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Thread: Good amp for low volume listening |
    
New member Username: Tyreal
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-09
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| Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009 - 01:26 pm: |
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I'm new to the audio world, but I'm looking for advice on which would be the best amp for listening to movies at a low volume (10% used for music). Are there certain stat's I should be looking for?
Examples:
• Should I get a 1000wat amp apposed to a 700watt? Because the more power to each speaker, the lower you can have the volume and still have great quality sound?
o And what about the speakers to match the amp? If its 700wat amp for 7.1 systems, should I be looking for max 100watt speakers?
• Is there a “better” company for dynamic range compression? So I get less ear fatigue.
I'm also looking for excellent video processing power for future "proofing" (things like deep color, etc.). Any suggestions are welcome (price range for amp: up to $1500, preferably lower)
Thanks |
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Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigne
Dallas,
TX
Post Number: 13284
Registered: May-04
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| Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 11:36 am: |
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Your questions are not realistic. If you are so new to audio that you are asking questions that cannot be answered without pages of explanation, this forum can't help you as much as will a visit to a good audio dealer. You sound like you might be familiar with car audio which means most of what you know will have to be unlearned for home audio.
Do you have any independent audio retailers in your area?
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New member Username: Tyreal
Post Number: 3
Registered: Jan-09
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| Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 06:31 pm: |
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I've been to local A/V shops (Bleekers and Audiotronic), but at both places the sales reps basically said anything would work for me... they were willing/recommending anything from $500-$2000. I also tried best buy and future shop which wasn't helpful either...
Unfortunately I'm new to this city, so I don't know where exactly to go to get good advice. |
Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigne
Dallas,
TX
Post Number: 13287
Registered: May-04
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| Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 09:13 pm: |
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What city? |
New member Username: Tyreal
Post Number: 4
Registered: Jan-09
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 01:31 pm: |
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
New member Username: Bob_ralph
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-09
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 04:06 pm: |
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Stereo Plus in Orleans
The Audio Shop on Bank St
Signature Audio-Video in Kanata
Distinctive Audio on Carling (very high end) |
Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigne
Dallas,
TX
Post Number: 13291
Registered: May-04
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 09:15 pm: |
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Thanks, BR.
Does that help, Tim? |
Gold Member Username: Nickelbut10
Post Number: 2293
Registered: Jun-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 09:32 pm: |
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Where is David at? Tim, im a stone throw away from you. Welcome to the forum, good to see another Ontario native. Ecoustics is becoming populated with them. Cheers. |
Silver Member Username: Soundgame
Richmond Hill Toronto,
Ontario
Canada
Post Number: 578
Registered: Jun-08
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 09:37 pm: |
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I believe Dave's been in Bleekers. That's where he auditioned the Sinclair Audio speakers that got me on this forum. |
Platinum Member Username: Nuck
Post Number: 11429
Registered: Dec-04
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| Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 05:13 am: |
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Unityaudio.ca
Napean |
New member Username: Tyreal
Post Number: 5
Registered: Jan-09
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| Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 12:05 pm: |
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Thanks for the replys and the welcome  .
I'll hope that one of the recommended stores will have a good sales rep when I go this weekend. |
Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigne
Dallas,
TX
Post Number: 13293
Registered: May-04
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| Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 02:04 pm: |
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I would suggest you call ahead and ask to speak to the store manager. Tell him/her what you are looking for and ask for an appointment with a salesperson who can explain what you need. This should be an appointment for a quiet weekday afternoon/evening, not a busy Saturday. You have a lot of ground to cover and this cannot be done well on a busy day where you will tie up a listening room and a salesperon for large chunks of time. Bring along a few examples of the music you listen to and then also allow the salesperson use what they prefer to demonstrate the basic differences between products. Don't be afraid to ask questions but be prepared to do a lot of listening.
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Platinum Member Username: Glasswolf
NW,
MI
USA
Post Number: 12311
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 06:59 pm: |
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and do your research before you go in and rely on a salesman. remember he usually works on a commission. |
Gold Member Username: Dmitchell
Ottawa,
Ontario
Canada
Post Number: 1995
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 08:37 pm: |
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How did I miss this thread?
Stereo Plus is right down the street from me (int the east end). I've bought most of my stuff from them. Very knowledgeable and will take the time to talk with you and audition stuff. Phil in particular is a lot of fun to deal with since he's passionate about music and really gets excited when talking about good audio. They mainly carry Bryston, McIntosh, Arcam, Totem, Paradigm and Def Tech.
The Audio Shop on Bank Street (downtown Ottawa) is also very good. They have a more diversified line of gear. Stuff like Rotel, Cambridge, Sim Audio, B&W. Marc is the guy I usually deal with there. Again, he'll take a lot of time to talk to you and let you try stuff out.
Unity Audio does (as far as I know) mail order and internet direct. They will do showroom stuff by appt only I believe.
Planet of Sound is also on Bank Street (but in the south end). They are a little more esoteric and high end, with (to me) a preference towards the analog end of things. They carry Harbeth, Rega, Creek, Quad, etc.
Shoot me a PM if you get a chance Tim! |
Gold Member Username: Dmitchell
Ottawa,
Ontario
Canada
Post Number: 1998
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 08:46 pm: |
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What part of town are you in Tim?
Yup George, I've been to Bleeker many times. That's indeed where I checked out the Sinclairs. They have some interesting stuff in there sometimes - I've even seen a second-hand McInstosh in there (rare here in Ottawa). They also have a lot of Tannoy stuff as well as the Sinclairs. I wouldn't go in there expected a lot in the advice department, though, unless you're looking for a dishwasher or a refrigerator. |
Platinum Member Username: Nuck
Post Number: 11430
Registered: Dec-04
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| Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009 - 06:31 pm: |
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I havn't heard Tannoy in a long time.
Still pretty good? |
Gold Member Username: Dmitchell
Ottawa,
Ontario
Canada
Post Number: 2002
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009 - 06:42 pm: |
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I liked mine when I had them. Mind you, there were just entry level Tannoys but they were quite musical and warm sounding. |
