Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Feeding my Algonquins - Receiver Advice

Those of you with good memories probably noticed I've mentioned getting the Algonquins as a birthday gift a few times in recent weeks. While they're not here yet (that I know of), I have a strong suspicion my wife has some on the way.

So, in anticipation of this happening, I am trying to decide the best way to power them and would appreciate some advice. The question is complicated a bit by the fact that I have another receiver and kitchen audio setup that plays into the question... and a desire to plan for another set of M22s in the future.

First, the kitchen setup:

I moved my old Bose Acoustimass 15 system to the kitchen (stifle your groans - it sounds fine in the kitchen) Plus, since the kitchen is decidedly NOT my domain, I feel lucky to have snuck speakers in there at all.

Below is a picture of how it looks (or really how it's hidden) just for fun. The cube speakers are just behind the crown molding and bounce their sound off the ceiling. The bass module is on the other side of the kitchen also above the cupboards. It is powered by an old 5-channel Pioneer receiver.



Second, the desired Algonquin setup: (and related future M22 location):

My desired input source for the Algonquins is to run as Zone 2 or 3 of my main HT receiver (the Denon 3808). Eventually, Zone 2/3 will also support M22s (such is the plan now at least). So _eventually_ but not immediately, I'll want a receiver there to support the combination of 2 outdoor speakers and 2 M22s. This is the room where I'll put the receiver and M22s in the future. (below)



Now that you have the background... here are the more specific questions.

I have one 5-channel receiver (the Pioneer mentioned above). My options are to keep that in the kitchen powering the Bose cubes, or to move it upstairs to power Zone 2/3 for the Algonquins. Whichever does not get powered by the Pioneer will require separate amplification. The kitchen setup has no need for source switching (it connects only to my AirTunes module), so the ideal choice there seems to be a basic, cheap, low-power 2-channel amp. Any recommendations?

I've found amps like these:

AudioSource AMP100 (2x50) ($100)

Pyle Pro 2x3 watt ($40)

The first seems too expensive for what I'm trying to accomplish, the second seems like it might not be enough power, even for the little Bose speakers... I'm interested in other suggestions or thoughts on these options.

I imagine the Bose speakers need next to no power to function effectively, but don't know for certain. Also, I have 4 of these speakers, which I believe are 8-ohm, so I'd be running 2 of them per channel on a 2-channel stereo amp. (I still don't think it'd be a problem, but pointing it out to make sure)

This would allow me to move my Pioneer receiver to power the Algonquins, and eventually the M22s (though one thing that bugs me about the Pioneer is that the only way to select Zone A/Zone B speakers (indoor / outdoor) in the Pioneer is to physically press a button (not via remote). This would mean that when I wanted to listen to music outside I'd have to press the button upstairs before going out to my downstairs deck. (not ideal)

If I have to spend $100 to solve my power problem, maybe instead of the 2-channel amp, I can find a cheap receiver in the same price class that has the remote ability to remotely change between speakers A & B to solve this problem? I've located this one...

Sherwood RX-4105

This would seem to have plenty of power for either M22s or the Algonquins, correct?

As I look through my options, I lean towards spending the $100 on the Sherwood receiver (or something similar) which would both power the Algonquins and allow for future powering of the M22s as well (and maybe occasionally both at the same time if the Sherwood receiver could handle it, which it appears maybe it would NOT based on the manual advising against connecting anything < 8 ohm speakers). Going with the Sherwood would allow me to remotely change between indoor/outdoor speakers which is also a plus for that option.

If I haven't totally lost you in this long rambling post, I'd appreciate your advice.

Thanks all -

Jason