2. amps-preamps
  3. 1075471837

2-channel + 3-channel amps, versus 5-channel amp

I am considering an amplifier upgrade for my system, which pulls double duty for 2-channel and HT. In truth, I have been listening to more HT (what with kids and all), but most of my critical listening is good old 2-channel. My initial thought would be that a really good two channel amp, and then a separate 3-channel amp for center and surrounds (not worried about 7.1, for now or the foreseeable future) would be the way to go, but I do see a number of really nice 5-channel amps out there (Theta DII is enticing). My concern with 5-channel would be a single power supply trying to handle all 5 channels. But I do see that most of these amps use a very beefy, and significantly upgraded power supply over their 2-3 channel brethren.

And advantage of the 5-channel approach is that all three of my front speakers would receive the same power, which is nice. But then this begs the question of whether or not I would be better served by getting a better/more powerful 3-channel amp, and then a smaller 2-channel amp for surrounds! Talk about choices (then of course, there is the option of 5 mono amps!).

For speakers, I am driving Thiel CS3.6's, which are notoriously hard to drive, and spend a good bit of their time in the 2 ohm region, a Thiel SCS3 for the center (which is loads easier to drive), and currently I have AR TSW-110's for surrounds, though I may replace them with two more SCS3's. My processor is a Rotel RSP-1066. Brands which I have been looking into include McCormack, Krell, Bryston, Theta, and Classe.

Any thoughts, comments, suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks, Tom.
tombowlus
gogamecocks
37 posts
 
FYI - I do not have a local Pass dealer either. Peter at Pass Labs referred me to Audio Video Logic here on Audiogon. I have an X250 and wouldn't think about letting it go for anything other than another Pass.
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
Here are some possible amp options that I have been considering (listed in no particular order). Any comments or recommendations would be appreciated:

Theta Dreadnaught II (3x225w, 2x100) - single amp solution with 2-channel/surround option.

Theta Enterprise Monoblocks (2), with Theta Dreadnaught II (1x225, 2x100) - higher end Theta route (may have to save up for this option). I may also substitute a 5-channel Theta Intrepid for the Dreadnaught II in this configuration.

Krell FPB300cx (or similar) with Krell KAV-3250 or KAV-250a/3 - I've heard that the FPB amps really match up well with my Thiel CS3.6 (also not a cheap route, though).

Pass X250 or X350 with Pass X3 - for not much more than the Dreadnaught II option, I can get all Pass amps (but no local dealer).

Bryston 14B SST (2x600) with Bryston 6B SST (3x300) - would also consider ST (also no local Bryston dealer).

Bryston 7B SST (2 @ 600w ea.) with Bryston 6B SST - again, may consider ST.

Bryston 7B SST (3 @ 600w ea.) with Bryston 3B SST (2x150) - ditto on the ST.

Classe' CA-201/301/401 (probably 301) with Classe' CAV-75 (set up 3x150) - or some other combination of older Classe' amps.

McCormack DNA-225/500 or upgraded DNA-2 with DNA-HT1/3 - have heard nothing but good things about McCormacks, but wonder about how they will match up with my Thiels.

The rest of my system includes a Rotel RSP-1066, Thiel CS3.6 mains, Thiel SCS3 center, AR TSW-110 surrounds, and no subwoofer for now. For speaker cables, I am using MIT AVt3 (except for surrounds). I am considering adding a sub (perhaps Velodyne DD-12), but I want to hear my 3.6's with a new amp first. The Thiels and whatever amp I pick up are going to be in my system for a good long time. The Rotel, AR's, and all source components are probably all up for grabs at some point in the next couple of years.

Thanks, Tom.
tombowlus OP
416 posts
 
I ended up with two Theta Digital Enterprise monoblocks and a Theta Digital Intrepid, in case anyone gives a hoot. After listening to a number of really great amps, I came away most impressed with Theta, and they really match up well with my Thiels.

Later, Tom.
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