Recommended receiver for HT

What about a NAD M22 amp for front LR LS50s?  Then add multichannel Class D amp for surround and rears.

Hello dbphd,

Now you're talking!  Excellent choice.

     Here's a Stereophile very positive review of the class D NAD M22 amp I just read:

www.stereophile.com/content/nad-masters-series-m22-power-amplifier

     There's also a NAD M27 amp that retails for $1,000 more than the M22.  It uses the exact same custom Hypex NCore 400 class D modules with the same 250w/ch as the M22 but has 7 channels instead of 2.  I know that's 1 more channel than you need but it would give you the option of powering a center channel if you ever wanted to use one again in the future. It would also help you downsize and steam-line since all of your required amplification would be in a single component enclosure rather than several.
     I think you'll really like the sound of either of these amps, the review on the M22 stated that both the M22 and M27 amps sound almost identical to the Parasound A31 3-ch amp.
     Great job in identifying the NAD class D amps as an excellent solution for your soon to be downsized HT system.

Tim

     

Tim,

I read several rave reviews of the NAD M22 this afternoon. Your recommendation pushed me over the threshold to buy a demo unit offered on Audiogon for $1400.

Current Cox TV is 2 channel, so surround would be limited to Blu-ray and SACD. I’m still thinking about whether to use the Bryston SP3 -- it may be redundant with the Oppo 205.  I think I'll reserve the Ayre DX-5 DSD for use with the Ayre stereo setup.

db

Hello dbphd,

     Great, I was going to suggest a used unit to save money but didn't know if you wanted to buy only new or were open to buying used. Once the M22 arrives, you'll be able to hear what a good class D amp will sound like with your KEF speakers.
     Are you certain your Cox cable tv  broadcasts in only 2 channel?  I live in Indiana and use the local Comcast/Xfinity cable tv and they broadcast in at least 5.1 channel on all their channels, possibly even 7.1.  I do subscribe to their HDTV package along with HBO and Showtime, but I'm not sure if that's why I get 5.1 channel sound.  You may want to check with Cox since the surround sound makes everything I watch more enjoyable, even commercials.
     I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions of the M22 with your speakers.

Tim
  

Tim,

I'm not certain Cox TV is only 2 channel.  I've been taking HDMI directly to the projector and RCA to either an Audio Engine 2+ or NAD C 328.  With DirecTV I took HDMI to an Oppo that split it into 7.1 audio and video HDMI outputs.  I'll reinstall the Oppo 205 when I install the M22. and use the Parasound A23s for surround until I get 4 channels of Class D amplification.

I felt like an energy scofflaw running a Bryston SP3. Oppo 205, Parasound JC 2 BP, 3 JC 1 monoblocks, and 2 A 23s to watch TV, but in my zeal to downsize I may have thrown out the baby with the bath water.

db