Luis M

A 5 channel amp for about $ 1,000.

I want to upgrade the amp section of my set up. I now have the Marantz 8200 receiver and the Paradigm 100 v3 and 570 center channel. I listen to 50/50 movies and music but If given the choice I would get an amp that favors music which is the area where I do some critical listening.

I was thinking of the Rotel 1075 but My worry is how much better the Rotel (if at all) will sound over the Marantz?, which sounds pretty good to me for a receiver. I know the Rotel will deliver the 125 watts all channels driven for movies but my concern is more musical quality than power driven. The Marantz delivers 125 watts per channel in stereo mode.

If there are any other choices of good 5 channel amps, even used ones for about $1,000, I will be open to suggestions.

John Garcia

Looks like you might have missed out on the MM9000 for $699 at AC4L.com - 150x5 THX Ultra cert. Doesn't look like they have them anymore.

IMO, the 1075 will sound a bit better, and will be a step up in power.

I have an 8300 and my music listening is mostly 2ch, but my mains are also 4 Ohm. I got a noticable improvement by going to monoblocks for my mains. I picked up two MA500s dirt cheap off Audiogon, and they were worth every penny. This leaves the receiver just driving my center and surrounds.

"The trouble with the world is not that people know too little, but that they know so many things that ain't so." - Mark Twain

HT: Marantz SR-8300, MA500 monoblocks x 2, 5X GR Research A/V-2s, Adire Audio Tempest sub, Denon 2900, Oppo 980H, Toshiba HD-A2, RC2000MkII remote, Panamax 5100, Panamax Max2 sub, Slim PS2, PS3 60G + 320G USB

Bedroom: Marantz PM-7200 Integrated, GR Research A/V-1s, Sony 222ES SACD, RC3200 remote, Panamax M8EX

Audio: Audioquest * Video: Bluejeans

My DVDs My HT

Luis M

John my main objective is to get better sound for music listening which is 99% of the times with good old stereo, I think getting a good quality 2 channel amp may also be a good alternative. I thought of a 5 channel amp because I got the Denon 2900 dvd-a and sacd player and thought a 5 channel amp would provide even power and an equal sound characteristic to all channels but then again my surround speakers are a pair of very small energys.

CurtisC

There are lots of good 5ch amps for about 1k,ATI(150 watts per}brand new $1095 Agon is one.

Brian OK

Yep, www.audiogon.com


saw a Sunfire 5 channel amp there yesterday for 1k

BOK

Yousaf

People seem to like the Parasound 1205A as well; used, they can be found for <$800.

Mike SJ

...

Teddy-P

Do any of these amps you guys speak of from Audigon carry manufacturer warranty? $1K is a lot to spend on something that could die.

Mike SJ

...

Felix_H

Teddy P,

You could always look for a 2 channel Bryston 3B or 4B for around $1k on Audiogon.

Some may have 10+ years warranty left.

JackS

I agree with Felix and his two channel suggestion. However, I don't think that the premium price for a Bryston is necessary. Any amp that is working when you finally get it, has the about the same chance for longivity and can be purchased for much less. I realise there is a slight risk but with amps the risk will always be minimal. I would assume that most Brystons returned for repair have be blown due to the users carelessness. If your buying used, forget about warranty beyond the first few days of operation and save. Amps can last a lifetime.

Felix_H

Luis,

Here is another option for a 5 channel under $1k

Acurus A200x5 in 8 ohms.
These are reliable.

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/wtb....ult&1087712784

Not sure if its still available.