Best 5 channel amp under 4k

Nearly every audio review list has the Bryston 9B-ST on its "Best of" or "Class A Recommended" list. MSRP is about $3800, and you can often get it used for $2600 or so. It's an excellent unit that ought to be on your short list for audition.

It's hard to argue against the Bryston 9B-ST. If you need to put this unit in a more enclosed space where heat can be an issue, check out the Sunfire line-up. Very nice sound. Runs very cool.

How about 4 Odyssey Stratos amps at $995 apiece. A very highly rated amp with speed and power and a 20 year warranty.

Plenty of excellent reviews from TAS, IAR, and others on this amp can be found at odysseyaudio.com. Not to mention 5/5 ratings by about 80 owners in audioreview.com

If one were to go this route, I would also recommend dedicated circuits for the front three amps.

-IMO

Robk, what have you heard about the CAV180? I've owned Classe amps before and never had a problem (CA-200 and CAV-75). In that price range, I'd be interested in the aforementioned Bryston 9B-ST, an Aragon 8008X5, or the Classe CAV-180.

Sim audio is very good. The pass x-5 is great. Also the bel canto six channel evo is amazing. Those three are all great. They truly are the best that HT has to offer and i would take em over a krell 1500 even.