Mini Amp recommendations for Home Theatre

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Mini Amp recommendations for Home Theatre

natedog

120 posts

Master Geek

#284047 27-Mar-2021 21:23

Just moved house and looking for recommendations for an unusually small Home Theatre Amp.

The living room in question is wired with 4 x ceiling speakers which I’d like to make use of, together with HDMI + IR remote to a wall mounted smart TV. The TV runs Chromecast and Apple TV. Music (Spotify) is streamed everywhere in the house via Google Chromecast Speaker Groups. Chromecast built in would be an advantage.

My biggest challenge is the physical size of the new Amp itself. All of the speaker and HDMI wiring is conveniently wired to a media cupboard out of site, but the cupboard itself is only 25cm deep (!!) which rules out most mainstream amps. Width and height (30cm) is no issue.

I’d be keen to add some outdoor speakers to this amp in due course also.

Wondering if anyone else has struck a similar issue and if so whether there are any tips or recommendations?

Thanks in advance

ps. Lovely home but I’d like to meet the builder who designed this media cupboard so small!

Handle9

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#2681823 28-Mar-2021 02:56

Are you looking to run 2 channel or some sort of surround? A decent class D miniamp would probably do the job with a Chromecast Audio if you just want 2 channel.

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natedog

120 posts

Master Geek

#2681983 28-Mar-2021 11:59

Have to admit I’m used to having 5.1 surround sound for this TV using optical. My amp was older but worked a treat, so going back to two channels isn’t ideal.

richms

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#2681985 28-Mar-2021 12:05

Every system I have heard with only ceiling speakers for audio has sounded weird, so perhaps just hook something up to it and see if you are happy with it as movie audio before spending a lot on one to add surround to them.

You might be better off keeping them for background music and sticking in a proper 5.1 or better with in walls. You may be able to then use the ceiling speakers as atmos ones.

You have just moved in, so now is the time to sort things out before you fill the place with clutter that you have to move to do any work on the place like chopping into walls to run cables for more inwall speakers etc.

Richard rich.ms

Dunnersfella

4085 posts

Uber Geek

#2682212 28-Mar-2021 22:27

I don't know of any amps that will fit your space sorry.

435mm is a standard width, but the depth you're dealing with is hopeless.

driller2000

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#2682215 28-Mar-2021 22:30

Dunnersfella:

I don't know of any amps that will fit your space sorry.

435mm is a standard width, but the depth you're dealing with is hopeless.

Yup.

Can you modify the cupboard?

Handle9

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#2682228 29-Mar-2021 00:52

richms:

Every system I have heard with only ceiling speakers for audio has sounded weird, so perhaps just hook something up to it and see if you are happy with it as movie audio before spending a lot on one to add surround to them.

You might be better off keeping them for background music and sticking in a proper 5.1 or better with in walls. You may be able to then use the ceiling speakers as atmos ones.

You have just moved in, so now is the time to sort things out before you fill the place with clutter that you have to move to do any work on the place like chopping into walls to run cables for more inwall speakers etc.

Yeah I'd be inclined to agree. Use the ceiling speakers with a 2 channel amp and a Chromecast audio or raspberry pi.

Use an entertainment unit and standalone speakers for the home theatre stuff.

nitro

646 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2682308 29-Mar-2021 08:57

do you actually only intend to use just the ceiling speakers? or perhaps a 5.1.4 atmos setup? 😁

i have seen 2ch amps that would fit in a 25cm depth enclosure, but if you're looking for at least 5.1 i can't think of any.

natedog

120 posts

Master Geek

#2682484 29-Mar-2021 13:16

Thanks for all the replies. I hadn’t thought of the ceiling speakers not sounding as flash as wall mounted (which I’ve had previously). Perhaps I should try them for 2 channel music and look at other options for surround sound.

That being the case, does anyone have a 2ch mini amp they would recommend?

Unfortunately the low media cupboard is on full view in our living room and it would require a bit of work and look a bit odd to extend it out into the room. The cabinet is quite long and positioned directly below a window as a bit of a feature so not something I really want to modify at this point.

bendud

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#2682579 29-Mar-2021 16:00

The Sonos Amp and the Bluesound PowerNode2i would probably fit in there; there's also the NAD digital 3020i "bookshelf amp".

From the Antarctic Riviera

allanf714

19 posts

Geek

#2685808 2-Apr-2021 18:26

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001849585611.html?gps-id=pcStoreJustForYou&scm=1007.23125.137358.0&scm_id=1007.23125.137358.0&scm-url=1007.23125.137358.0&pvid=721a23ae-27b3-4de0-bd30-1c5263bd4f27&spm=a2g0o.store_home.smartJustForYou_821093785.1

Two versions that will fit in there nicely (depending upon the load). Unlike most of the ChiFi stuff. He's the real deal and his power ratings are honest.

Cheers,

Allan

natedog

120 posts

Master Geek

#2763250 19-Aug-2021 20:10

I actually ended up trialing one of these which is surprisingly good for background music with the existing ceiling speakers and a sub attached.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y89R72P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now I just need to work out the easiest way to get some outdoor speakers installed tidily and wired back to the same media cupboard so they can play the same music outdoors. Any suggestions or Canterbury supplier recommendations encouraged!

I have to say - I agree with the above comments about using the ceiling speakers as surround sound. They sound great for music but a little odd for TV.

ANglEAUT

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#2763278 19-Aug-2021 21:11

natedog:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y89R72P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Nice

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

davidcole

6018 posts

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#2763280 19-Aug-2021 21:16

natedog:
I actually ended up trialing one of these which is surprisingly good for background music with the existing ceiling speakers and a sub attached.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y89R72P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now I just need to work out the easiest way to get some outdoor speakers installed tidily and wired back to the same media cupboard so they can play the same music outdoors. Any suggestions or Canterbury supplier recommendations encouraged!

I have to say - I agree with the above comments about using the ceiling speakers as surround sound. They sound great for music but a little odd for TV.

Does your new amp have a line out or monitor out? You could run a cheap 2 channel amp (tpa3116) for the outdoor speakers. That’s what I ended up doing

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