Best 5 ch. amp used - 2500-3500.00 price

I'd go with either the Aragon 8008X5 or the Classe CAV-180. The Aragon slightly more dynamic, while the Classe is warmer. Both are excellent bang for the buck, IMHO.

I am at the same decision point having just ordered an Audio Refinement Pre2/DSP (and will wait for the upgrade card). I have whittled the list of amp candidates to:

Pass X5
EAD powermaster 500 or 1000
Krell kav500
Sherbourne 5/1500
Linn AV5125
Bryston 9BSST

Pass is the first choice but damned expensive. The EAD seems an excellent value. Any of these amps will drive just about anything adequately short of speakers with very demanding (read: LOW) resistance. We are using Gallo Due speakers with a REL Acoustics Strata II woofer.

Thanks to everyone for your response.

Rick

I have not heard the Classe CAV-180 but Classe has very good amps with a warm sound.
You can pick an Aragon 8008X5 (I had one) in the use market for $2000-$2200. It is an incredible amp for the money. Very powerful, dynamic and smooth at the same time. Also, you can get a Krell KAV-1500 (I have now) for $3500-$3800. This amp is even more powerful than the Aragon. Either one, the Aragon or the Krell will match very good with your speakers.