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
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.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Tsmack is right in regards to the separation between 2-channel performance and multi-channel. I have not listened to the BAT 6200, but have run BAT amps in the past (VK 60 monoblocks) and also both Bat and Cary preamps (VK 5i and SLP 2002) to allow me to have a pretty much straight 2-channel set-up while being able to incorporate the HT. I am not familiar with the Anthem sound so I cannot comment on this aspect of his rec.

But he is 100% correct in his statement that once you have had a better 2-channel rig then drop down to a multi-channel rig via a Pre/Pro and multi-channel amp, you are likely to never be satisfied again with the systems 2-channel performance.

I have one of the better pre/pros available, Krell HTS 7.1 (new as of Dec. 07) that incorporates the Krell Cast-like/based pre-amp and am now questioning whether I wouldn't be better off with a new 2-channel only pre-amp with HT passthrough or unity gain. My search is on!
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