[Torsten Zurek]

Hi there,
i'm currently seriously thinking about upgrading my system with a matching power amp. Obviously the choice is not easy due to the variety of available products. I also read that one should carefully select the amp so the combination of speakers,receiver and amp match. My current system consists of a HK AVR 8000 and paradigm reference V3 100's, CC470 and 20's. The sub is a crappy Yamaha but that will soon change. Now, i was told that the 100's should be BI- wired and powered by at least 200W.The HK, although pretty powerfull, cannot deliever that amount of juice. It sounds great but when i really turn it up it seems that the receiver runs out of clean power. Maybe , i don't really know , but that is what i suspect.I like to watch movies a lot but i normally listen to music only in stereo and then rather loud if i can. Since the center and the surrounds don't really need too much power i was thinking about buying a 2 channel amp maybe 3 channel. I'm planing to spend about max 800-1000$ for 2/3 channels. i don't mind used stuff if its well taken care off. i had the following ideas:

Parasound HCA 1500A/2003
Earthquake cinenova 3 channel used ~1000$
Rotel RMB 1090
Adcom 555
Sunfire 2 channel version
B&K 4420

Now, my question is which of these would work the best with my receiver and speakers. Do u have any other suggestions?
Do i really need a power amp?
Should i go with a 2/3 channel amp or go for a 5 channel amp(from the above mentioned). Also i'm considering 2 mono amps if thats the way to go.( makes it easy to upgrade each channel later). BTW the Spouse acceptance factor is a big issue !!!

Thanks for taking the time to read , think, if u really have to and answer.

Zuck

[Mike_Skeway]

I personally don't think an amp makes as big of a difference in 'matching' terms than a pre/pro or receiver can. Feeding you speakers with enough good clean power is the biggest factor in amps, IMO.

FWIW, I use all 2 channel pro-audio amps for my 7.1 (including passive sub).

I don't think it would matter much using mono vs 2 or 3 or 5 channel amps. Just my thoughts.

A 5 channel probably has a better WAF to it.

[Alan Pummill]

I bought a Earthquake Cinenova 5 channel amp and should be getting it Wednesday. 300wpc should drive my new maggies just fine.

On a side note, I am currently selling a Rotel RB-990BX 2 x 200wpc amp. Look in the Hardware For Sale forum!!