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So I come to a time with my computer audio setup where I need to make some changes regarding my amplification. For one I need to move to 5.1 one of these days (from 4.0) which will require an additional amp, if nothing else. However also the Halfer I've been using is starting to act up, so it's probably just time to replace everything.
Well that leaves me with a bit of a quandary as to what to do. My first inclination is to get a 5-channel amplifier. Makes sense right? Well you have to go pretty high end to get that, about the cheapest I can find is a Rotel RMB-1066 for like $700. Nice amp, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much. Another option would be to get three stereo amps. Samson Servo 120as were what I was thinking about. That would only run about $450, and I can also piece it out, as I don't have to buy the amp for the centre channel until I'm actually ready.
Of course then there's the non-component option. The receiver market is full of 5.1+ units, most of which would do what I want. Specifically the Yamaha HTR-5960 looks good, and is pretty affordable at about $350 shipped. Seems like kind of a waste of features, but hey if it gets the job done.
Now my concern is mostly sound quality. I like good sound, and while my speakers aren't top of the line audiophile stuff or anything, they are nice. I have B&W 604S3s in front, 601S2s in back. I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I don't want to cheapskate on an amp and thus hamper the sound overall.
Of course as ever, I'm buying cold since there's nobody locally that I can get to loan me the gear to listen to. So I'd be interested in opinions from those with similar gear and a little more experience. Will a receiver do just fine? Should I not be a cheapskate and get the Rotel?
Also I'd be interested in any other suggestions that anyone has. However keep it reasonable. As my hesitation on the Rotel should indicate, I'm aiming for lower prices.
Thanks.
Well that leaves me with a bit of a quandary as to what to do. My first inclination is to get a 5-channel amplifier. Makes sense right? Well you have to go pretty high end to get that, about the cheapest I can find is a Rotel RMB-1066 for like $700. Nice amp, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much. Another option would be to get three stereo amps. Samson Servo 120as were what I was thinking about. That would only run about $450, and I can also piece it out, as I don't have to buy the amp for the centre channel until I'm actually ready.
Of course then there's the non-component option. The receiver market is full of 5.1+ units, most of which would do what I want. Specifically the Yamaha HTR-5960 looks good, and is pretty affordable at about $350 shipped. Seems like kind of a waste of features, but hey if it gets the job done.
Now my concern is mostly sound quality. I like good sound, and while my speakers aren't top of the line audiophile stuff or anything, they are nice. I have B&W 604S3s in front, 601S2s in back. I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I don't want to cheapskate on an amp and thus hamper the sound overall.
Of course as ever, I'm buying cold since there's nobody locally that I can get to loan me the gear to listen to. So I'd be interested in opinions from those with similar gear and a little more experience. Will a receiver do just fine? Should I not be a cheapskate and get the Rotel?
Also I'd be interested in any other suggestions that anyone has. However keep it reasonable. As my hesitation on the Rotel should indicate, I'm aiming for lower prices.
Thanks.