Amp recommendation for extremely power hungry speakers

[shane2943]

So my dad had a couple tower speakers custom built back in the 70s or early 80s. They are about 5ft tall and 12" x 12" width and depth, so like literal columns. They're two-way with a single tweeter and 5 (yes, five) 8" woofers. 4 down the front and one high on the side. They are sealed. If I remember correctly, they're 5.6 ohm. I don't have any pictures but they were made by "Paradox." These things are seriously inefficient.

Back in the day, my dad drove them with a Rotel RX-1603 receiver which was an absolute monster. Solid state, over 90 pounds, and 180WPC. That receiver gave these power hungry towers what they needed and, aside from lack of mid-range, they sounded pretty ok and shook the house.

That Rotel died a long time ago and my dad gave it away. They're currently driving these speakers with a Pioneer 5 channel receiver that claims "100WPC" which is likely just max output. This receiver absolutely does not have the nuggets to push these speakers really at all.

My parents would love to have these speakers sing again. Can anyone recommend an amplifier that could drive them effectively? The receiver can be used as a preamp.

Thanks in advance!

[shane2943]

I wonder if something like this would work: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=18514

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

I'd look for used heavy iron, not off-brand Class D.

[shane2943]

Noted. What would classify as "heavy iron?" Pro amp?

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

Lift it and you'll know. People are practically giving away 40+ pound amps. If it's not going to be hauled from gig to gig it's not a problem.

[shane2943]

Ah, gotcha. Thank you sir

[shane2943]

So something like this then: https://www.ebay.com/itm/256608145240?_ ... R571v5CVZQ

Or this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/306065655613?_ ... BM5t3JkZVl

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

The Yamaha has funky inputs/outputs. You can't go wrong with Crown.

[AntonZ]

Back in the day, my dad drove them with a Rotel RX-1603 receiver which was an absolute monster. Solid state, over 90 pounds, and 180WPC.

Funny, you don't see these often. I have a smaller sibling, I believe the type is RX803. Not 90 pounds but a heavy piece of iron anyway. I think I bought it over 30 years ago and it was already old back then. I have stopped replacing the little light bulbs, other than that it still works.

[shane2943]

The Yamaha has funky inputs/outputs. You can't go wrong with Crown.

Outstanding. Thank you!

Funny, you don't see these often. I have a smaller sibling, I believe the type is RX803. Not 90 pounds but a heavy piece of iron anyway. I think I bought it over 30 years ago and it was already old back then. I have stopped replacing the little light bulbs, other than that it still works.

Suckers are worth some coin now for sure. I tried looking for a replacement Rotel and the one I did find was over $1000 for just the preamp half.