Multi Channel Amp - That Passes Muster with Audiophiles

[Jaguar]

Which brands of multi-channel amps have you encountered (say in the $2-5k range) that would be a credible player in a 2-channel system for? Sometimes people want to build a system that can be a full-bore audiophile setup for stereo, but also require multi-channel home theater functionality in the same system. Unfortunately, almost all the amps you'd want to use in 2-channel stereo setup aren't available in a multi-channel model and it's been my observation that amps from home theater manufacturers don't make a good foundation for 2-channel duties.

What brands have you encountered that buck this trend?

 

[Mike Lavigne]

EMM Labs Switchman III

I owned one for 2 years during my foray into high level SACD multi-channel back in 05' -06'. high level multi-channel analog preamp. quite transparent.

I'd guess if you could find one it would be $2k + or -

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Which brands of multi-channel amps have you encountered (say in the $2-5k range) that would be a credible player in a 2-channel system for? Sometimes people want to build a system that can be a full-bore audiophile setup for stereo, but also require multi-channel home theater functionality in the same system. Unfortunately, almost all the amps you'd want to use in 2-channel stereo setup aren't available in a multi-channel model and it's been my observation that amps from home theater manufacturers don't make a good foundation for 2-channel duties.

What brands have you encountered that buck this trend?

First, can we infer that you are asking about power amplifiers?
Second, how many channels do you mean by multi-channel? 3? 5? 7?

 

[Jaguar]

Hello Kal, yes, I had power amps in mind, but an integrated fits the bill just as well. I think 5 channels is the minimum, just to avoid the need for a 2nd amp, but the option to do 7 channels would be nice.

First, can we infer that you are asking about power amplifiers?
Second, how many channels do you mean by multi-channel? 3? 5? 7?

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I think I would buy a 2CH amp for the front speakers and then a 3CH or 5CH amp for the centre and surround channels, if you're looking for this to do double-duty.

 

[Barry2013]

I think I would buy a 2CH amp for the front speakers and then a 3CH or 5CH amp for the centre and surround channels, if you're looking for this to do double-duty.

Agreed.
The Anthem av amps are good and good value

 

[ddk]

Which brands of multi-channel amps have you encountered (say in the $2-5k range) that would be a credible player in a 2-channel system for? Sometimes people want to build a system that can be a full-bore audiophile setup for stereo, but also require multi-channel home theater functionality in the same system. Unfortunately, almost all the amps you'd want to use in 2-channel stereo setup aren't available in a multi-channel model and it's been my observation that amps from home theater manufacturers don't make a good foundation for 2-channel duties.

What brands have you encountered that buck this trend?

While they don't have any real high end caché sonically I find very little wrong with most Denon amps, specially given their pricing. I'm not a Denon dealer but that's what I recommend and use in all my HT surround installations and what we listen to around the house. I looked at Adcom, Anthem and a couple of other dealer friendlier brands but at the end of the day given my limited volume and our typical low margins today, carrying merchandise at these price points wasn't worth it. Besides Denon still sounds better. I wouldn't fret much most of these multichannel amps sound nearly the same, pick features and looks.

david

 

[rbbert]

Bryston used to (perhaps still does) make 3 and 5 channel amps as well as mono amps designed to be used one per speaker in MCH applications

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

And I wouldn't discount Emotiva as a possibility either.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

To me, the obvious recommendations under $5k are the Parasound A51 and the Rotel RMB-1585 but, if you will accept Class D amps, consider also the NAD M27 and the Classe Sigma Amp5. The Bryston amps are also worthy but over $5K and, while I haven't tried them, I find the ATI amps attractive.

 

[Jaguar]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.