2. amps-preamps
  3. 1084216790

Amplifier suggestions for home theater

Hi all,

I have a Fosgate FAP-T1 processor feeding three Rotel amplifers...RMB-990, RMB-980, RMB-100. The 990 is front L&R, the 980 is surrounds, RMB-100 feeds the center channel. Speakers are Vandersteen 2CE signatures for the front L&R with Vandersteen 2w subs(a pair with the 2CE's), Vandersteen VCC-1 Center, Vandersteen VSM-1s for the surrounds. Also have Vandersteen V2W for the LFE channel. I would like to upgrade to an amplifier to drive the front speakers. I don't know if I should try getting a uses 3 channel amp or a Five channel and sell off the other amps. I listen about 50% music and 50% movies. I would like a very musical sounding amplifier and budget is about $1500.

I don't know if getting a stereo amp will blend in well with the other amps...especially the center...so that is my situation...I would appreciate any and all suggestions..

Thanks, Phasor
phasor

Showing 1 response by wdi

wdi
40 posts
 
I recently went the opposite direction: sold my 5 channel Rotel amp and bought a couple of 2 channel amps (to use with another stereo amp that I already had). For my objectives (yours may be different), I chose to put the most money into the 2-channel section, and have been very happy that I did. I haven’t heard any higher end multi-channel amps, so I may be making an incorrect assumption here, but it seems to me that a HT amp will never do as well with music as a stereo amp; based on, if nothing else, power supply alone. Isn’t that the rational behind having separates instead of a receiver and why some choose to go to mono-amps?

Your concerns about blending the center with the fronts could be alleviated the same way you're currently doing it: have the same brand amp running the center; or go with Russ’ advice and run the center in phantom mode.
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