Amplifier For Jamo Classic 6 ?

[aasza]

Hi SNA,

 

I recently purchased a set of Jamo Classic 6 Speakers for a 2 channel setup and I am confused by all the terminology associated with choosing an amplifier to suit these.

 

My budget is very low ie.. under $500 and I need some suggestions for getting the most out of these speakers for my budget, I read a lot of good reviews for these speakers which helped in my decision.

 

Specs:

 

- long term power 100 W
- short term power 140 W
- sensitivity 90 dB (2,8 V/1 M)
- frequency range 40 - 20 kHz
- crossover freq 2500 Hz
- impedance 4 Ohm

- 2 way bass reflex
- 2 x 133 mm woofer
- 1 x 25 mm dome tweeter

- overload protection
- bi-wirable

 

I've seen a few of cheap AVR's yamaha, pioneer, onkyo that claim 110w/ch etc but then it states @ 1ch driven with "xx" THD @ "x" Ohms ???

 

Would prefer to get just a 2 channel amp as I don't need all the fancy dsp modes and such.

 

Cheers for any help

[Guest Hensa]

Your Jamo's are quite efficient but being 4ohms can still present a difficult load for amplifiers. Most low-end AV amps will struggle into 4ohms. I would look for a stereo integrated from the likes of Rotel, NAD, Cambridge, Marantz or Yamaha. Something like this Marantz would do a good job, I think:

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Marantz-PM-6004-Integrated-Amplifier-Black-Ex-Display-Free-Postage-/271240165903?pt=AU_Electronics_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item3f272c7a0f&_uhb=1

 

If you're happy to go second hand, there are plenty of options available to you. Keep an eye on the classifieds here as there are many bargains to be had!

[aasza]

Does the fact that the speakers state 100W long term mean I have to use an amp that does 100W @ 4ohm or can I run a lower wattage like 60-80 ish ?

 

Any opinions on the Harman/Kardon HK 3390 or Cambridge 650A ?

Edited July 24, 2013 by aasza

[Guest Hensa]

The reference to 100W long term just means that suggested power over a long listening period should not be more than 100W. In reality, even an amplifier that might be capable of delivering 100watts very rarely needs to deliver that amount and at normal to moderately loud listening levels is probably not delivering more than 20 to 30 watts to the speakers. If you look for an amplifier that delivers anything 50 to 60 watts into 8 ohms (usually more into 4 ohms), it will be fine with your speakers.

 

That Harmon Kardon is a receiver so has an inbuilt tuner as well. Nothing wrong with that but do you also need a radio tuner? Of those two, both of which would be fine with your speakers, I'd lean towards the Cambridge personally but if you also want the tuner, the HK would be worth a listen. Worth checking this site for bargains as well:

 

http://www.synergyaudio.com/storenewarrivals.aspx

Edited July 24, 2013 by Hensa

[davewantsmoore]

Does the fact that the speakers state 100W long term mean I have to use an amp that does 100W @ 4ohm

 

No it mean the speakers will break with 100w "long term".

 

Like the post above says, normal power is more like 1 watt.

 

The amount of power you need, depends on how loud you want your short term peaks to be.    100 watts would be about right.

[aasza]

Ok thanks that makes sense, there is a NAD C320BEE on eBay that is local to me would that be worth taking a punt on ?

 

"2 x 50W Minimum Continuous Power into 4 / 8 ohms • 110W, 160W, 210W, IHF Dynamic power into 8, 4 and 2 ohms, respectively"

 

Also, do I have to bi-wire the speakers or can I just run the one set of cable ? The terminals appear to be linked with a thin piece of copper ?

 

Which terminals do I connect my cable to if running just the one set .. top or bottom ?

 

I bought some Canare Star Quad 4S8 speaker cables with Nakamichi Gold Banana Plugs, are these ok to use ?

Edited July 24, 2013 by aasza

[Guest Hensa]

The NAD would also have no problems driving your speakers and it is a very nice amplifier.

[doakwolf]

If you missed out on the NAD, this Azur 550 has just popped up FS here and would suit.

 

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/classifieds/item/1722-cambridge-audio-azur-550a-analogue-amplifier-black/

[at68]

With a budget of $500, I would contact sponsor Hugh Dean (AKSA amplifiers), and see what he has around the place.

 

Years ago i heard the Aksa 55, and thought it was the best i had heard up to $2,000 or so. Many inmates talk about the quality of the Lifeforce / NAKSA product he makes these days too.

 

he might have an old unit / second hand demo / new return hanging around he can offer you.

 

I think this would be far better than a brand x/y/z product that has significant mark up.

 

Have fun..Adam