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Need suggestions for 5ch Amp (1 Viewer)

David Ely

Supporting Actor
Joined
Sep 1, 1998
Messages
753
I'm starting to do research for my Christmas HT upgrade :)
I've decided that it's time to go with a separate amp. Here's my current audio setup.
Pioneer Elite VSX-21 Receiver
Polk Audio RT35 Fronts
Polk Audio CS300 Center
Polk Audio M3 II Rears
Paradigm PW-2200
I'd be looking for a high-current 5 channel amp rated at 100W - 125W per channel at 8ohms with all channels driven.
I was hoping that you guys could point me in a good direction to start my search for a good amp. Right now I think my budget will be around $600US, but I'm more than willing to spend less
rolleyes.gif
 

Kevin T

Screenwriter
Joined
Jul 12, 2001
Messages
1,402
if you look around on ebay you can get the acurus a125x5 for around $600-$700. i found a great deal on the 200x5 model for $885. you might also be able to find a parasound hva-1205a used for $600. i'm not sure of any five channel amps in the $600 price range but if you could stretch to $800 or so, you're choices would improve. the only 5 channel i'm aware of for $600 in new condition is the parasound hva-855a which is only 85 watts per channel. naturally 85 watts is enough for most applications but you indicated you wanted 100-125 watts at least. hope this helps.
kevin t
 

Kevin. W

Screenwriter
Joined
Oct 27, 1999
Messages
1,534
Dave,
In the price range you are looking at you will be hard pressed to find something new in 5 channels, especially here in the great white north. I too was in the same boat when looking for an AMP. I settled on a Rotel RMB-1066 which is configurable from 6 channel down to 3 channel bridged at 150w per. I have had no problems driving my Paradigm Mini Monitors in bridged mode. I was able to pick the AMP up for $875CDN/$550US(List $1000CDN). You'll more than likely have to get someting used. Checkout e-bay and remember you'll get hit with duty and taxes if you buy out of the US.
Kevin
 

David Ely

Supporting Actor
Joined
Sep 1, 1998
Messages
753
Hmmm ... I had a bad feeling that a decent amp wouldn't fit in my budget.
Anyone looking to upgrade theirs?
biggrin.gif
 

VicQ

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
87
If there's a Good Guys around your area, try buying their Parasound HCA 85A. It's a 85 x 5 amplifier that they're closing out for $499. They didn't have any in stock at the two Good Guys that I checked, so I bought their display unit. If you buy their display models, they take off 25% off, so I paid $375 for the unit. Sounds very good, definitely an improvement from my receiver, which was a Yamaha. You can get more info about the amplifier at www.parasound.com Current price for the unit is $699. The reason that good guys is selling it at $499 is that they're not carrying this unit anymore, and are clearing the out. Good luck.
-Vic
 

MarkO

Second Unit
Joined
Feb 19, 1999
Messages
309
I bought the last harman/kardon Signature 2.1 5 channel amp from J&R on thursday ($499.00 referb). I spent the last 4 hours listening to it with the matching Signature 2.0 pre/pro which I ordered from them 3 weeks ago. Im quite impressed with the pairs performance. You can still get the 2.1 from the Harman outlet website I belive. The site may still be down for maintenence tho. The Parasound 855A is also a nice buy at $699.00. Altho its only rated at 85 watts into 8 ohms it should be more than enough power for most folks.
[Edited last by MarkO on October 09, 2001 at 12:21 AM]
 

GordonL

Supporting Actor
Joined
Feb 14, 2000
Messages
771
These are not recommendations, just alerting you to the fact that 5 channel amps for $600 can be found, you just have to dig a little.
Parsound HCA855A (new) 85wpc x 5 for $595
Sherwood AM9080 (new) 120wpc x 5 for $599
If you can up your budget a little:
Chiro C500 THX Ultra (new) 110wpc x5 for $799
And for a little more than that:
Anthem MCA5 (new) 200wpc x 5 for $999
B&K AV6000 (new) 125 x 6 for $999
Chiro is now defunct so you may so you may want to ask about service.
Link Removed
AMC 25100 (new) 100wpc x 5 $499
http://www.soundcity.com/bin/product...roduct_id=2097
Harman Kardon Signature 2.0 DD/DTS pre/pro with Signature 2.1 100 wpc x 5 amp for $999 (factory refurbed)
www.harmanaudio.com
 

LCSeminole

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Sep 30, 2001
Messages
174
Location
North Florida Panhandle
Real Name
Laurence
Dave, if your going the E-Bay route, try looking for the Carver AV-705x, 125 x 5 watts/ch rms, rack mountable, front mounting handles, THX-Ultra certified. I just saw one for $550. Very clean, neutral sounding amp. It got great reviews. 180 x 2 watts/ch rms in stereo, power steering ability up to 200 watts rms from unused channels. If you want any more info send me an e-mail.
 

David Ely

Supporting Actor
Joined
Sep 1, 1998
Messages
753
Thank you all very much for your input. I'll definately keep my eye on E-Bay and this forum for good deals.
Maybe I'll get a good bonus this year and will be able to spend more on the amp.
 

Kevin. W

Screenwriter
Joined
Oct 27, 1999
Messages
1,534
Dave,
If you haven't checked out the link to Yahoo shopping above the AMC can be had for $399(100wx5). Well within your budget.
Kevin
 

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