Upgrade advise: ATI, Bryston, Aragon,

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

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?

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

try the Proceed 5 channel amp. they are great. If you buy a two channel make sure it of great quality. ecuase your music will sound better. And you want a amp that will cover all grounds

If your wondering who will be around, then buy yourself a bryston. I had the 3bst and it was solid like a tank(20yrs warranty), tho I did sell it to buy a bat vk200. I would go 2 channel amp for front and maybe a 3 channel for rear and center, unless your going to run rear and sides buy a 5 channel. 2 channel for front is the way to go, unless ya got the $$$$ for some mono's. Good luck pete