Amp Advice for newbie

Arthur, I can understand the budget limitations, mine certainly are limited.

I would like to inquire, do you listen to 2 channel? If so how much? For example, I listen to probably 80-90% 2 channel with some 5 channel here and there. So obviously my preference is biased torwards the best 2 channel sound.

Do you prefer high volume or low? Yunno Sean is spot on about your room acoustics. The more acoustic absorption you have the more power you will need, to quote Sean, to "liven" up the sound.

Arthur, if you check my system you will see that I have 2 amps. One 2 channel for my fronts and one 5 channel for the rest. This is my biasing torwards 2 channel. For whats its worth that B & K 7250 is a pretty nice amp.

Consider your needs and wants and post them I am sure my fellow A'goners can help you purchase wisely.

Thanks Dist - Let me line it out this way:
Room - 20x20 with carpet, overstuffed couches and large paintings on all walls. Room also opens into staircase running length of wall to upstairs, landing area into dining room and hall into kitchen. So I have some space to fill and some absorption.

Listening - Concert DVD's 40% of time, DVD-Audio or SACD in 5 channel 30% of time, movies in 5 channel 20%, and straight out 2 channel 10% of the time.

I like to play it loud and listen more for clean delivery than details and nuance. I'm pretty much narrowed down to Bryston, but have a great lead on a Sunfire Signature at 400Wx7 which fits my current budget constraints better. Any other thoughts would help. Thanks.

I feel pretty confident with a deal I got on a bryston 6B SST for the front 3, and I'll use the B&K for the surrounds until I can put on a Bryston 4B SST. Still taking opinions though. Thanks.

Well I use Bryston(4B-ST) with my B & W CDMs, with hardwood floors in a 15x22, and I am pleased with the sound. I believe the Bryston ST series where known for being bright with great bass. I like highs, so this is right up my proverbial alley. The SST series has improved sonics all over I believe.

If you like high volume and you have alot of space to fill, your gonna need some juice. Not to mention B & Ws really like to be fed some watts. Bi wiring does a lot as well, but that is another thread.

Seeing that you listen to very little 2 channel, you may be better served by disregarding all my previous suggestions. All the Amps I mentioned are very fine machines indeed, but, those mentioned tend to be more 2 channel oriented.

I think the Sunfire 400x7 should not be disregarded so easily. Dont get me wrong I love Bryston, and "peddle" them here on a regular basis. Your using N802(front) HTM1(center) and N804(surround) in a 5 channel setup, right? With the 7 channel Sunfire you could use 4 channels for your N802s, essentailly biamped, and the other three channel for the center and surrounds.

Ultimately it isnt the watts, its your ears. Get what sounds best, if you have dealers in your area I would suggest you get them to let you have an in home tryout.

so cost aside...bryston or sunfire?