Best used 5 channel amp for under $3k?

If by "soul" you mean a "sonic signature" then I'd agree with that. I've found the Bryston to be much cleaner and quicker than the Classe which gives a warmth at the expense of clarity. Depends on what you prefer. For home theatre where dynamics and clarity make you feel more involved in the action I'd recommend the Bryston. If you prefer to watch DVD music (e.g. Eagles Hell Freezes Over) I'd opt for the Classe.

Too bad you insist on "balanced" since the best amp in that category (IMO at "street price") is the CineNova 5 channel.

At .003% distortion balanced input is not needed.

Regards,

John

Check out the Proceed Amp 5, a little powerhouse 125 X 5.

In answering Hockey's question: yes indeed sonic signature - the same reason many people here like tubes better than solid state. Personally I like how certain SS amps like the ones I mentioned manage to get the best of both - good bass with silky mids and highs. I was just suggesting, as you did, that Classe and Bryston take different approaches to making music. Simply put, it is either one of two camps: Warm and emotional or Clean and clinical, and he shall decide which he likes better. Arthur

EAD Powermaster 2000 = 400 watts x 5 with Balanced and single ended, 125lbs Extremely musical amplifier. It sounds better than my Audio Research D400 Mkii, SIM Audio W5, etc upgraded through. I'm selling my hometheater but keeping the amplifier for 2 channel, and these are a steal used ~$3000. They cost EAD to much to make (originally $5300 then went up to $7500 before being discontinued) it doubles into 800watts into 4ohms, and will put out 1000watts into 2 channels 8ohms. Make sure to have friends around to move it!

Anything under 200 watts a channel is a waste for hometheater unless you have 90db+ efficient speakers.

The Bryston is an excellent piece but not enough power. The EAD is warmer than the Bryston. Sunfire is a great deal bang for the buck but not for up to the competition when used for two channel critical listening (I just bought a Sunfire Cinema Grand II for hometheater system to use with in wall speakers, and my EAD is going to be used for two channel because I like it so much, and can't afford a pair of LAMM's or VTL 750 monoblocks)

Just to preface my opinions, and not start a flame war, this is my own personal opinion from many years of listening and I do not care for the sound of Classe, Levinson or SIM or most other Bi-polar amplifiers. This is why it is key to hear these components in your system or buy used to try and then sell. System synergy is key to make anything work so try to listen to as much as possible.