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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
 
The sherbourn has 5 or 7 toroidial transformers. In essence - 5 or 7 monoblocks in a single chasis. Heavy beast!
tombowlus
416 posts
 
You may be able to find a used Theta Intrepid near that price range. Although it is only rated at 100wpc (8 ohm), the 5-way Intrepid can push even difficult speakers like my Thiel CS3.6's with relative ease (note, I now use Enterprises on my Thiels, but the Intrepid did, indeed, drive them quite well for a time).

Tom.
phasor OP
7 posts
 
Is the Intrepid a multi channel amp?
tombowlus
416 posts
 
Yes, 5x100wpc. The Theta Dreadnaught is their step up from the Intrepid, and it is configurable from 1-10 channels. The single channel modules are 225wpc (8 ohm), and the two channel modules are 2x100wpc. The Intrepid is not configurable, and is 100 watts into 8 and 200 into 4 ohm. It really sounds like much more, and is commendably close to the sound of my much more expensive Theta Enterprise monoblocks. I picked up a new, demo unit for $2,300, so you may be able to find a used Intrepid for under $2,000. It really is a great amp for the money, IMHO. In two channel, I prefered it to the McCormack DNA-225, and I felt that it held its own against an Edge NL-10 (though not quite as dynamic as the super fast Edge).
phasor OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for the info....

Phasor
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