Amp Advice for newbie

Arthur, I can understand the budget limitations, mine certainly are limited.

I would like to inquire, do you listen to 2 channel? If so how much? For example, I listen to probably 80-90% 2 channel with some 5 channel here and there. So obviously my preference is biased torwards the best 2 channel sound.

Do you prefer high volume or low? Yunno Sean is spot on about your room acoustics. The more acoustic absorption you have the more power you will need, to quote Sean, to "liven" up the sound.

Arthur, if you check my system you will see that I have 2 amps. One 2 channel for my fronts and one 5 channel for the rest. This is my biasing torwards 2 channel. For whats its worth that B & K 7250 is a pretty nice amp.

Consider your needs and wants and post them I am sure my fellow A'goners can help you purchase wisely.

Well I use Bryston(4B-ST) with my B & W CDMs, with hardwood floors in a 15x22, and I am pleased with the sound. I believe the Bryston ST series where known for being bright with great bass. I like highs, so this is right up my proverbial alley. The SST series has improved sonics all over I believe.

If you like high volume and you have alot of space to fill, your gonna need some juice. Not to mention B & Ws really like to be fed some watts. Bi wiring does a lot as well, but that is another thread.

Seeing that you listen to very little 2 channel, you may be better served by disregarding all my previous suggestions. All the Amps I mentioned are very fine machines indeed, but, those mentioned tend to be more 2 channel oriented.

I think the Sunfire 400x7 should not be disregarded so easily. Dont get me wrong I love Bryston, and "peddle" them here on a regular basis. Your using N802(front) HTM1(center) and N804(surround) in a 5 channel setup, right? With the 7 channel Sunfire you could use 4 channels for your N802s, essentailly biamped, and the other three channel for the center and surrounds.

Ultimately it isnt the watts, its your ears. Get what sounds best, if you have dealers in your area I would suggest you get them to let you have an in home tryout.

Having listened to only the smaler Sunfire, I chose Bryston, I like its characteristic solid bass and extended highs. The 20 year warranty is nice as well. The Sunfire I auditioned was a little warm sounding for me, but thats my ears.

I made plenty of mistakes when I started this hobby, the biggest one was buying equipment on someone elses recommendation. Granted Sunfire and Bryston are both very well made with excellent sonics to boot. They do sound different. I strongly suggest you listen before you buy, in home if you can.

A properly chosen amp can possibly serve you for years maybe decades. Possibly longer than anything else in your system.