Can you think of a reason not to?


Hello everyone,

I’ve loved audio (2-channel) since my teenage years and when home theater came out, well as expensive as it was I found a way to afford it. I traded in a beautiful 2-channel Onkyo Integra m-504 amplifier for an Integra 5-channel, I forget the model. Then I upgraded to an Anthem A5. Well I figured more power is always better so I sold the A5 and bought an Anthem P5.

Although an awesome piece of gear, I decided to scale down, sell my Paradigm Studio 20’s used for surround channels, the CC690 center, and two of my three REL 528 subwoofers.

What I have left is the Anthem P5, an AVM60, one REL R528, two Paradigm and two Sigature S2’s.

Im basically scaling down to a 2-channel system for simplicity and convenience. Here’s my thoughts and would love to get some opinions. I’m selling the P5 and possibly the AVM60 to make room for a P2 and a 2-channel pre amp. The P5 is a beast! If I keep it, I’ll always have three extra channels if one malfunctions and for trouble shooting. But on the other hand having this heavy amp is somewhat inconvenient and way overkill. If I found a P2 I’d even consider a trade.

How about some thoughts from the audio world?

oldschool1

I would guess you'd gain more from a 2 channel preamp than a 2 channel amp. Just guessing.  I'm fond of a tube preamp paired with a solid state amp. 

As mentioned, if you haven't sold your subwoofers, I would keep two of them and run a stereo pair. 

>>>Once the P5 is sold>>> first things first

then shop for a nice 2-channel amp it's the way to go

I never scaled down to nothing. I have my two channel for serious listening and my muti-channel for movies, all incorporated in the same room. However, the room is very large. And no it doesn't look cluttered.

All great input gentlemen. I do have the P5 advertised and hoping to get a fair price. I've made up my mind to scale down to a 2-channel for casual music listening and movie watching (in 2-channel).

The P5 is just a BEAST at 135lbs and I've already sold the pair of Paradigm Studio 20's that I used for surround and the CC-60 center.

Once the P5 is sold, I've been looking at three 2-channel amps. The Anthem P2 (~80lbs), the McIntosh MC30 (~95lbs). I looked at the Advance Paris A10 but I'm unsure about all the controls hidden under a digital hood. Thinking out loud here, they will all sound awesome without a doubt. The P2 will be identical to what I have now, just so much easier to move around and it's already familiar. The MC30 might be a step up in quality and will always be easy to find parts & service. I'm sure the majority of opinions would favor the MC30 too. When I reach the bridge, it will be matter of cost, which I find a better deal on an excellent specimen pre-owned.