Best 5 Channel Amp


Hello. I am in the market for a new 5 channel amp. What do you consider to be the best 5 channel home theater amp out there? New or old,used. I have heard Powermaster 2000, Pass labs x5, California audio, etc.etc. What do you think and why. Thanks for the help.
theaterhome
Yes, I have ones of these for used for sale here, so this is my disclaimer.

The Bryston 9B just seems to be a staple of high end systems, this is one of he reasons I purchased the unit. One of the things often over looked is the size to power ratio. This amp physically is way smaller than many other 5 channel amps on the market. Just something some people might not know. I have personally, in my home, seen this amp destroy many larger 200w/c.

Theta Dreadnaught II would beat this amp, just costs way more. So I bought the Sim 7ch Titan, this thing is bigger that my bathtub. From one extreme to another....

Marty
Theaterhome,

You state you have heard the EAD, Pass labs, Cal Audio,

What are your impressions? I own the PM2000 with the all important 20 amp power supply and 20 amp dedicated outlets.

I have heard the Theta and depending on your needs both work very well. More bass on the EAD maybe the power issue. Similar highs with the advantage to the Theta. Again speaker efficency dependent. I have also heard the new Krell 5 channel amp. At this point I will stay with my EAD especially for the prices they go for. The new BAT is also one to consider, but all of this is relative at close to $10,000 for one.

None the less all of these are system dependant. If HT is your main intention as your profile may indicate then a less qaulity amp will do. If you must integrate your 2 channel in HT then the mega buck amps may be required or a very nice two channel or mono blocks and a 3 or 5 channel amp for surrounds.

With a nice 5 channel you also have an option of biamping amping the front two speakers and your center as I do.

This has been discussed several times so look up some older threads.

Good luck.

Jimmy