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The original was posted on /r/hometheater by /u/njuser66 on 2023-09-03 15:51:55+00:00.

Original Title: Recommendations for a decent affordable 2-channel amp to add to my 9.2 Marantz SR7013 Atmos / DTS:X receiver? Want to go from 5.2.4 to 7.2.4 surround. Audiosource AMP100VS (Class AB) amp or AD1002 (Class D) amp? Amp would likely just be used for 2 rear Atmos-only speakers

Background - My current setup includes a 5.2.4 Atmos surround system, using a Marantz SR7103 receiver.

Goal - Move from 5.2.4 to 7.2.4 Atmos and DTS:X surround.

Need - I am looking for recommendations for a decent affordable 2-channel amp to add to my above 9.2 Marantz SR7013 Atmos receiver to go from 5.2.4 to 7.2.4 surround.

Note - the 2 channel amplifier would likely just be used for 2 rear Atmos-only rear height speakers

Amplifier options?

(feel free to suggest others - looking at $200 or under since this amp will likely just be to power Atmos rear height channels only) - the SR7013 would power everything else:

  1. Audiosource AMP100VS (Class AB) -

  • Was going to go with this since it has decent reviews, but read a very small number of reports about fires, so wondering if it was really the amps or other components.

  • The following comment on Youtube concerned me due to the protection portion of the comment in bold (although the last part does inspire more confidence - because when wired properly and connected to quality hardware, they perform well and run forever")

    • Quote from a Youtube poster*: "Yup, I’ve had this happen to several of them. In my case it was always a result of shoddy or defective in wall speaker volume controls. Sometimes cheap selectors or volume controls cause the impedance to fluctuate to dangerously low levels when adjusting volume.* On most amps and receivers, this would trigger the automatic protect mode and shut down the amp. On an Amp100, it causes them to go up in smoke, literally. Fortunately I’ve never actually had one catch fire and burn a house down. But I still use them, because when wired properly and connected to quality hardware, they perform well and run forever." (end of quote from a Youtube poster).
    • Youtube video about potential fire?
  1. Audiosource AD1002 (Class D).

Maybe a safer choice than the AMP100VS (does this have better ‘protection circuitry’ than an AMP100VS???), but is there a sacrifice in noticeable sound quality over the AMPVS100 for just Atmos rear / height speakers?

  • There are a lot more reviews on Crutchfield for the AD1002 than the AMP100VS.
  • This one is also more expensive, but if it is safer than the AMP100VS, I would rather get the AD1002…
  1. How about the Russound P75?

4. Any other options around $200 or less? I do not want to spend more since this is just for the dedicated Atmos rear height speakers only (not combo speakers).

If there is an amplifier that is a bit better than the above 3 choices that would make a noticeable difference for MY needs let me know, keeping in mind I just need to power the separate Atmos rear speakers). If so, then in order to keep the price at around $200 or less, I would be okay with considering ‘factory refurbished with manufacturer warranty’ speakers (especially from Crutchfield or other major reputable merchants).

Thanks for any recommendations!