Picking an amp for Def Tech AW 6500

[Erwin.BE]

Hi,

I just installed a pair of Definitive Technology AW 6500 outdoor speakers on our terrace. The terrace is adjacent to the multifunctional HT hence I will run it as zone 2 from the XMC-1. Need an amp...

The AW 6500 are rated for up to 200 W and are 6 ohm load. I just missed a factory renewed XPA-200 which IMO would have been ideal. A new one is $499 which seems bit much for the purpose. Shipping to EU adds about $125 and then +30% for Duties and VAT.

I am now considering either a mini-X a-100 or a Behringer A500. By the time it's on my doorstep, the mini-X will be close to double the price of the Behringer. So I am leaning towards the Behringer. Unless the new 1RU class D amps are imminent?

BTW I tried the AW 6500's first in the progressing HT off an old receiver. First time there was music in the space (the portable work radio is in the adjacent hallway). Bad idea! It sounded so tight and punchy in there! Needles to say they sounded a lot leaner later on the terrace...

[Erwin.BE]

Wow, no opinions?

Never mind, I just picked up a mint UPA-2. A man was selling his 3 UPA-1 and the UPA-2. He lives only 12 miles from me, so it was a no-brainer. It's the same price as a new Behringer A500.

[klinemj]

Upa-2 should do fine. I use the amp in my Sonos and it is OK for mellow listening with my 5500's.

Mark

[Erwin.BE]

I had no doubts. Just didn't think it was worth €600 for a new XPA-200 compared to the price of the speakers.

[klinemj]

Agree. I have been planning to hook up an old Rotel to my 5500's just to hear it! But that is slated to pair with some old B&W 202's once we finish repainting.

Mark

[leonski]

As I read the OP, I was thinking that I wouldn't wait for a 'D' design from EMO. You have 2 choices here. A Clean Sheet design with ALL the problems and potentials that entails OR become a module installer either buying NCore or B&O or perhaps International Rectifier stuff and doing a power supply and casework.
If you clean-sheet a design you may STILL end up buying somebody's driver chips or even using mainly someones Reference Board. I've got an IR board out in the garage awaiting a power supply.

For outdoor duties? I think the UPA-2 will be terrific.

[Erwin.BE]

I was surprised how heavy it is, even it's the most humble of the full-size amps.

[leonski]

You know the drill, Erwin. Keep the amp out of the sun / dry / well ventilated.
I've always been a little weird about using stereo stuff outdoors.

And not to forget, depending on location of the speakers, it may be almost anachoic. NO major sound reflections means you'll be running much more power for ANY given listening level.
Backing the speakers UP against a wall or up INTO an eave would be the plan, maybe.

Listing shows quite high sensitivity for such a small enclosure and the extra bass output of the passive radiator will certainly be welcome.

Post listing and setup impressions later, if you please. And don't forget, that for REAL long speaker wire runs, if it comes to that, to go 1 gauge HIGHER than you ordinarily might.

[Erwin.BE]

No worries...

1/ The amp sits right next to the XMC-1, obviously inside the house.

2/ The speaker wire is so thick, I could barely insert it in the connectors.

3/ The speakers are 1 foot from the ceiling/wall corner, as per Def Tech's recommendations...

I am not aspecting sound as good as my in house rig, just enjoyable enough not to be annoyed by it. Mostly FM radio. Will post later. I am still waiting for the wood to make the terrace flooring. I want padoek as the rest of the house (I mean window frames and cladding) is also padoek. But the advantage is that I can install the flooring with good sounding music above me!

[leonski]

If the passive radiators are on the SIDE of the enclosure, the NEXT test will be 'radiators IN or OUT'. Imaging will be the issue here and maybe bass extension, depending on setup details.
Def Techs recommendation for setup is clearly aimed at getting proper bass support from the otherwise difficult outdoor space.