What type of amp do I need for my passive subwoofer/receiver?

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I am trying to put together a simple surround sound home theater in my
family room. I've already purchased the in wall subwoofer (Audio
Source AS8SW 100 watt Passive In-Wall 8")and receiver (Sony STR-DG810
6.1) but was told I need an additional amp since the sub is passive.
Can somebody point me in the right direction of what I should be
buying? I'm not looking to spend an arm and a leg to get the absolute
best sound, just something to get sound to come out of my subwoofer.
THANKS!

[jakdedert]

wrote:
> I am trying to put together a simple surround sound home theater in my
> family room. I've already purchased the in wall subwoofer (Audio
> Source AS8SW 100 watt Passive In-Wall 8")and receiver (Sony STR-DG810
> 6.1) but was told I need an additional amp since the sub is passive.
> Can somebody point me in the right direction of what I should be
> buying? I'm not looking to spend an arm and a leg to get the absolute
> best sound, just something to get sound to come out of my subwoofer.
> THANKS!

Depending on the quality of the rest of the speakers, I think I'd look
into some of the 'plate' amps that Parts Express and other vendors
carry. Turn that passive sub into an active one. Otherwise, almost any
amp with roughly twice the output of your front two amps combined would
work.

I say 'roughly', because efficiencies vary (both the sub and your main
speakers) but double should get you into the ballpark. It may be way
more than you need, but better too much than too little. You can always
turn it down...and low frequencies take a lot of power.

The plate amp is a good option because it's difficult to find mono
consumer amps--or stereo consumer amps that can be bridged for mono.
You don't actually 'have' to mount it in the sub box, but it makes for
an elegant, clean installation.

jak

[jakdedert]

jakdedert wrote:
> wrote:
>> I am trying to put together a simple surround sound home theater in my
>> family room. I've already purchased the in wall subwoofer (Audio
>> Source AS8SW 100 watt Passive In-Wall 8")and receiver (Sony STR-DG810
>> 6.1) but was told I need an additional amp since the sub is passive.
>> Can somebody point me in the right direction of what I should be
>> buying? I'm not looking to spend an arm and a leg to get the absolute
>> best sound, just something to get sound to come out of my subwoofer.
>> THANKS!
>
> Depending on the quality of the rest of the speakers, I think I'd look
> into some of the 'plate' amps that Parts Express and other vendors
> carry. Turn that passive sub into an active one. Otherwise, almost any
> amp with roughly twice the output of your front two amps combined would
> work.
>
> I say 'roughly', because efficiencies vary (both the sub and your main
> speakers) but double should get you into the ballpark. It may be way
> more than you need, but better too much than too little. You can always
> turn it down...and low frequencies take a lot of power.
>
> The plate amp is a good option because it's difficult to find mono
> consumer amps--or stereo consumer amps that can be bridged for mono. You
> don't actually 'have' to mount it in the sub box, but it makes for an
> elegant, clean installation.
>
> jak

I was in a hurry and didn't see the 'in-wall, 8"' part. It says 100
watts. Get a 100 watt amp. The plate-amp idea is still valid; but I
wonder why you went with such a small woofer. Never mind, I suppose,
but even mounted in the wall, 8" is not going to get you a whole lot of
'woof'. It's what you got, though so you can work with it. Just don't
expect earth-shaking bass from it.

jak