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I think I'll go listen to the M-00 sometime soon, as I'm a fan of NHT and have a retailer pretty close to me.
A2s are a little under budget for me, although I have listened to them and thought they sounded pretty damn good for their size.
As for an amp for the RC-Mini: I don't want to get the weaker Dayton amp for fear that it might not be loud enough to fill a large classroom, especially since that is really the only criteria I've been given for these speakers (other than their size). I need something that's on the books and can be bought from a reputable vendor, not off of ebay. Do you guys have any suggestions, or anywhere to point me? I'm really at a loss for where to start looking for the amp...
I don't think you really understand how little 5dB is.
89.5dB - what the little 15-watter should be able to reach in a big classroom - is just shy of the 90dB or so bar at which prolonged exposure will cause permanent hearing damage. You don't want the kids having hearing loss or even the potential for it at the school's hands, do you? (i.e. 89.5dB is plenty loud!)
Another example: My 89dB sensitivity Klipsch KG 2 speakers play loud enough with my 20 watt Marantz 1040 integrated amp to get noise complaints in my apartment in the early evening (6 PM). The sound quality is a bit lacking from both (well, the Marantz headphone jack is great), but there is no want for power. FYI, in the same conditions as the RC Minis (88dB sensitivity) and the 15 watt Dayton, the Klipsch/Marantz only get approximately 2.3dB louder - which is right on the threshold of most people's ability to even perceive a difference in volume.
But if you don't believe me - and you probably won't, because I've had people complain of the same issues before - then get one of the sub-$300 receivers available new. They won't be nearly as high quality sound-wise as the Dayton (despite the plastic) and they'll cost a whole lot more.
If you insist, I'd go for the
Harman Kardon HK 3390 (a better deal) or the
Denon DRA-297 - either one will be a step above the Yamaha, Onkyo, Teac, etc. receivers available for under $300. The quality integrated amps (Cambridge Audio, NAD, Marantz) that will be on par with the Dayton will cost $350 and up - probably out of your budget.
But do the school a favor and buy the adequate but under 1/5 the price Dayton, won't you? I'm sure the remaining money would be better spent towards some extra A/V equipment instead.