2. amps-preamps
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5 ch amp decision- opinions please

In upgrading my HTS I am trying to decide on a new power amplifier-

It has come down to these-

Anthem MCA-5
EAD Powermaster 1000
Parasound HCA 2205A
Sunfire Cinema Grand serII

I use my system about 50/50 music/theater, so musical performance is important.

Any opinions about how these compare? All dealers usually only carry one line, so I haven't had the chance to do a controlled comparison.

Rest of components:

Fronts- Proac Response 1.5s
Center- Proac center channel
Surrounds- JM lab 905
Processer B&K Ref 30 (thinking about going to Anthem AVM20)
rickmichaelson

Showing 1 response by soix

soix
10,015 posts
 
If music is important I'd find a stereo amp that works best with the ProAc 1.5s and then buy a decent 3-channel amp for the center/surrounds. This way you get the best possible amplification where it's needed most(has its own power supply, not affected by 3 other amps, synergy with 1.5s) and you have the flexibility to upgrade the stereo and/or 3-channel amp as needed in the future. Downsides are possibly higher cost and 2 boxes instead of one, but you don't get something for nothing. Best of luck.

Tim
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