Choosing a used, low-cost, but good amp for my near field ..

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

I'm doing some milti-track recording at home, and need to obtain an
amplifier to power a pair of near field monitors (possibly Tannoy
Reveals) which I'll be using for mix-downs. I'm on a very tight budget
at present, so I'm looking at second-hand hi-fi amps. A local junk
shop usually has a selection of them. I gather the amp needs to be
flat-response i.e., uncoloured, accurate and clear. I don't need to
use the amp at high volumes - just loud enough to hear what's going
on. Can anyone give me any tips on selecting one? I'm not a hi-fi
buff, despite my recording
pursuits.

For example, any features (or controls) I should look for?
Older (and therefore cheaper) amps OK?
Tuner amps OK?
How many watts per channel?

Many thanks for any suggestions, and sorry to sound like a cheapskate!

Alan W

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

On Sun, 05 Sep 2004 23:21:25 GMT, Bryan Beasleigh
<notbeasleigh@eudoramail.com> wrote:

>>I would think a basic NAD or Rotel would be great. I use a Quad 34
>>with a 306 amp (50 watt per side.)

Hi Bryan, Thanks... yes, I've seen quite a few used NADs recently.

But there's a new development if anyone would kindly advise...

I've just ordered a pair of Tannoy Reveal passive monitors. *And*...
I've just discovered that I've already got an amp that would work -
but would it be suitable? It's a cheap Bush mini hi-fi system (MN33RM)
It has the connectors I need: two phono jacks and an aux switch. I
guess the wattage is very low (it doesn't state the wattage, but I
guess it's low). But the volume I want to use it at will be low; just
loud enough to monitor my mixes. Would it be suitable? If not, why
not? Thanks!

AlanW

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

Not to be a smart ass, but if you use that Bush system you could save
your self the cost of the tannoy's, you can have a matched system.

Essentially you'd be dragging a decent speaker waaaaaaaaaaay down to
the level of the plastic. I'm really trying to be kind, but why even
bother if you can't tell the difference.

On Mon, 6 Sep 2004 16:28:10 -0400, "Arny Krueger" <arnyk@hotpop.com>
wrote:

>"AlanW1, UK" <provitam123@aol.com> wrote in message
>news:413b5982.746368@news.individual.net
>
>> I've just ordered a pair of Tannoy Reveal passive monitors. *And*...
>> I've just discovered that I've already got an amp that would work -
>> but would it be suitable? It's a cheap Bush mini hi-fi system (MN33RM)
>> It has the connectors I need: two phono jacks and an aux switch. I
>> guess the wattage is very low (it doesn't state the wattage, but I
>> guess it's low). But the volume I want to use it at will be low; just
>> loud enough to monitor my mixes. Would it be suitable? If not, why
>> not? Thanks!
>
>http://www.christmas-guide.co.uk/Bush_Mn33rm_Cd_Mini_System-57909.htm
>
>This is a cheap plastic rack system. I've taken items like these apart, and
>didn't find one part worth saving.
>
>Some people say "Don't knock what you haven't listened to".
>
>I think there are parts of the bottom where even the bravest don't feed for
>fear of being poisoned by rotten garbage..
>

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

On Mon, 6 Sep 2004 16:28:10 -0400, "Arny Krueger" <arnyk@hotpop.com>
wrote:

>>"AlanW1, UK" <provitam123@aol.com> wrote in message
>>news:413b5982.746368@news.individual.net
>>
>>> I've just ordered a pair of Tannoy Reveal passive monitors. *And*...
>>> I've just discovered that I've already got an amp that would work -
>>> but would it be suitable? It's a cheap Bush mini hi-fi system (MN33RM)
>>> It has the connectors I need: two phono jacks and an aux switch. I
>>> guess the wattage is very low (it doesn't state the wattage, but I
>>> guess it's low). But the volume I want to use it at will be low; just
>>> loud enough to monitor my mixes. Would it be suitable? If not, why
>>> not? Thanks!
>>
>>http://www.christmas-guide.co.uk/Bush_Mn33rm_Cd_Mini_System-57909.htm
>>
>>This is a cheap plastic rack system. I've taken items like these apart, and
>>didn't find one part worth saving.
>>
>>Some people say "Don't knock what you haven't listened to".
>>
>>I think there are parts of the bottom where even the bravest don't feed for
>>fear of being poisoned by rotten garbage..

Arny, and the others, thanks for the input. I'll take your word for it
that the Bush thing is inappropriately naff. I don't have much
experience with "better" hi-fi amps, so I've never had the chance to
compare them with a cheap one like this Bush thing - I'm primarily a
musician dabbling in recording gear. I do want to make the most of
these Tannoys, so I'm willing to pay out for a suitable used amp and
I'm putting my faith in the advice of you guys who have more
experience than me.

AlanW

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

AlanW1 (UK) <provitam123@aol.com> wrote:

> Will, Thanks for the suggestion but they are not so common here in the
> UK on the used goods market. I see a lot more Technics, NADs, Pioneer,
> Kenwood, JVC, Sony, and others but not many Haflers.

I was about to suggest an Adcom GFA 535. Hell, I actually have one I
was about to offer you until I saw that you are in the UK. Shipping
would be a killer, I guess.

Several (actually most) brand of fine hifi amps are from your side of
the pond : Arcam, Rotel, Sugden, Naim, Nad, etc.

--
Eric (Dero) Desrochers
http://homepage.mac.com/dero72

Hiroshima 45, Tchernobyl 86, Windows 95