item25848dd46a

[mfsoa]

Although you'll be using it for 2 channel audio (I assume), maybe look for a home theater receiver that doesn't do the latest surround formats or doesn't have HDMI - They are practically worthless for someone's video system so they can be had for a song.

-Mike

[Sparky14]

I have the Dayton DTA-100 running the Pioneer BS-21s (predecessor to the 22). It does fine, plenty of volume for a tiny little amp.

[Letitroll98]

Pioneer VSX-D912 receiver.  They can be had for $100 or less on eBay.

The thread on the unit here is titled "$200 rcvr beats $11k separates" http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=68889.0

Do not buy any other model, even very close models, it's just this single receiver that has the magic.  And follow the instructions in the thread for the very modest use of shorting plugs and taking all of the settings to zero.

[Wind Chaser]

Id' second the Marantz PM6004.  Alternatively if you're willing to go beyond $400 and want something new, the new NAD 3020 @ $500 is interesting because for $100 more it gives you a decent DAC that you can hook up to a computer.  Non-audiophiles like the bluetooth streaming function as well.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-155651-nad-d3020-hybrid-digital-amp.aspx

Of course in used there are many options as well.  I've gotten happy results from super cheap used things such as an NAD 314 integrated amp (similar to the original 3020) for $30, and Fatman Itube / Dared MP5 (same thing) hybrid integrated tube amps for around $150 or less off of Ebay.

NAD has a great reputation, many years ago I had a 3020 and a 3140. Can't remember what I had in conjunction with it - I went through a lot of gear over the years, especially in the late 70's. Things settled down in the 80's when I started making good money and discovered 'high end'.

[Wind Chaser]

This guy is under $200 and is very good.

http://www.amazon.com/Nuforce-ICON-AMP-BLACK-Stereo-Amplifier-Black/dp/B002YDYIW2/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392335980&sr=1-4&keywords=nuforce+dia

About 5 years ago, a buddy and I did a shoot out between an old SAE piece and 4 Nuforce Ref 9 mono amps in bi-amped configuration. The Reference 9's were under whelming.