marantz sr18 sep, amp (1 Viewer)

[Raymond D'amato]

is their anyone using a seperate amp with this receiver.
need tro know how its working out. i have a pr. of n804
B&W speakers and i am thinking about getting a seperate amp.


thanks

 

[Rob Rodier]

You should definately look into a sperate amp. The 804s have the resloving power to make it well worth your while. Any preowned 2ch amp >$300 will out-perform your marantz amps.

-rob

 

[Craig Morris]

Rob,

I'm not debating that his speakers would benefit from an external amp, but I think "any preowned under $300" may be a bit misleading. The SR-18 has a huge toroidal transformer and measures very well with 2 channels driven.

http://www.audioholics.com/productre...ntz_SR-18b.php

I would think he'd need a "good quality" amp rated at at least 200W into 8 ohms to hear a noticeable difference. Maybe you can get that for $300, I dunno.

 

[Rob Rodier]

I'm not debating that his speakers would benefit from an external amp, but I think "any preowned under $300" may be a bit misleading.

I said over $300. Still, you are right there may be exceptions. But...

Certainly something like an Acurus A150, A250, A200, or even an Adcom GFA-555 etc would be a step up. As well as most rotel gear.The A150 can be had for as little as $200.

However, I think that the "big" jump will come when you get into something like Krell, Classe, Conrad Johnson, Plinius, or Bryston etc. These are more in the range of $1200 but can be had for less, maybe even under 700-800, especially some of the lower powered Classe, CJ and Bryston stuff.

I dont think that you need something with huge power, I dont have the 804 #'s in front of me but the line tends to be fairly efficient. A quality 100wpc amp with a bias leaning towards class A (almost all of the above) would make an enormous difference. That is for sure.


Good luck
-rob

 

[Mike Butny]

I also have a marantz sr18 receiver and Im using two marantz ma700 monoblocks rated at 200 watts into 8 ohms and 300 watts into 4ohms. I use the monoblocks to power a pair of B&W 805s and use the remaining three amps in the receiver to power a B&W HTLM2 center and JAMO THX dipole rears.