Help Me Choose Better 5-Channel Amp

I really appreciate all of the feedback so far.

WRT the idea of separate 3-channel and 2-channel amps, I would prefer a one-box solution. But if I were to go with separate 3- and 2-channel amps, wouldn't it be more important to spend more on the 3-channel amp than the 2-channel amp? My thinking is that by doing so, I have not only the best possible 2-channel sound, but also uniform amplification for all three fronts of the HT speaker array. Or am I missing something?

I brought the Accuphase down from another system because it happens to be - for me - one of those elusive SS amps that has some tube-like qualities. But I need the Accuphase to remain in that other system, and again, I would sure like to find a one-box solution.

Classe is yet another amplifier brand that I had not thought of. Hey, up to a point, the more good options the better, right?

I obviously have some research and auditioning to do. Should be fun!

Keep your Anthem amp us it for center and rears then buy a better 2 channel amp. That is how I use my system I have a McIntosh MC205 and a MC402 and use an anthem D2v along with a Audio Research LS26 for 2 channel. As a side bonus you have back up incase the 2 channel amp ever has an issue.

Regarding using 2 different amps for home theater (i.e. separate amps for main L/R and center/surrounds), conventionally, most people recommend using identical amplification for all channels-- much like keeping all speakers as similar as possible.

However, with the modern EQ present in many newer processors (like the Anthem D2V), perhaps this is less of an issue now.

dave

Like you, I have an Anthem A5 amp that I was using both for 2 channel music and for 5.1 movies. Like you, I was satisfied with the A5 for movies, but not for music. I elected to go the route suggested already by several posters, namely, I kept the A5 and used it to amplify the center channel and the rears, and I added a stereo amp for the FR and FL channels. Hence there are two channels on the A5 that go unused.

The stereo amp I added was the Pass XA30.5, and I am very happy with the results. Compared to the A5 in 2 channel listening conditions, the XA30.5 is more transparent, detailed, and harmonically correct.

As for the concern, raised by some posters, that you want matching amplification across the front three channels, I am of the opinion that, while that is ideal, it is by no means necessary for a satisfying 5.1 experience. The reason, I believe, has a lot to do with how most movies are mixed, in that dialogue is nearly always placed in the center channel only, while music and effects are placed disproportionately in the FL and FR channels. So most 5.1 mixes are already "unmatched," as it were. When you add to that the fact that, when watching movies, your attention is split between listening to the audio and watching the images, any differences in amplification matching are likely to be below the threshold of awareness, IME.

Of course, YMMV. Good luck.

In retrospect of what dg1968 said I would say that is a very good point on the matching across the 5 channels. But also as he mentioned the room correction plays a positive part. I had a MX135 prior to the D2v and it never sounded as good as it does now after the room correction. But I am using one brand of amp for both. You might condsider a Anthem Statemnent 2 Channel amp.