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Best multi channel amp and processor good for 2 channel listening.

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and have a few questions in reference to HT processors.  I am starting from scratch and switching from a Krell S-1000 and S-1500.  I sold the processor a few months back and I going to list here the amp.

I am currently considering the new Bryston 9B3 and the SP4 and decision was based on upgrade ability and warranty. The speakers for HT will be Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home and for 2 channel Verity Otello’s.  My second choice was Classe but I was informed that they have all sales on hold, this is concerning.  I have not listened to either, my choice is based on reviews and the Bryston dealer.  My decision was also based they are both good for two channel, I am not set on this but it will help the budget and space.  I am looking for a warm and good over all sound; some might say 3 dimensional sound, clarity is also a factor.  Actually, all I’ve read in reference to Classe fits the bill.  I would like a couple of other choices to include in my short list and opinions are welcome. The budget for the processor and amp is approx. 22k.  

Thanks to all.....
maguiar
caphill
676 posts
 
@gillatgh

I think the best or most musical HT preamp processors for two-channel music I have heard to date are the following : Meridian Reference 861 v8, Krell Evolution 707, Krell S1200, Classe SSP 800, Classe Sigma SSP, Bryston SP3 when paired with right associated gears & speakers, Theta Casablance lV with extreme DACs when paired with the right associated gears, speakers & cablings.
eziggy
137 posts
 
@caphill Thanks!  I tried both, plugging the 509X into the conditioner and direct to the wall.  I prefer direct to the wall, but not a huge difference.  Though I still need to upgrade power cables and maybe the conditioner as well.

@maguiar Any updates?  Did you pull the trigger on a system?

On my side I have been doing a lot of testing on streamers (I listen to Tidal mostly).  I picked up a Lumin D2 which I liked, but felt it a tad warm for my setup, so I just received a T2 which I am breaking in now.  I am reserving judgment/comparisons, but fresh out of box it sounds great and it's getting better by the hour.  I can see why people rave about it. 

In my comparisons, I was really surprised that the Marantz 8805 can hold it's on when it comes to DAC/Streamers.  It has a HUGE soundstage and with the right cable has a pretty great overall sound.  It doesn't have the crispness and accuracy of the T2, but for an all-in-one solution it can sound pretty great.
jmeyers's avatar
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jmeyers
166 posts
 
I am currently using a Theta Casablanca IV preamp/processor and a Lumin T2 along with Krell Class A power amps and Revel Ultima Studios.  Cabling is Wireworld and Kimber for interconnects and Transparent Audio for speakers.  Power conditioning is all Shunyata Denali with Venom power cords.

Thr resultant sound is truly outstanding.  
maguiar OP
39 posts
 
@Eziggy,

Unfortunately had a bit of a financial set back and need to recoup.  I am hopeing to resolve this by the end of the year.  Anyway, I have decided to go with the Pass XA 30.8 and the XP22 for my music.  For the home theatre I am leaning towards the Parasound A51 and the latest Marantz.

Has anyone owned or auditioned any Backert Labs gear? I am a bit curious..
audio_d
56 posts
 
out of the box solution...
rotel rap-1580 + rmb-1585 5x200wpc power amp
powerful, smooth, authoritative, engaging sound that won't break the bank.
only caveat is that the pre/pro is a full hand-on manual unit, no auto setup
:)
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