Audio Noob Needing Help with Finding a Suitable Amplifier for Surround Speakers in Room

Falconjack on 07/09/2021 - 18:44

Hi and TIA!
I just moved into a place with 5 surround speakers that have been installed on the walls with brackets, and there is a hole next to the antenna with copper speaker wires sticking out.
I know nothing about amplifiers but am keen to make the most of these speakers. I'm hoping to be able to plug in other devices like the TV, laptop, ipod. Does anyone have any recommended budget amplifiers/ set up that would help me with this?

Electrical & Electronics Amplifier

Comments

  • Drakesy on 07/09/2021 - 18:49
    +1

    Amps can be had for next to nothing on marketplace/gumtree nowadays due to the proliferation of soundbars.

    Any Yamaha, Onkyo, Marantz, Denon from the last 8 years will do the job nicely. Can be had for $100-$400 - just make sure it has HDMI, 2.0/1 compatibility if running a PS5/XBSX
    If you want to futureproof go any of these with Atmos integration.

    • Falconjack on 07/09/2021 - 19:02

      Naive question, but would I be able to plug in those speaker wires into a soundbar?

      • Drakesy on 07/09/2021 - 19:06
        +1

        Unfortunately not.
        Soundbars generally aren't passive speakers as they're an "all in one" solution with an in built amplifier.

      • Mechz on 07/09/2021 - 19:46

        You're going to have a much better experience with a proper amp.

        If you want 4k 120hz the best value is Yamaha RXV4A. Currently $555 with ebay plus.

        https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RXV4A-5-2Ch-80W-AV-Receiver-Yama…?

        • Falconjack on 07/09/2021 - 19:56

          That's a great suggestion for something that's so jam-packed with features.

        • vinni9284 on 07/09/2021 - 20:14

          Please research this units as I have heard that the early 8K units have HDMI 2.1 connectivity issues. Cheers

          • Mechz on 07/09/2021 - 20:39

            @vinni9284: They do but are being upgraded for free by Yamaha. New stock shouldn't have any issues.

            • vinni9284 on 07/09/2021 - 20:58

              @Mechz: Best value for money unit for under $600. You can't go wrong tbh

            • Falconjack on 12/09/2021 - 11:54

              @Mechz: Their latest price is $667.00

              • Mechz on 12/09/2021 - 12:13
                +1

                @Falconjack: Should have nabbed one when they had the discount. Should be another promo in a few weeks if you can wait.

              • Mechz on 17/09/2021 - 10:45

                @Falconjack: 20% off now.

                • Falconjack on 18/09/2021 - 14:19

                  @Mechz: Thanks for the heads up!!
                  Do you think it's worth going for a model with Dolby Atmos?

                  • Mechz on 18/09/2021 - 15:24
                    +1

                    @Falconjack: Yeah I think so if you don't mind buying the extra 2 atmos speakers.

  • aoeueoa on 07/09/2021 - 23:40

    You want to make sure that those speakers work/are wired too. They could be busted then you'd have an amp with no speakers!

    • Master Bates on 08/09/2021 - 00:05

      Yep. Op, I would se if you can borrow before you buy, just to test the speakers out.

  • mickyb80 on 08/09/2021 - 00:07

    Where do you live?
    I have a few older receivers (working) chilling out in the spare room doing SFA… Few bucks (if nearby) could get you one.
    Otherwise - ebay, gumtree etc. But make sure it's working before you hand over your folding coins…

    You could also check an AV/HiFi store (lockdown pending/your location etc) and see if they have some 2nd hand gear.

    Len Wallis, Tivoli, Audio Connection etc. all have used gear up for sale. Check out the various HiFi stores websites. Just go to Yamaha Music, Denon, Onkyo etc and see who is selling their gear nowadays, then hit up their websites for the 2nd hand section.

  • the Unforgiven on 08/09/2021 - 20:40
    +1

    Go to selby.com.au & have a look there, also find their phone number & ring them up & have a chat with them, they will help you out. They have everything there, that is the place I go for everything to do with audio

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