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Amplifier suggestions for home theater

Hi all,

I have a Fosgate FAP-T1 processor feeding three Rotel amplifers...RMB-990, RMB-980, RMB-100. The 990 is front L&R, the 980 is surrounds, RMB-100 feeds the center channel. Speakers are Vandersteen 2CE signatures for the front L&R with Vandersteen 2w subs(a pair with the 2CE's), Vandersteen VCC-1 Center, Vandersteen VSM-1s for the surrounds. Also have Vandersteen V2W for the LFE channel. I would like to upgrade to an amplifier to drive the front speakers. I don't know if I should try getting a uses 3 channel amp or a Five channel and sell off the other amps. I listen about 50% music and 50% movies. I would like a very musical sounding amplifier and budget is about $1500.

I don't know if getting a stereo amp will blend in well with the other amps...especially the center...so that is my situation...I would appreciate any and all suggestions..

Thanks, Phasor
phasor
prpixel
876 posts
 
Sherbourn 5/5210 for 5 channel or 7/2100 for seven channel. I sold my aragon 8008bb and some other amps a few months ago and purchased a 7/2100. I'm happy with it. Give it some time to break in; sounds bright out of the box but after a few weeks it smooths out and sounds real nice.

There are a few for sale here on Agon that are just about new. I don't think people give them enough time to break in.

Hope that helps,
russ_l
95 posts
 
Phasor- Dump the center channel and buy a good stereo amp. I give this advice often, but in your case it's even more so as the Vandy 2CE Sigs are imaging champs (as are most speakers with first order crossovers). Selling the center channel will also give you more bucks for an amplifier.

Russ
thefalls1117
74 posts
 
Check out this site before buying a Sherbourn

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/clone_prepros.php
prpixel
876 posts
 
The sherbourn processor is based on an Eastek reference design. Yes, it is pretty much the same as about 6-12 other processors.

The Sherbourn amps are based on the same design as the outlaw audio M200 with the addition of XLR inputs. Actually, it's identical, except for packaging ie case) to the NHT A1 mono amps. I owned two NHT A1's. The advantage of going with the sherbourn as opposed to going with 5 or 7 monoblocks is that you don't have to worry about 7 power cords. I contiplated going with 7 mono's but when I added in the cost of 7 power cords it was cheaper to go with the Sherbourn. I bought my new 7/2100 here on Agon for under $1700 and that included shipping.
phasor OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions...I will check out Sherbourn. One of the dealers I frequent has been raving about the Fosgate Audionics 1000.5 amp. It is a five channel modular amp. He doesn't have one in stock so I can't give it a listen. Does anyone here have any experience with this amp. I will have to go to Denver (about a 90 minute drive) to hear the Sherbourn amp. So I will plan accordingly.

Keep the suggestions coming...

Thanks, Phasor
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