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
@eziggy

You can plug your Luxman integrated to your Furman.

In regards to your comment on these Naim Statement NAP S1 monoblock amps, not only the power reserves it has that impressed me, but most importantly that impressed me most is their musicality, subtlety, dynamics, etc. Paired with the Naim Statement NAC S1 linestage analog stereo preamp and highly capable or other cost-no-object design front end source components (both digital & analog) you are treated with absolute best musicality, rhtym, etc and these Naim Statement gears (preamp & monoblock amps) are best at conveying the emotional expressions of the artists/musicians, assuming you have highly capable front end source components eg turntable, phonostage, CD/SACD player, DAC or streamer/DAC, etc and speakers. I’ve never heard music sounding this fluid full body blossom and effortless with these Naim Statement gears (pre + amps) in the signal chain coupled with some most highly capable front end source components (digital or analog or both).

These Naim Statement pre & amps simply don’t sound, you are simply hearing a true musical reproductions and representations. Music simply blossoms to its fullest and is soo efortless and sooo fluid. They excel in all areas as they should be considering their design concept topology and design goals and prices of these Naim Statement preamp & monoblock amps. But again in order to achieve absolute best musicality you must have a very highly capable front end source component(s), whether digital or analog or both, to pair with these Naim Statement preamp & monoblock amps. The quality of your front end source components (turntable or digital front end source components) are the most important element(s) in the hifi chain and it is where the musical signal sources start or begin, not the preamp or power amps or integrated amp.
And I can’t imagine anyone using some mediocre or good but not great front end source components to pair with these Naim Statement preamp & monoblock amps. It would have been a total waste and unwise move as these Naim Statement pre & amps are cost-no-object design gears.
@gillatgh

I think the best or most musical HT preamp processors for two-channel music I have heard to date are the following : Meridian Reference 861 v8, Krell Evolution 707, Krell S1200, Classe SSP 800, Classe Sigma SSP, Bryston SP3 when paired with right associated gears & speakers, Theta Casablance lV with extreme DACs when paired with the right associated gears, speakers & cablings.
@caphill Thanks!  I tried both, plugging the 509X into the conditioner and direct to the wall.  I prefer direct to the wall, but not a huge difference.  Though I still need to upgrade power cables and maybe the conditioner as well.

@maguiar Any updates?  Did you pull the trigger on a system?

On my side I have been doing a lot of testing on streamers (I listen to Tidal mostly).  I picked up a Lumin D2 which I liked, but felt it a tad warm for my setup, so I just received a T2 which I am breaking in now.  I am reserving judgment/comparisons, but fresh out of box it sounds great and it's getting better by the hour.  I can see why people rave about it. 

In my comparisons, I was really surprised that the Marantz 8805 can hold it's on when it comes to DAC/Streamers.  It has a HUGE soundstage and with the right cable has a pretty great overall sound.  It doesn't have the crispness and accuracy of the T2, but for an all-in-one solution it can sound pretty great.
I am currently using a Theta Casablanca IV preamp/processor and a Lumin T2 along with Krell Class A power amps and Revel Ultima Studios.  Cabling is Wireworld and Kimber for interconnects and Transparent Audio for speakers.  Power conditioning is all Shunyata Denali with Venom power cords.

Thr resultant sound is truly outstanding.  
@Eziggy,

Unfortunately had a bit of a financial set back and need to recoup.  I am hopeing to resolve this by the end of the year.  Anyway, I have decided to go with the Pass XA 30.8 and the XP22 for my music.  For the home theatre I am leaning towards the Parasound A51 and the latest Marantz.

Has anyone owned or auditioned any Backert Labs gear? I am a bit curious..