amp suggestion needed... (1 Viewer)

[TommyL]

Good evening all...I have an urge to add a external amp to my setup to take the heat off my marantz sr8200....good idea? I run paradigm studio 40's/20's , cc , SVS B4+ and denon 1600 dvd player fyi...Would this be a benefit or just another rack holder? The 8200 has good power, but I feel I could lighten the load up...either a 2 channel or a 5 channel amp..and just let it do the processing portion..any amp suggestions or comparisons you have done would be great...if you did/did not see a big difference etc.. I have been told a sherbourn 5/5120 is a great mate for the studio's...thoughts? thanks much! tl

 

[MikeTz]

Tommy:

Anthem PVA-5 (5 X 105W) retails for $1100 and sounds good. Good amps from B&K, Rotel, Parasound, Outlaw, and others in this class to consider as well. I've auditioned many of these and thought the Anthem was the best sounding.

MT

 

[Chu Gai]

If the Marantz can drive the speakers to the volumes you want without any clipping then what possible benefit would an external amp give you?

 

[Dan Driscoll]

Take a look at the Sherbourn amps. I bought the 5/1500A after demoing it against the Rotel and the Parasound amps. All 3 were excellent, but I preferred the sound of the Sherbourn.

 

[TommyL]

thanks for the input I have heard the same about sherbourn and paradigm.

Chu---> I haven't really given the 8200 a fair chance to put everything out yet, and feel that my mains would benefit from a amp in 2 channel...controlling the wattage..letting me tweak, and making sure I'm getting all I paid for...excuse for a upgrade? yeah... I want to demo a few...so sherbourn/anthem are in the mix...trying to find a bryston dealer nearby, but that isn't gonna be easy thanks also for the input..

 

[Chu Gai]

so long as you realize it may be more of a want than a need...well no foul! I just didn't see a specific plan in mind and I just don't buy into that 'take the stress' off the receiver. next thing you know we'll be buying cars to tow our cars to make it easy for them!
I'm kinda of the school that monies get directed to specific purposes. However, you might want to give some general thought to your long range plans, which might involve different speakers down the line and consider something like easing towards separates...monoblocks come to mind.

 

[Ted Pugh]

I just did the same thing by adding a five channel amp to my Denon 4802 Receiver. It did make a difference in the clarity and especially in the low end. The amp I purchased was the B&K Ref. 200.5. Take a listen and I think you will be impressed with the B&K.

Ted

 

[TommyL]

thanks guys! lots of thoughts...This forum has cost me some good cash lol...but I like it! I haven't ruled out the thought of a sellin the marantz and going with seperates either...I'd like to take a listen to the lex (mc-1 / mc-8) and the anthem avm 20....is there that much of a difference in clarity/options in these 3 units vs a 8200 or simular? (don't wanna waste 2+ hours driving to find out without knowing I'm on track I know it breaks down to MY ears, but I have to a/b/c/ everything and find out the goods and bads here first err..thoughts from current or former owners! thanks much..tom