2. amps-preamps
  3. 1069725493

Best 5 Channel Amp for $2k?

Looking at the Anthem MCA50 and the Parasound Halo A52. Anyone compared these? Any others I should look at?

I'm primarily focused on 2 channel listening but want to be able to drive the rest of my system for HT as well. Rest of the system is Krell HTS7.1, Sonus Faber Grand Pianos, walls and solo and Sony DVD/SACD.

Thanks in advance.
alivadariu
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Three Carver ZR1000 (and you get one extra channel thrown in free).
edwards
43 posts
 
A used KAV-500 for about $2000 will give you 5 chan of output for $400 each..and it should be well mated sound wise with your HTS7.1..
imdanield
2 posts
 
There is an open box Sherbourn 5/1500A listed for $1500. I have the same amp and IMO it is one of, if not the best available new under $2K. FYI, that model is Class A/B, but has been discontinued in favor of the 5/5210 model, which I believe is class G.
jetstream
30 posts
 
B&K makes great surround amps 5&7 channel in this price range
scud
5 posts
 
I agree- Conrad C140 is AWESOME.. they make them in monoblock too...280w Each.. DAMN.. wonderful... not a fair comparison though. For a few grand, the Halo is the best SS you could ask for, for the money. The Arcam is only marginally better *(worth looking at for comparison).

My A51 BLEW AWAY my B&K 5125... The B&K was reference flat, but the Halo was perfect... there was something about it- makes me wanna listen and listen and listen.

For the money, the Rogue 150 monoblocks are VERY worth taking a look at.. in SS config, the JC1s are in a class of their own- a little beyond the A51.. for 5 channel though, you'll be hard pressed to find anything as good as Halo A51 without doubling price..
More to discover