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Picking the right amp...

I am looking to get a new amp. Preferably a 5 channel to drive my N802's and Nautilus HTM1. 5 Channels so I can bi-amp my N802's and the remainder to drive my center. My system is 80% home theater, 20% music. Although when I listen to music, I want to to be amazing.

My processor is a Yamaha VX1 (will upgrade that but down the road). Currently I have a B&K 4420ex (I believe it is 200x2). I don't have balanced outputs but would like to have them on my amp so that when I am ready for the future.

Here is what I am looking at. Any opinions on these, please share.

New Earthquake Cinenova (300x5)
BStock/Used Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature (425x5)
Used - Krell KAV-1500 (300x5)

My budget is $2500 (I know I won't find the krell at that price point, but if poeple tell me I need to spend the extra money....I just might.

Also, should I be looking at getting 2 three channel amps and bi-amping everything? What works best with the N802?
jesseasi
mlawitm's avatar
mlawitm
67 posts
 
I have done a lot of research on this too as I have the N802's for my front and N805's for rear with an HTM1 center.

I am looking into Krell because I have heard that they are a good match with Nautilus. You can find reviews on the Krell KAV 1500 at audioreview.com they have reviewed this amp with the Nautilus.

Let me know what you decide.

Mark
jesseasi OP
2 posts
 
Problem for me and the Krell is the price. $3500-$4000 used. That is tough for me to stomach. I am hoping someone can tell me some nice things about the Earthquake.

Everything I read about the Earthquake specs look too good to be true, but I don't know how they would be with the N802's.

Other option I can find is the Sunfire Signature. Anyone have N802's and the Sunfire? How does it work for you?
leftistelf
87 posts
 
Try the EAD PowerMaster 1000 or 2000. The 2000 uses SE or XLRs, 15A or 20A power, and has user selectable input sensitivity. It is an unbelieveably great amp. Plus, because of its power steering circuitry, if you are driving just 2-channels, you'll get 2x1000. It was on Stereophile's A list one year, before the company changed hands and has since offered new versions.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
For that kind of money, you can do better than Krell, which in my opinion is overated. Check out the above mentioned EAD amps or a Aragon 8008X5, Classe CAV-180, McCormack DNA-HT5. All of these will beat any on your list and can be had for less than than $2500 used. Personally I'd go after the Aragon 8008X5, my friend has one and it's a extremely powerful amp, yet not harsh like the Krell KAV series. I'll stick with my 2 channel Threshold amp though. I only use a Denon receiver for HT, but I'm 80% music and 20% HT.
audioman4
174 posts
 
Your best buy for the money $2500.00 you quote is a pair of
Aragon Palladiums that are balanced... and a pair of nice cables that go rca to xlr...
I have had a kav and the Palladiums are everybit as detailed and musical... infact they are capable of driving any speaker and work especially well the the b and w line.
An incredible value... you will not need another amp for 2 channel ever!! Most people that read my posts know I am very partial to Aragon! Good luck,
Joe
Custom Audio LLC
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