What's the best 5 channel for less then 1K?

Will you be running a sub in the future ? If so, that means SIX channels of amplification. Dan's suggestion of picking up a few older but still solid 2 channel amps may work wonders for you. Using three 2 channel amps would make such a set-up a breeze AND probably keep money in your pocket.

For one thing, a 2 channel amp would probably be more stable into a lower impedance. Most "reasonably priced" multi-channel amps compromise the power supply, as it is one of the most expensive parts of an amp. As such, using multiple 2 channel amps would probably put you ahead in terms of both sonics and reliability.

Taking this approach would also give you more versatility in terms of choosing products. You have a much wider variety to match the tonal balance of your speakers and source components this way. Only drawback to this is that it will take up more space.

By the way, what are you using for speakers and signal chain ? Any specific sonic preferences in terms of the amps tonal qualities ? Sean
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Try the B&K amp modules Old Colony Sound Lab sells for $139.99 each. Get a cabinet from SESCOM, an on/off switch and an Absolute Power Cord and you're set.

How about looking into Acurus amps, they should be well in your price range

Keis:

I think I am going to side with "Porschecab" here. The reason being is that you said that you want to reproduce in full glory the dialog of movie soundtracks right along with all of the sizzle and boom that goes along with it. And that you want a system that sounds good with music as well. Also, with you saying that you have "3 Ohms" speakers that you have to drive, you are going to need gobs of power and high current in order for this system to perform at its optimum.

But also, if you are going to use a subwoofer also, then I can only hope that you are going to invest in a subwoofer that already has its own amplifier. Because if you are going to be using a passive subwoofer as well, then you are going to need another amp still just to drive the subwoofer (although this time, you may need a bigger and beefier one).

Unless you're going to find some incredible used bargains out there somewhere, that's going to be awfully tough to do for $1K.

--Charles--

If you are doing A/V, I would recommend picking up a used Anthem MCA-5, they tend to sell for about $1k used. The Anthem MCA amps are 200 watts/ch. which will give you more than enough power should you decide to REALLY rattle the walls. It's not a bad amp, I own an MCA-2 for my secondary system. I'm very pleased with it.