Budget (ideally fanless) power amplifier

[toohuge]

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 ?

[toohuge]

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

Edited by toohuge on Saturday 20th February 17:57

[toohuge]

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.

It looks interesting, but is a little pricier than a A800 that I think I will go for....

[toohuge]

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!