What amp is best?

I have thought about an x250 for the 802's and an x5 for the rest or an hpa3 for the fronts or an hpa2 and an amp5 for the rest.

I listened to a Pass X150 in the same room as a Proceed HPA-2 both playing N801s and I have to say that I loved the X150. It is expensive for 150W but man was it nice. The proceed was nice too but not quite the Pass. May not be the most cost-effective for 7 channel however.... Proceed is way more accomodating with HT. At least you have dealers in your area! I only get to visit them on business trips. Go and audition them and see what you think. Arthur

Keep Canada green, buy Bryston. No. I am not related in any way to that concern, save and except as a satisfied customer. Good day!

Since you have the B&W setup, I'd recommend you to look at a Sunfire Cinema Grand - the Nautiluses do like to be "fed" properly, and the Sunfire is up to the task, while also giving you the best of both worlds (or at least a decent compromise) for HT and music. You can keep your current amp for the rears and the budget relatively low.

I absolutly agree with Aboldor and his recommending the Sunfire Cinema Grand!!!! I had a budget of 9 grand and wanted to go with something like Proceed,Pass,Krell,EAd or some monoblocks for my Aerial 8b,cc3,7b combo. These were all listened to at length. Of the bunch the Ead was best with pass second only due to price. Then I listened to the Sunfire and could not justify spending more. I had listened to several of the cheaper amps like Meridian Classe ATI and B&K and for one reason or a nother was not happy. The sunfire has everything except the big price tag and weight.