newbie amp/RM2 question

Radiator · « **on:** 9 Aug 2005, 08:40 pm »

Hi folks-

I thought it'd be wise to post here before I blow hard earned money on something I won't like.

I bought a pair of RM2 speakers from Brian about three years or so ago(maybe longer), and put them together myself. I have been driving them the whole time with my Yamaha RX-777 (100 WPC reciever/amp). It can be used as a pre-amp also, so I have begun looking at ebay for amplifiers. Let me also state that when Brian sent me the kit to build, we made them 8 ohm impedance. The reason was that I wanted to continue to use my Bose speakers in another zone. I now realize that might not have been my best option, but anyway, here I am, with 8 ohm RM2s(also got the mega woofer, soundcoat, and the neo ribbons). Let me say I have loved these speakers from the start, and I believe that I am not getting their best (though I believe they sound darn good).

Anyway, I have been tracking ebay, watching for amplifiers that I can afford. I am hoping to avoid spending more than $1000. Two channel music is all I really use the system for, mostly CDs. I am aware of the idea of DACs, and other links in the system, but have my heart set on amplifiers.

What I really like the idea of is the Sunfire 300, which seems to have plenty of power, and both the voltage and current taps that I could use for bi-amping.

Does anyone here have any experience with this setup? Any alternate ideas? I believe I need more power, but I have read enough posts on this site that state that power (at least as measured in watts) should not be the only issue to consider. Obviously, I am not an audiophile, but I have some engineering knowledge (digital realm though, so doesn't apply much here). Anyway, thanks for any help you guys can provide....

Rob

zybar · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Aug 2005, 09:19 pm »

The Sunfire amp is a nice piece of gear and should be a noticeable step up from your Yamaha. If you gte it off e-bay or Audiogon at a good price, you can always flip it if you don't like it or think it is worth the cost.

I also just saw this over on Audiogon:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1128790649

I am in no way affiliated with the seller. Just think it is a good price for a good pair of amps.

George

eekrat · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Aug 2005, 10:47 pm »

Take a look at the amps at Outlaw Audio. I recently upgraded to a 990/750 combo from a Pioneer Elite 26tx to drive my RM2's and they made a huge difference in the dynamics. More clarity, tighter bass, a definite improvement.

warnerwh · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Aug 2005, 05:05 am »

If you can find an Innersound ESL amp, grab it. Extremely smooth sounding for an SS amp. It's 300wpc into 8ohms and doubles down into 4. With my RM 40's it's an excellent match. This amp is completely non fatigueing. You can get one for about 11-1200 on Audiogon once in a while when they come up for sale.

A good power amp with at least 200wpc will take you to another level. And the Sunfire will deliver it too. Even a Rotel for less than a thousand would be a nice step up. A 1080 for 750 or possibly a 990 or 991 with 200wpc can be had for less than 500 bucks and are good sounding amps. The Marsh A400s is an excellent amp for about 1000. Any of these will be a nice improvement.

Your speakers are extremely revealing and the upgrade will be much appreciated. Once you get a new amp I'd be looking at a quality cd player or dac. As a matter of fact one of the Rotels listed above for under 500 and a Scott Nixon Tubedac or an Ackdack will be a Very nice improvement to your system. There are many knowledgeable people here who will be happy to help you. Be sure to let us know what you think after you get your new amp.

You only mention Ebay. Check out audiogon.com. Great site and I tend to think the people there are of a higher caliber in general than Ebay. Many good deals to be found.

Tim S · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Aug 2005, 01:10 pm »

There are a couple of Marsh A400's for sale on Audiogon for about $1100:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1126801167

or a few A200's for about $750 (200WPC vs. 100 WPC either would probably work fine with the RM2's). I was really thinking about one of those for my RM1's, but I just decided to give the Channel Islands D100's a try instead. If I hadn't gone with those, the Marsh amps are supposed to be very good.

Tim

woodsyi · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Aug 2005, 01:51 pm »

How about this project?

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=19614

I ordered one and I am going to check it out on a pair of 626R that I got from Marbles. From designs I have seen, it looks like a fairly easy DIY work.

It's got to be better than your receiver for a lot less than a grand you specified.

Radiator · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Aug 2005, 04:25 pm »

Thanks guys for all your input. The intelligence shown around here regarding all things audiophile makes it a bit intimidating for a new guy to post, but you've made me feel welcome, and so I wanted to let you all know I appreciate it.

I am going to look into the suggestions you've all made, and will let you know what I decide in the future. Thanks again folks!

Rob

stereopath · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Aug 2005, 01:02 am »

I sold my marsh a400s on audiogon - I had been using them with a pair of rm2s and they were very good. I settled for $900 and would tend to recomment the marsh over the sunfire. YOu can definitely get one for under $1k.

I bought a bel canto evo6 and am using two channels for each speaker in bridged mode. Yes, I know, more expensive than you sensibly care to go, but a great amp with great speakers.

Given the efficiency of the rm2's, the normal 2 channel bel canto, the evo 2, used, may be found for near $1k.

good luck

Radiator · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Aug 2005, 03:50 pm »

Hi folks-

Just wanted to let you know what I've decided. I went with Zybars suggestion, and have arranged to buy the Odyssey Audio Stratos Mono Extreme amps. I am quite excited about it, but won't be able to get them until the weekend of August 26th. Turns out the seller is about 150 miles from me, so shipping won't be a problem, I already had a trip planned there for that weekend. It was a difficult decision for me, I nearly went with an Earthquake Cinenova 3, which also would have been a tremendous deal, but I believe the Odysseys will be a bit warmer, which is more to my taste. Sometime in the future I'll be considering a new preamp...maybe even head into the magical world of tubes with that

Thanks for giving me the suggestions, I do appreciate it. I love perusing Audiogon now.....

Enjoy life, play it loud....

Rob