What amp for NHT 1.2 set up.

**robsong** · 08-06-2011, 03:20 PM

Right now I'm using a Pioneer vsx 1120 to drive my NHT speakers which are VT1.2 towers,satellites VS1.2, VS-2a center and super zeros for 7.1 set up.
The sensitivity is 86-88db if this helps. So which amp to look for my set up. I feel that the Pioneer does not have the power to drive my speakers. Get a 3 channel, 5 channel or 7 channel?.

**CALIBER** · 08-06-2011, 03:44 PM

What is your budget???

**robsong** · 08-06-2011, 05:35 PM

$500-1000.

**CALIBER** · 08-06-2011, 06:51 PM

In that price range look to Emotiva, you can either go with a 3 channel or 5 channel for under a $1,000. Personally I would just go with the xpa 3 and let the AVR handle the rears. Also if you are good with going used you could pick up an Adcom, B&k, Rotel, Nad, Parasound or maybe even an Anthem. I just looked at audiogon and there were a couple of nice buys on multi channel amps there. LINK Take a strong look at the anthem mca 5.

**robsong** · 08-06-2011, 08:38 PM

I've been checking out audiogon for the last couple of days now. Do amps have the same sound or are they all different.

**nobsplease** · 08-06-2011, 08:48 PM

Mr. Mod is spot on. Give the MCA 5 a hard look. At 225wpc it's got enough power to drive your (relatively) inefficient speakers without straining the amp. Usual sensitivity is around 89db these days. An 86db speaker requires twice the input power of one rated at 89db. All that aside, the Anthem amp is very well built and apparently free of distortion and other nasties.

**CALIBER** · 08-06-2011, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by robsong

I've been checking out audiogon for the last couple of days now. Do amps have the same sound or are they all different.

Yes they do produce a different sound IMO, and I was going to ask whether or not your speakers had a brighter or warmer sound, but either way that anthem amp is a hell of a buy. From my experience external amps don't color the sound a great deal, and a good amp is a good amp regardless IMO. Now the serious audiophile who is spending a few thousand on amp might have a different point of view, but that is likely because of the money he is spending. Adding any amp to your setup will make a dramatic change, the mid bass will be tighter and more defined and the highs will have much more clarity and detail.

**robsong** · 08-06-2011, 10:28 PM

What do you thing about this amp Adcom GFA-7500 150 x 5 channel .

**CALIBER** · 08-07-2011, 02:53 AM

That is a damn good amp, but I am not so sure that it trumps the anthem, although it may. The best way would be to hook up your speakers to both and be able to aution, but that is difficult to do. If it were me I would just do some more research and go with your gut, I know you would be happy with either. I am sure others will chime in with their opinion.