2. amps-preamps
  3. 1086725029

$2500 amp and pre/pro

Ok, my receiver just died. The good news I can now move on to separates and finally hear the full(er) potential in the rest of my equipment. The bad news is I'm off to medschool and, for the next several years, will redefine poor. I will be buying used off A'gon--if at all possible, I'd really like to stay under $2500 for the pair. Here's the rest of my system.

4 Vienna Acoustic Bach's
Rel Storm III sub
Pioneer 47a player
some crappy cambridge soundworks center speaker

Multichannel amps that seem to be in my price range are sunfire cinema grand, B&K, Outlaw I guess--though I don't like that option much--not really sure what else. Vienna Acoustics are warm speakers and I'm concerned that warm sounding amps might make them sound dark.

I'm really stuck when it comes to a pre/pro. They all seem to break the bank. Video switching is not crucial, SACD + DVD-A input is however. I'm also leary of processors that disable the sub in two channel mode. The Bach's are only rated to 38Hz (which I think is a stretch) and I really like to be able to use the REL to fill out the sound while in stereo.

Although I'm looking for a multichannel setup, this system will be used 90%+ for music. I enjoy two channel and multichannel alike. Movies come a distant second.

Any ideas are welcome. Thanks
ultraviolet
prpixel
876 posts
 
Yes, the AMV2 does have a 6 channel input, with bass management, for SACD and DVD-A input.

I purchased a Sunfire Theater Grand III while I was waiting for the AVM20. It had some operating quirks and the sound was flat. Also, the soundstage wasn't great. I only let it burn in for about 200 hours before boxing it up and selling it here on Agon. I ended up taking an $800 loose on it.

I've auditioned the B&K ref30 processor a few years ago and thought it was the most brittle and harsh processor I have ever heard. I have not heard the new ref50 processor.

As far as the MCA5 amp goes, it's 5 channels rated at 200 watts. It has both balanced(xlr) and single ended inputs. Inside there are 2 big toroidail transformers. I heard it at a local dealer, with an AVM2, and it sounded good; a lot of bang for the buck.

http://www.anthemav.com/OldSitev1/frames/mcafr.html

Good luck,
ultraviolet OP
105 posts
 
Great responses, I've been doing a lot of reading and I've now ruled out B&K as an option. I did some reading on the MCA5 and did not like what I read. It did not seem to strike reviewers as a musical amplifier at all. The AVM-2 is a possibility I'm considering for a processor. However, Prpixel, I just uncovered an old thread of yours here what ever happened with this situation? I must say, that goes a long ways toward scaring me off from Anthem products.

Two more questions...I understand that one person at least preferred anthem to sunfire processors, but what about sunfire amps (specifically the cinema grand)? I also keep hearing good things about Classe processors (ssp25, 30 and 50) but can't determine if they have 5.1 analogue inputs. Any comments on these components? Thanks again.
prpixel
876 posts
 
Yes, Anthem customer support can leave a little to be desired. Lately, in the high-end industry, customer service is a forgotten art. I've been trying for two weeks to buy speakers for a friend and nobody wants to take the money. I'm sitting here with $8K in cash and can not get any dealers to return my calls.

Good luck,
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Ultraviolet,

I like the Anthem suggestion as well. If I were to upgrade my HT, I'd definitely look into them. One thing though. I'd consider adding a Vienna Acoustics Maestro or Theatro center channel to your system. I think it would improve everything along the front wall.

Prpixel, hopefully if some dealers are browsing these forums they'll take heed and be nicer to you. Are the dealers you've contacted local to you or were they accessed through Audiogon?
prpixel
876 posts
 
Gunbei,

They are local. Looks like they are more interested in custom install work.
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