2. amps-preamps
  3. 1042579377

Help.... Need Amp advice

I am currently in the market for an amp to provide a little kick to my system. I have the klipsch rf 3II, rc3, and rs3's with a velodyne HGS-12. I'm most interested in powering the fronts and center speakers but I am also considering a 5 channel amp to power 'em all. So far I am torn between the Odyssey Stratos HT-3 (150x3), an older acurus A200x5 (too much power?) or 125x5, or a parasound HCA1205 (140x5). I should mention my pre/pro is currently a Denon AVR 3803 (85x7), and my time is for the most part split 50-50 between music and HT. Overall budget for the amplifier is $1-2K. Thanks, any advice/opinions are greatly appreciated!
lo_legend
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
If you are willing to start with a 3-channel amp for the main and center speakers, then you should consider the Bryston 5B-ST, which can be acquired used for around $1400. If you want to go start with an excellent 2-channel amp, then the Bryston 4B-ST is a good starting point -- there is one for sale here on A-gon for $1200. If you look at the link to my system, you will see that I started with the 4B-ST and later upgraded my 3-channel surround amp to the 5B-ST. From several years of personal experience with these amps, I can recommend them to you without reservation.
jcbtubes
400 posts
 
You might also consider getting a good analog pre-amp so that you can bypass the Denon when listening to music. Regardless of the amplification that you get, when it comes to music, the Denon is definitely limiting you. Just a suggestion. Enjoy.
lo_legend OP
1 posts
 
Hmmm... that sounds like an idea, I honestly haven't considered a preamp, still kinda new to this whole audio ballgame. What would be a good, relatively inexpensive, ($500-1000) analog preamp to go with the aforementioned amps?
jcbtubes
400 posts
 
Lo- I'd look into something like the Blue Circle or Audible Illusions 2C, 2D, or 3. Only thing about AI is that their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Musical Designs, MFA, Melos, and C-J also made nice tube pre-amps. I'd recommend that you stay with an all tube design, not a hybrid, but that is just my preference. Good luck.
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