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02-24-2004, 11:33 PM
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#1 of 21 
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Looking for a good 7 channel amp to use with my h/k 525
what would I have to spend to get a good bang for the buck 7 channel amp that would be a significant upgrade to my 525? The 525 will be used as a pre/pro.
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02-25-2004, 10:27 AM
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#2 of 21
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Todd,
I've also been looking at 7 channel amps in the $3000 range and have come up with the Sherbourn 7/2100, the Adcom GFA-7807 and the ATI 2007. Any of these amps would be great and I haven't sold my current amp yet, but I will be making a decision on one of these within the next couple of weeks. Aragon also has a 7 channel amp in this price range I believe. I know there are many happy Sherbourn users on this sight who may be able to tell you more about the Sherbourn. It will probably be the best bang for the buck of the three. Good luck in making your decision.
Mike
My name is Mike, and I\'m a home theater addict.
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02-25-2004, 10:44 AM
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#3 of 21
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What is your price range and have you thought about just buying a 5 channel and using the 2 channels from onboard for the 2 rears.
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02-25-2004, 10:45 AM
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#4 of 21
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Todd, a little more information would be helpful. What speakers do you use (sub?), do you run them as small, how big is your room, budget etc?
There is a huge range for 7 channel amps from close to $1000 on up to 3 to 4k and more.
Charles
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02-25-2004, 10:47 AM
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#5 of 21
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Look at Outlaw. They have two 7-channel amps, one for under $1000 and one for right at $2000.
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02-25-2004, 11:02 AM
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#6 of 21
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Why even consider a 7 channel amp? Especially, an entry level 100 wpc. Get a 5 channel amp (you have many more choices, and the option to buy used) and let the strong HK 325 drive the two rear centers. The receiver amps are at least 90x2 in stereo. I'd much rather have a 200x5 amp from Sherbourn, Parasound, Rotel, Acurus, Anthem for 900-1200 used, with the receiver on my rear centers than a 100x7 amp.
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02-25-2004, 03:44 PM
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#7 of 21
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My room dimensions are 22'l 11.8w 7h. I have a hsu vtf-3 (I am going to sell this in exchange for a PB2+), 6jbl s-38's all around and the s-center. In the next few years (more like two or three) I will upgrade the speakers so I would like a 7 channel amp that can grow with me in that reguard. I was hoping to stay around the $2000.00 mark if possible.
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02-25-2004, 03:57 PM
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#8 of 21
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Todd,
A 5+2 combo is more flexible and can be sonically superior to a 7 channel (two power cords can draw more than one; also, two chassis can hold bigger parts than one).
I would get a used 200x5 for $1200-1300 like the Parasound 2205 or Rotel 1095. Then, you can add their 200x2 brother for 550 used later, or even get the Parasound 3500 350x2 or Rotel 1090 380x2 if your future main speakers are worthy!
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02-25-2004, 05:36 PM
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#9 of 21
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Ricky, I have a HK520 and assumed that all of its channel amps were the same, from a common power supply. ie the surround amps (if only ones used) would have the same output specs as the stereo spec. Now that I've seen the 520 schematic, I doubt that is true. The front three channels are the same and are fed by a common transformer winding, bridge, and PS caps. The rears have their own. I suspect both have different rail voltages, as well. I haven't seen the 525 schematic, so can't say for sure, on that model. I know other HK models have similiar to the 520. The 520, because it has preouts and main-ins, you can use the "better" front channels for rear surround. I believe the 525, does not have main-ins. I run a two channel power amp for L & R, so let the center get the extra PS margin. If I had a 3 channel amp, it might be worth swapping.
Anyhow, this is just FYI, because I agree with your recommendation  The surrounds are usually closer and don't need the same amount of amp power. |
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02-25-2004, 05:51 PM
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#10 of 21
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Quote:
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A 5+2 combo is more flexible and can be sonically superior to a 7 channel (two power cords can draw more than one; also, two chassis can hold bigger parts than one)
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Not that I really care about defending the Sherbourn, but the 7/2100 has 2 power cords drawing in 30Amps and weighs in at ~115lbs.
I think a nice advantage of this design is that even if you're just using 5 channels, you can bi-amp the mains w/ this setup - which you can't do for a regular multichannel amp. |
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02-25-2004, 06:16 PM
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#11 of 21
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Keep in mind that some of these amps mentioned go into class "G" after about 80 watts or so (it may not be an issue for you but for some it is)..
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02-25-2004, 07:10 PM
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#12 of 21
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Ernest,
The Proceed Amp5 weighs 119 lbs and is rated at *only* 125x5....yeah, right. This monster amp retailed for 5k and is going for 2k or less used. Hope some of you are considering it!
Johnser,
That's very true about the usefullness of mains-in/preouts! Also, suppose the 520 does 110x2 and 70x5; even if the rear amps (with 3 open channels) doesn't do the full 110x2, it should still be more than 70x2, perhaps ~ 95x2.
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