Am I missing much, opinions on amp / speaker matching

[timetothunt]

Quick background of system and useage: RF- 83 fronts, a pair of RW 12d subs, budget center and surrounds (cerwin vegas), Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Pioneer VSX-94 THX receiver. older Mirantz universal player (mainly setup to play my DVD-As and other Hi-density discs, and another panasonic DVD player setup for DVD-Videos. 75% of what I play are standard redbook CDs and good helping of HDCDs, all mostly in stereo but I do fiddle around with other configs and receiver settings. I often play quite loud, all types of music.

Here is what may be a bit unorthodox, I power the RF-83s separately with a Peavey PV 900 power amp. I like this config because my receiver operates with little stress at the volumes I play at. Stays very cool. To me the PV 900 amp seems to work very clean with no coloration of sound. The thing is that my opinion is rather limited in that I have not tried much else to power those fronts. Just a minimal gripe that the PV900 fan is loud, but at my volumes its hardly a factor.

Do you think I may be missing out on better sound by not having a higher end amp? And reminding that the PV900 application is mainly DJ / PA as opposed to home Hi-Fi. I mean, is there a chance that I could be floored by something in the say $700 - $1000 range compared to the Peavey? (pricing does not absolutely have to be for new amp, possibly used) Your thoughts? Thanks.

[Audible Nectar]

There's definitely a lot to be said for amp/speaker synergy. In many cases the "finish" can be different with different amp brands and types. Also, there can be synergy benefits and drawbacks with the combo of preamp and amp, too.

I would consider some experimentation with other amps, if you are curious. I would stay with USED for now - you'll find a lot of good bargains and can experiment without losing much if you sell off a couple amps that aren't your cup of tea. Two channel amps - even good ones in used condition - can be found at a value. Think brands like B&K, McIntosh, Harman/Kardon....if amps are something that will make a difference to you sonically, one of these should clue you in if that's something that will matter to you sonically. You have to try and see what your ears think.

[willland]

Timetothunt,

Welcome to the forum.

I mean, is there a chance that I could be floored by something in the say $700 - $1000 range compared to the Peavey? (pricing does not absolutely have to be for new amp, possibly used)

I do think you could find better synergy and sound quality through your RF-83's with a dedicated amp better suited for home application.

Here are a few suggestions:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/b-k-reference-2220-stereo-power-amplifier--2

B&K amps have a warmish signature with a midrange to die for. Slightly rolled off at top end and plenty of current down low for very good bass drive.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/aragon-4004--3

This is an incredible amp that will drive just about any speaker thrown at it. Very good bottom end slam with a neutral signature with great detail in mids and highs.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/aragon-2007-7-ch-amplifier

High quality 7-channel amp that is basically the same amp(plus 2 more channels) as the Acurus 200FIVE I have driving my RC-64 center and RS-35 surrounds.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/acurus-a250-power-amplifier-mint-box

I have an Acurus A250 driving my RF-63's. It has brought out a punchiness that I never knew existed with the RF-63's. Excellent bass drive with very detailed highs. Dead quiet amp that never gets past warm unless I really work it in 2-channel at high volumes for extended periods of time.

There are plenty of great used amps out there that will sound great with your RF-83's.

Bill