Budget (ideally fanless) power amplifier
Discussion
All,
I am building a budget home theatre set up as a continuing hobby of mine.
I’ve got some passive mackie monitors on the way and I’m looking for an affordable (read dirt cheap) power amplifier to drive these. I’m planning on using these to reinforce the centre channel in my set up as my parents frequently complain speech isn’t that clear and it’s a good excuse to add some more tech
Anyway - I’ve got a peavey 8.5c that’s way overkill for the application and has a very noisy fan.... so I’m on the lookout for an alternative. It doesn’t need massive power at all as we don’t drive the system that hard, however head room is always good right ??
I’ve got my eye on a peavey pv2000 which obviously isn’t suitable! Again due to fan noise. I’m looking for a fanless option used but my two choices - Samson servo or behringer a5/800 are rare and I’m worried about buying one from an unknown source. Happy to buy used from a reputable place that offers a 30 day money back option.
I’ve look on Amazon and there’s a load of weird and wonderful ‘amplifiers’ that all look unsuitable !
Any thing I have have overlooked ?
I am building a budget home theatre set up as a continuing hobby of mine.
I’ve got some passive mackie monitors on the way and I’m looking for an affordable (read dirt cheap) power amplifier to drive these. I’m planning on using these to reinforce the centre channel in my set up as my parents frequently complain speech isn’t that clear and it’s a good excuse to add some more tech
Anyway - I’ve got a peavey 8.5c that’s way overkill for the application and has a very noisy fan.... so I’m on the lookout for an alternative. It doesn’t need massive power at all as we don’t drive the system that hard, however head room is always good right ??
I’ve got my eye on a peavey pv2000 which obviously isn’t suitable! Again due to fan noise. I’m looking for a fanless option used but my two choices - Samson servo or behringer a5/800 are rare and I’m worried about buying one from an unknown source. Happy to buy used from a reputable place that offers a 30 day money back option.
I’ve look on Amazon and there’s a load of weird and wonderful ‘amplifiers’ that all look unsuitable !
Any thing I have have overlooked ?
Hi, a few questions for you.
1. You mentioned not needing massive power but wanting headroom. Can you be a little more specific please. What is the power handling rating of the Mackies?
2. The amps are for a home theatre setup but the amps you mentioned appear to come from the PRO / PA sector...........is there a reason for this? Is it because PA power amps often have volume controls on them too?
3. What is your maximum budget?
4. Have you considered a class D chip amp? They fit the high power, dirt cheap perfectly. They far more efficient than conventional Class AB type; the ones that do have fans are usually very quiet and I think you'll have to punish them very hard before the fan kicks in, particularly for CC work. From what you posted above you don't drive things too hard??
1. You mentioned not needing massive power but wanting headroom. Can you be a little more specific please. What is the power handling rating of the Mackies?
2. The amps are for a home theatre setup but the amps you mentioned appear to come from the PRO / PA sector...........is there a reason for this? Is it because PA power amps often have volume controls on them too?
3. What is your maximum budget?
4. Have you considered a class D chip amp? They fit the high power, dirt cheap perfectly. They far more efficient than conventional Class AB type; the ones that do have fans are usually very quiet and I think you'll have to punish them very hard before the fan kicks in, particularly for CC work. From what you posted above you don't drive things too hard??
Edited by Crackie on Saturday 20th February 14:28
Unclear speech can also mean that the centre speaker is poorly positioned (recessed in a cabinet, pointing at the listener's feet,etc) and also if it's a poor match for the left/right. Once I got a set up where all 3 LCR speakers matched and were level, aimed nicely at my ears, then even some TV series that were criticised for having 'mumbling' speech weren't an issue for me. FWIW my hearing isn't great either due to playing in bands, though it could be possible that your parents need hearing aids, worth taking note of the above.
In terms of fanless power amps, there are some budget Behringer ones that are class D as mentioned above.
There's a guy on AVForums who is always going on about this particular model:
https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Behr...
He probably makes more noise about it than the amp does...I've not heard one myself, but might be worth a look. It's pretty ugly, but that's a given for Pro/PA type equipment (I have a pair of iNuke 6000DSP PA amps for my subwoofers, but they're outside of my room hidden in a rack).
In terms of fanless power amps, there are some budget Behringer ones that are class D as mentioned above.
There's a guy on AVForums who is always going on about this particular model:
https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Behr...
He probably makes more noise about it than the amp does...I've not heard one myself, but might be worth a look. It's pretty ugly, but that's a given for Pro/PA type equipment (I have a pair of iNuke 6000DSP PA amps for my subwoofers, but they're outside of my room hidden in a rack).
Thanks for the responses guys ...
The Mackies are rated at 300w rms - however, that does seem high, they are 8 inch monitors though, so that seems reasonable.
As for the pro equipment - it's just what I like I guess. I used to work in live sound etc. and it's just what I am used to, plus the home theatre orientated equipment seems very pricey for what perceived benefits it may bring. Given I am not planning on listening to music and it's just for movies, I can't justify the added expense in my opinion.
I have considered class d amplification, and I am interested in the behringer a800, however, it's sold out pretty much everywhere! I have looked on amazon and there's a ton of what I'd consider odd class D amps for sale, that I am sceptical to say the least of!
Thank you for the positioning advice, I can see that being an issue. The centre speaker is currently on the second tier of a two tier glass television stand - a few inches from the ground - that's probably the main issue! It's difficult to get the centre speaker at the correct height, without it being unsightly!
Does anyone have any experience from the class d amps from amazon - out of curiosity?
I am seriously considering the A800 - it looks great value for money, plus with a good warranty, I can't see the upside to used, if a new a800 is circa 140-170
The Mackies are rated at 300w rms - however, that does seem high, they are 8 inch monitors though, so that seems reasonable.
As for the pro equipment - it's just what I like I guess. I used to work in live sound etc. and it's just what I am used to, plus the home theatre orientated equipment seems very pricey for what perceived benefits it may bring. Given I am not planning on listening to music and it's just for movies, I can't justify the added expense in my opinion.
I have considered class d amplification, and I am interested in the behringer a800, however, it's sold out pretty much everywhere! I have looked on amazon and there's a ton of what I'd consider odd class D amps for sale, that I am sceptical to say the least of!
Thank you for the positioning advice, I can see that being an issue. The centre speaker is currently on the second tier of a two tier glass television stand - a few inches from the ground - that's probably the main issue! It's difficult to get the centre speaker at the correct height, without it being unsightly!
Does anyone have any experience from the class d amps from amazon - out of curiosity?
I am seriously considering the A800 - it looks great value for money, plus with a good warranty, I can't see the upside to used, if a new a800 is circa 140-170
Edited by toohuge on Saturday 20th February 17:57
Looking at the customer reviews of Tibo's PA150 power amp at Richer Sounds and Amazon, it appears to be well thought of.
Currently £180 on Amazon and £249 at Richer. Not sure how much it was selling for at Richer when it got the reviews though.
https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/tibo-pa150-blac...
Currently £180 on Amazon and £249 at Richer. Not sure how much it was selling for at Richer when it got the reviews though.
https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/tibo-pa150-blac...
Crackie said:
Looking at the customer reviews of Tibo's PA150 power amp at Richer Sounds and Amazon, it appears to be well thought of.
Currently £180 on Amazon and £249 at Richer. Not sure how much it was selling for at Richer when it got the reviews though.
https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/tibo-pa150-blac...
Thanks Crackie! I hadn't seen that model before. Currently £180 on Amazon and £249 at Richer. Not sure how much it was selling for at Richer when it got the reviews though.
https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/tibo-pa150-blac...
It looks interesting, but is a little pricier than a A800 that I think I will go for....
toohuge said:
Crackie said:
Looking at the customer reviews of Tibo's PA150 power amp at Richer Sounds and Amazon, it appears to be well thought of.
Currently £180 on Amazon and £249 at Richer. Not sure how much it was selling for at Richer when it got the reviews though.
https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/tibo-pa150-blac...
Thanks Crackie! I hadn't seen that model before. Currently £180 on Amazon and £249 at Richer. Not sure how much it was selling for at Richer when it got the reviews though.
https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/tibo-pa150-blac...
It looks interesting, but is a little pricier than a A800 that I think I will go for....
toohuge said:
Thank you for the positioning advice, I can see that being an issue. The centre speaker is currently on the second tier of a two tier glass television stand - a few inches from the ground - that's probably the main issue! It's difficult to get the centre speaker at the correct height, without it being unsightly!
Edited by stevoknevo on Monday 22 February 13:06
I wanted to update this thread....
Well, the Mackie monitors arrived, and well, they're huge! But sound incredible, therefore, these are now the main L&R speakers. I found a cheap inter m r150 fanless power amplifier, that had a loud transformer. The transformer is now on rubber feet and is totally silent, that drives the subwoofer (bridged).
I found a very affordable Tannoy reveal 402 refurbed with a full manufacture warranty, that is assisting the centre speaker and I'll add another when I see one. It's made a huge difference to speech clarity etc.
All good fun!
Well, the Mackie monitors arrived, and well, they're huge! But sound incredible, therefore, these are now the main L&R speakers. I found a cheap inter m r150 fanless power amplifier, that had a loud transformer. The transformer is now on rubber feet and is totally silent, that drives the subwoofer (bridged).
I found a very affordable Tannoy reveal 402 refurbed with a full manufacture warranty, that is assisting the centre speaker and I'll add another when I see one. It's made a huge difference to speech clarity etc.
All good fun!
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