[woodsyi]

Recently I got the bug to upgrade my budget/midfi HT.  I figure I get ready for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.  So I have the processor and 7 channel amp (which turns out to need repair).  I will need 4 more channels of power to run 4 Atmos speakers -- (I have 2 pairs of Elac Atmos on order).  I have been looking at all options and really I can't seem to find any that beats the Outlaw Model 5000.  My 7 channel amp is Outlaw 7700 and was trouble free for like 10 years (but now needs a couple of channels repaired).  Can I get 4 channels cheaper than Outlaw 5000 (5 channels) at $599?

Here is a review from Audioholics.

[Doublej]

Cheaper yes, better...?

Two of these will cost you less than $200.

http://www.amphony.com/products/mini-amplifier.htm

[woodsyi]

Cheaper yes, better...?

Two of these will cost you less than $200.

http://www.amphony.com/products/mini-amplifier.htm

Interesting product.  I wondered if there would be efficient switching amps available.  I would go mono and get 4 of them for $276.  But I am a little weary of something that small.  Is it really 80watt RMS (into what load)?  Does it really have enough headroom for loud passages?  I am not even sure I can get my tinned 14 gauge speaker wires into those.

[mcgsxr]

Perhaps a pair of these?

http://www.amazon.com/Crown-DriveCore-XLS1500-Power-Amplifier/dp/B003HZV2JS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446841751&sr=8-1&keywords=crown+xls

I am very happy with mine driving my Maggies in my main rig.

At $199 each, you save a little $, if you can live with 2 amps vs 1. 

[woodsyi]

I can't tell by the user guide.  Do they have 12V trigger?

[Bob in St. Louis]

Beringer "iNuke" from Parts-Express.

I've got one of the 3000 watt units, and it works very well. The cooling fans are also very quiet.
>> Here's a link<< to the 1000 watt unit. They've got several variations, some with and without DSP. For a cheap Chinese unit, they're very nice. Two of these would cost you $300.

[ajzepp]

Perhaps a pair of these?

http://www.amazon.com/Crown-DriveCore-XLS1500-Power-Amplifier/dp/B003HZV2JS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446841751&sr=8-1&keywords=crown+xls

I am very happy with mine driving my Maggies in my main rig.

At $199 each, you save a little $, if you can live with 2 amps vs 1.

Wow, I have absolutely no need for this right now, but 500+ watts into 4ohms at a buck ninety-nine? Class D, which I love? I'm tempted to buy one just for the hell of it in case I ever need a back-up amp...great find!

[Bob in St. Louis]

........... but 500+ watts into 4ohms at a buck ninety-nine? ............

Double check the one I linked to.
{quote} Delivers over 2 x 500 watts into 2 ohms, 2 x 300 watts into 4 ohms, 1,000 watts into 4 ohms (bridge mode) (for $149).

[ajzepp]

Double check the one I linked to.
{quote} Delivers over 2 x 500 watts into 2 ohms, 2 x 300 watts into 4 ohms, 1,000 watts into 4 ohms (bridge mode) (for $149).

Dang, looks like someone has developed an uber cheap class D module...I'm familiar maily with the ICE modules developed by B&O, so if these cheapos can get anywhere near that level of performance, they probably sound quite nice. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I love my class D amps...I have them in my Peachtree Nova 125 and also the little Kanto powered speakers...both are great. I love class D with Maggies...

Thanks Bob!

[Bob in St. Louis]

You're welcome!
Not sure how they'd sound for the main channels, my expectations wouldn't be high.
But for surrounds and subs, you can't beat the cheap horsepower they have to offer.

On a side note, "somebody" a few years back compared these cheap amps, ie: Crown, Pyle, Behringer and a couple other high power, low cost "pro" amps like these for main channel use. It was an interesting article.

Bob

[ajzepp]

You're welcome!
Not sure how they'd sound for the main channels, my expectations wouldn't be high.
But for surrounds and subs, you can't beat the cheap horsepower they have to offer.

On a side note, "somebody" a few years back compared these cheap amps, ie: Crown, Pyle, Behringer and a couple other high power, low cost "pro" amps like these for main channel use. It was an interesting article.

Bob

Heck yeah, at that price I don't see how they could be beat, even for just having a backup amp kickin' around...

Are you still rockin' that Epson projector? My 3010 is almost five years old, but I'm still amazed at how bright and beautiful the image is...I'm sure I'll keep it at least another couple years. I know you kept your Z2 for a good while...are you planning on keeping the Epson in play a good bit longer?

[Bob in St. Louis]

Yip, the Epson is still going strong. Still on the first lamp too (not sure the hours, but it's a bunch).
The Z2 went through three lamps!

[Phil A]

Love my Epson PJs. Have an 8350 in the BR with a 92 inch screen that folds into the ceiling that sees lots of use and a 5030 in the main system. BR screen:

[ajzepp]

Epsons everywhere!