2. amps-preamps
  3. 1085165110

Matching an amp to speakers for beginners?

I've been unhappy with the sound I've heard out of all the store bought systems, so I'm looking into higher end stuff. I've been spending the past couple weeks browsing around here and other places on and off to try to figure out what I can pick up that I would be more satisfied with.

Originally, I just wanted to pick up some better speakers and hook them up to my Yamaha receiver, but I've since been convinced that if I get nice speakers they will be wasted if I use my receiver. So now I'm looking for an amp.

After reading a bit, I've realized that all this stuff is a lot more complicated than I originally thought it would be. I'm hoping someone here can help me out with some basic information.

Assuming I pick up some nice speakers, what do I look for when trying to find an amp to run them off of? I'd prefer an integrated amp just for less complexity. Can someone help me out with someone basic guidelines when looking at the speaker and amp's specs what I should be looking for?

Thanks for any help you can provide.
petequad

Showing 1 response by reubent

reubent
6,935 posts
 
Newbee,

Good suggestion. I would also add that you could provide us with the following:

1. Your budget in dollars
2. New, used or either
3. Type of room and size of room
4. Type of music you prefer
5. 2-channel only, combo music and HT
6. speakers-floorstanding or monitor/bookshelf
7. Amp-solid state or tube
8. Source component-what will you use for source, i.e. CD

Knowing these things will assist in providing an answer. There are lots of considerations. For instance, if you buy relatively high efficiency speakers, you can use a much lower powered amp. Heck, in a smallish room a 2-3 watt per channel amp will drive a high efficency speaker to loud levels. I know, I'm doing it right now!

For the price of an HT receiver and speakers at Best Buy or Circuit City, you can have a great sounding 2-channel system.

Enjoy,

TIC
More to discover