Sherbourn or Anthem? Advice wanted. (1 Viewer)

[BrianSmith]

I am deciding between an Anthem MCA 50 and Sherbourn 5/2510 for $1,600 and $1,200 used, respectively.

Which amp would you get and why?

Thoughts?

-Brian

 

[Evan S]

Gotta know what speakers and associated equipment first. Synergy is very important between components IMO.

 

[BrianSmith]

Sure...

Krell Showcase 7.1 Processor
Denon 2900
Paradigm Reference 100/Center/ADP rears
SVS Subwoofer

 

[Evan S]

Sherbourn without a doubt.

I had an Anthem amp (MCA-5, the predecessor to the 50) paired with Paradigm Reference Studio's (40's, 20's and CC) and felt the combo was just a tad too forward to my tastes. That may be to your liking, but from what I have heard from Sherbourn/Paradigm owners, that combo is better situated together.

 

[Dan Driscoll]

I would also recommend the Sherbourn, that's what I have driving my Paradigms. But if at all possible you should try both amps in your system. People have different preferences and it is entirely possible that you could prefer the Anthem over the Sherbourn.

 

[BrianSmith]

What is a competitive quote for a New 5 channel Sherbourn?

 

[Dan Driscoll]

I think MSRP on the 5/5120 is around $2.1K, I don't know what the street price is.

FYI, 5/1500 and 5/1500A are the older models, but the basic design is almost identical to the current 5/5120. Not many hit the used market and when they do they generally sell pretty quick. But if you find one they are typically about $1-$1.1K for the 1500 and $1.1-$1.3 for the 1500A.

 

[Yohan Pamudji]

Count another vote for the Sherbourn. I have the now-discontinued 5/1500A model driving my Paradigm Studio 80s, Studio CC, and Studio 20s, and it is awesome. I would agree that Anthem + Paradigm Studio is a bright combo, but that's just to my ears. Your ears might enjoy that combo.

 

[Charles Gurganus]

Brian, I PM'ed you.