Please Recommend 5 ch Amp that...


is around $2000 used or new, 120W-150W per channel, and
preferably THX certified and with balanced in.

currently looking at Bryston 9b-thx, and really want one of these, but seems to be little bit over my budget...
eandylee
I would recommend a used Bryston 9B-ST like you originally wanted. You could get one on Audiogon if you wait.

There is currently a cheap newly listed Brand New Aragon (newer version) that is 200x5, THX Ultra 2 for dirt cheap.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1102102181

Theres lots of alternatives so its up to you.
I'm also thinking about the newer Bryston 150W 3B SST for fronts +120W 3channel 5B ST for center and rears

I guess, this way, 2 channel sound will definitely be better, but wondering if 5 channel movie or music performance will not be as good as getting 9B ST...

I guess, as alwasy, I will end up spend little bit more than my original budget... but I think Bryston is worth it for now and for long run...

I like the McIntosh MC126 a lot. It is a little warmer than the Bryston and will definately be in for the long run. The MC206 is even better but it is (still) expensive.
...or you can check out the Proceed Amp 5 (or BPA/HPA).

The SST's are much better than the ST.