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Help Me Choose Better 5-Channel Amp

Our home theater has evolved from a home theater only into a hybrid HT/2-channel system. Both the HT and the 2-channel perform very well and overall I am very pleased with the outcome. But I would like to improve what I perceive to be the weak link when it comes to 2-channel listening. Right now I am using an Anthem Statement A5, a good match for the Anthem AVM50 and great for HT sound. But when I listen to 2-channel, I believe the sound could be improved with a better amp. I would prefer to upgrade the amp rather than buy a separate 2-channel amp and switch back and forth. When listening to 2-channel in this system, the other components are the Well Tempered Amadeus TT with a Dynavector XX2 LOMC cartridge, Levinson 390S CDP, Audio Research PH7 phono stage, Audio Research Ref 3 preamp, and Verity Fidelio Encore speakers. ICs are Aud23 and the speaker cable is Chord's Epic Twin.

Any suggestions for a better 5-channel amp that will improve the 2-channel listening experience?
4musica44107
blindjim
3,092 posts
 

Which areas of the audio do you wish to improve upon? Or what would you like to wind up with sonically with this newer amp?
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
McIntosh MC206 Used
drdennis
165 posts
 
Some 2 channel amps like the current Musical Fidelity A-1 have a home theater bypass.
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Blindjim - Fair question, and one that I should have addressed in my post. I have a preference for tube amps, or amps that have as much of a tube signature as possible without compromising microdynamics and bass slam/weight. Better imaging and transparency would be welcome. I hooked up my Accuphase P-3000 from another system and there it was - the sound I was looking for. But even if Accuphase makes a 5-channel amp, I don't want to spend that kind of money. But the Accuphase was definitely superb.

Vernneal - An audio friend also suggested I consider the McIntosh MC206, adding "if you can find someone willing to part with it." I infer from his comment that they are hard to come by, but I will certainly consider it.
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