[Peter Larsen[_3_]]

Tobiah wrote:

http://tinyurl.com/4ymjcqr

I just want to amplify the control room outs of
a Mackie 1402VLZ Pro for recording and general use.
Perhaps there is a reason that the price sounds
reasonable?

Can't comment on this specific amp.

Also, I know that amps and speakers seem to have
ways of grossly inflating their watt ratings.

Is is wise to read spec sheets carefully. Look closely at the difference
between rated power - and what kind of power, ie. to what spec/standard - in
different load impedances.

I'm not really sure how much I need?

There is a simple guideline answer to this, assuming you have a reasonably
sized room and sits ... tja da dum ... 10 feet from your loudspeakers. The
guideline is that you need 10 times the power required for one loudspeaker
to produce 96 dB at a distance of one meter.

My current (30 year old)
receiver is rated at 40 watts, and I don't normally turn
it up more than half way.

So you may run it flat out considering that it is designed for lower line
level, 500 mV to a volt, than the 2 volt max output from your CD player.
Traditionally such a receiver is designed with at least 10 dB make-up gain,
i.e. for 240 millivolts in for rated power out at volume control fully
maxed. The mid position is traditionally -22 dB and -10, nominal power out
with receiver signal or probable pickup cartridge, is at half past 1.

I was wondering though, if
it's better to get a more powerful amp just because it
will be able to handle what I need so easily?

It is a good habit to define the problem you want solved. What problem do
you have with your current setup that needs solving?

I was thinking
too however, that maybe the more powerful amp would be
noisier.

Not necessarily, you should however gain-stage your system properly,
especially with large poweramps. If the amp has an input attenuator then
turn it down, try 12 O'clock, if that works for you then leave it there.

My speakers are likely 8 ohm. They are Energy C7's. I know
you guys don't like them.

No you don't, but since you expect me to dislike them, then tell me what is
wrong about them for the intended use.

After the amp, I'll go for some
decent monitors, and bug you all about that when the time comes.

KEF Q15 and Q15.2 are just that and a well kept secret on the second hand
market, except that owners don't seem to like parting with them so you need
to keep your eyes open, the .2' are best, both have textile dome tweeters,
the .2 uses silk.

Tobiah

Kind regards

Peter Larsen