Best 3 to 6 channel amp for around $1000 - $1500


Looking for at least three channels of amplification for around $1200 or so, but willing to go a bit higher if necessary. Any thoughts?

Set up is 50/50 music and theater, using modified Odyssey Stratos for R&L. I sold my ATI 1506 a while ago, and am looking to replace it with something a little sweeter, more musical, less sterile.

Would like 5 channels to allow for upgrade to 7.1, but need at least 3.

ALL HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Thanks,

Dan
dklap
Will check out Butler - never really thought about tubes...

Any solid state suggestions? Again, I am going without surround, and need advice ASAP. Am kind of all over the place about what I should do... All help appreciated.
Checkout a McIntosh 7106 or something similar. It has 6 channels that can be configured into 3,4 or 5 . When you bridge two channels the power goes up to 300 wpc from 100 wpc into 8 ohms. This can be done by switches on the back of the amplifier. It is a great compromise amplifier between music and movies.