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Upgrade advise: ATI, Bryston, Aragon,

I have a home theater with a Denon AVR3300, NHT 2.5i, NHT 1.5i, and NHT SW3P. I am going to slowly upgrade. First, I want a new amplifier. I have on order a ATI 1506, which is 150x6, and bridgeable to 450x3. My objective is flexibility and, obviously, quality. I have just learned it will take a awhlie before ATI makes any more 1506's. This has caused me to rethink my purchase. Should I get a 2 channel, such as a Bryston 4B-ST, or Aragon 8008BB, to allow flexibilty in the future, perhaps use in a music only system later? Thoughts?
leehuff770e
lakerat2124
42 posts
 
Leehuff, I understand your position completely. I was there a few months ago. I had a AVR 3300 and went to a Adcom 555. I have now gone to a Bryston 4B-ST. I considered ATI as well as many others. I went to the Bryston because of performance, price and WARRENTY. I really think it is in a league above the adcom. In fact I thought, after much listening that it was a step up from ATI and Aragon (to me anyway) as well. I have also gone to a B&K 3090 Pre/Pro. Anyway, a thumbs up from me for the Bryston 4B-ST. It will cost about 1300-1400 used. Still under a long warrenty and you can always sell it back for the same if you don't like it. Hope this helps and happy listening.......LR
leehuff770e OP
2 posts
 
Here is another consideration: Will ATI be around long enough to honor any warranty or make repairs? I have had a 1506 on order for 2 weeks, and was told today that none will be made for another 2 weeks. Does this soud sketchy to anyone?
soix
9,518 posts
 
If you're thinking about going the high-quality 2-channel route in the near future I'd go with a good stereo amp and continue to use the 3300 to power the center/rears. Unless you're thinking of upgrading speakers too, you might also consider a higher quality stereo preamp with a home theater passthrough function. This would allow you to use the stereo amp and preamp for serious 2-channel listening while still being able to use the Denon for movies/surround music.

Recommendations for amps would be McCormack DNA-125 or Odyssey Stratos, and if you're interested in preamps with HT passthroughs there are the Adcom GFA-750 and McCormack RLD-1. Incorporating any pair of the above will seriously bring your NHTs to life. You might even consider doing the preamp first...it may make a bigger difference than the amp. I'd suggest finding a good dealer and trying some of these at home before making any decisions. Your best move will become evident pretty quickly. Best of luck.

Tim
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