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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
stttt
64 posts
 
Maguiar,
I agree with you on the two channel.  I listen to a lot of music and I like two channel.  My HT is nice too, but HT is a bunch of noise with some music between explosions.
eziggy
137 posts
 
Macquiar, bummer I couldn't find Mariza's live Concerto Em Lisboa on Tidal.  I know it's on iTunes just didn't have time to get Apple Music connected to the Luxman before leaving for vacation. I will check it out when I get back, from my quick listen it sounds like a great song, as well as album. 

From early listening the 509X is definitely a great integrated, at least with my setup.  I would classify as neutral and smooth, with high resolution so it's revealing.  If you hear gritty or bright it is will most likely comes from a component in the system.  Even with bright sources the vocals coming in smooth.  I have noticed cables, especially interconnects, make a noticeable impact with this amp, at least with my system.  I can say for the first time I was able to really hear the difference between my copper AudioQuest Earth cables and silver Fire cables.  In terms of power, I have not been able to move the volume knob passed the 10 o'clock position since it's way too loud with my ML 11As, which are somewhat demanding speakers which drop below 1 ohm in the high frequencies. 
  
Also, using the Luxman + 8805 I really got to see the how great of a pre/pro the Marantz 8805 is.  The analog output stages and discrete DACs are great.
maguiar102
83 posts
 
Eziggy,

Have a great vaca., definitely keep in touch when you get back, have questions on the 8805.
eziggy
137 posts
 
Thanks Maguiar!  I am back, ask away...
maguiar102
83 posts
 
To All,

I auditioned 5 amps just yesterday and fell in love with the Pass Labs.  I wanted to audition the Int-250 but the dealer only had the 60, but even this 60watt amp was  everything I was looking for.  Speakers were the Harbeth Anniversary 40.2 which are excellent by the way.

The amps in question were the following:

Pass Labs Int-60. 
Gryphon Diablo 300
T+A Pa 3100 HV
Hegel H590

and 

Luxman M900u  (He had the L509x out on loan).


My opinion on the above and I blame my ears for it...lol...

Hegel - Did not even here enough to really judge, since I did not like the sound.
Just found it lacked in many areas, specially for the price.

T+A - A very good amp, neutral boarder warm but it was not a match for the variety of music I listen to.  I listen to a lot of music with a lot of highs and it might be a bit bright with some recordings.  I personally think it’s too overly priced compared to other amps that are comparable in sound.

Luxman M900u - Very neutral..  I found this amp does not color the sound in any way, its very accurate. I found it to be a bit bright with some recordings, not warm enough for me, but good amp for certain recordings.

Gryphon Diablo 300 - This amp is my second favorite of the 5. It’s neutral warm an excellent amp but still not warm like the Pass Labs and I can see myself getting a bit of sound fatigue after a while of 

Pass Labs - Warm but clear and precise, best base of the five, punchy, tight base, with 3 dimensional sound.  I could listen to this amp for hours without fatigue. I actually dedicated most of the audition time to this amp and the more I listened the more I wanted to listen.  I can refer to this amp as the Chameleon of amps, it adapted itself sonically to every recording.  I was not expecting this and was pleasently surprised.

eziggy,

Hope you had a nice vaca..  



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