2. home-theater
  3. 142291-123726

Best multi channel amp and processor good for 2 channel listening.

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and have a few questions in reference to HT processors.  I am starting from scratch and switching from a Krell S-1000 and S-1500.  I sold the processor a few months back and I going to list here the amp.

I am currently considering the new Bryston 9B3 and the SP4 and decision was based on upgrade ability and warranty. The speakers for HT will be Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home and for 2 channel Verity Otello’s.  My second choice was Classe but I was informed that they have all sales on hold, this is concerning.  I have not listened to either, my choice is based on reviews and the Bryston dealer.  My decision was also based they are both good for two channel, I am not set on this but it will help the budget and space.  I am looking for a warm and good over all sound; some might say 3 dimensional sound, clarity is also a factor.  Actually, all I’ve read in reference to Classe fits the bill.  I would like a couple of other choices to include in my short list and opinions are welcome. The budget for the processor and amp is approx. 22k.  

Thanks to all.....
maguiar
maguiar102
83 posts
 
Jimpit.

I actually have the Krell S-1500/5 for sale now, it is a good amp and everything you write about it I agree with. In my opinion it’s a very neutral amp and will do better with warmer speakers, since it can lean towards the brighter side with some boxes. I am just looking for a different sound altogether.
jimpittsburgh
34 posts
 
not a hint of brightness out of mine, but it is revealing no doubt. Using it to bi amp really works remarkably well for both the amp and the Reference 5s. Just a great synergy. Good luck with the sale. Shouldn't take long at all. 
maguiar102
83 posts
 
Jep14,

Talk to me about the Mark Levinson 585....  I won’t be able to audition this one for about a couple of months, since the nearest dealer is approx. 150 miles away.
I have read positive reviews and listened to it thru ITunes (Pursuit Perfect System) but I bet it does no justice to it. Although in my opinion thru iTunes alone sounds pretty darn good and I love estetics. Is it warm or at least neutral?

auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I heard the latest Mark Levinson stuff at RMAF.  The Levinson is part of the very smoothed over and liquidy type of sonic signature.  It's really hard to describe to people unless they have heard this.  There are many other amps that have this same type of sonic signature.  Your Krell S1500 is going to sound clean and neutral in comparison (although the S-1500 can definitely slant toward the bright side at times).  Actualy, the new Krell sliding bias amps have this smooth/liquidy character as well.

The other side of the fence is the FET type warmth, where you have amps such as Pass Labs, Parasound, Marantz.  Etc.  The Vincent amps with tube input stage are also very warm sounding.  It's really hard to recommend equipment to people unless they have heard these sounds and have a good idea of what they want. lol.  I mean, there are a lot of people who can say "Mark Levinson is great", but it really comes down to personal preference.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Alternatively, if you want to keep on the "neutral" type of sound, but get something better than your Krell S-1500, you could look at things like Gryphon, Soulution, Esoteric (though Esoteric can definitely come across as somewhat sterile in some systems).  The previous generation Krell Evolution series was also very neutral, though getting old now.
More to discover