2. amps-preamps
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Multichannel Amp suggestions

Hello. I want to purchase a new 5-7 channel amp to build a new system. I am looking to spend no more than 4 grand new. My speakers are Triangle Esprit line. I have Celiuses for fronts with the Major center and Comete rears. I am going to use my Celiuses for 2 channel also cause I listen to a great deal of music. I would really appreciate some companies that I should be looking at. I want to do one amp due to space. Also what are some factors that make a good amp also: like is number of power supply that important, capacitors for each cannel? I currently have a NAD receiver that I'll continue to use for a pro till I decide to get a new one. I figure this is the best place to put my money right now for the future do to how things are evolving at this time with DVD and such.

Thanks so much,

So far I have NAD and Bryston in my head. Where else should I look?

Take care,
jim
jim77
Post removed 
jim77 OP
6 posts
 
Bob,

Thanks for the reply. I am like you that I did want to keep everything kinda in the same family. That's also why I migrated towards NAD again.

I figured I would do the 775 for the amp. i would use the 175 for my processor and that way I can also biamp the fronts for 2 channel if I decide to add the pre amp they make.

or i was going to try and look for a used masters series integrated.

my speakers have a 93 effeciency so i figured 140w per ch was way more than enough for my listening room which is 22 long and 17 deep with 9 foot ceilings.

any thoughts from anyone else out there too?
clwhitlock
3 posts
 
I recommend that you go to the ButlerAudio web site and study the specs and design comments there. Tube life is touted to be very long and I have had no maintenance issues. I use a Anthem D2 HT processor now, but used a Lexicon MC 12 before that. Have also used an Adcom prepro with the Butler and it sounded great.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
None, unless your ONLY real concern is HT. I have been through a bunch of multi-channel amps in hopes that I would find one that does a very good job in 2-channel and a decent job in HT/multi-channel. These include Krell 1500, Proceed, Conrad Johnson and the "highly acclaimed/reviewed" Theta Dreadnaught II. None of them could compare to a two channel or mono amp for 2-channel reproduction, even 2 channel amps at a fraction of the multi channel amps pricing.

I appreciate your goals and objectives with space and cost, but trust me if you really listen to 2-channel music, you will never be satisfied with a 5-7 multi channel amp. This being said, spend $2000-$2,500 on a good used 2-channel and the balance on a 3 channel amp. Hide the 3-channel amp behind the speakers or someplace and use a remote turn-on tied to your DVD player.
tsmack
35 posts
 
The only model I have ever really liked for two channel is the BAT VK6200 which can be configured from 2 channels up to 6. It is a very large unit however and with 6 channels becomes pricey and heavy. I prefer the Anthem lineup for pre/pro and amps. The latest Statement lineup is outstanding and with a good tubed CDP the 2 channel listening is quite impressive. The P-2 and P-5 amps are a nice addition to the lineup if more power is needed for your speakers. I have an integrated 2 channel HT setup. I however use a separate 2 channel amp and preamp for the 2 channel side. I have a BAT preamp that allows me to do this very easily. I think once you experience the true two channel system, you can not go back. Cary would be my next suggestion.
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