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Best multi channel amp and processor good for 2 channel listening.

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and have a few questions in reference to HT processors.  I am starting from scratch and switching from a Krell S-1000 and S-1500.  I sold the processor a few months back and I going to list here the amp.

I am currently considering the new Bryston 9B3 and the SP4 and decision was based on upgrade ability and warranty. The speakers for HT will be Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home and for 2 channel Verity Otello’s.  My second choice was Classe but I was informed that they have all sales on hold, this is concerning.  I have not listened to either, my choice is based on reviews and the Bryston dealer.  My decision was also based they are both good for two channel, I am not set on this but it will help the budget and space.  I am looking for a warm and good over all sound; some might say 3 dimensional sound, clarity is also a factor.  Actually, all I’ve read in reference to Classe fits the bill.  I would like a couple of other choices to include in my short list and opinions are welcome. The budget for the processor and amp is approx. 22k.  

Thanks to all.....
maguiar

Showing 2 responses by dep14

dep14
336 posts
 
If 2 channel is most important to you, and you can only have 2 "boxes"

I might consider a nice HT receiver to run everything but your mains and 2 channel listening, and get a killer integrated with at HT loop to drive your mains and 2 channel system.

For years I tried to do HT and 2 channel with a 5 channel amp and higher end pre-pro.

Best I owned was the Classe SSP 800 and 5200 amp.  It did a nice job with 2 channel, but not what a dedicated pre-amp and 2 channel amp, or killer 2 channel integrated has done.

The other issue - reliability.  Really, really tough to compete on the HDMI/Processor front with the big companies.  

Get a nice Marantz surround receiver and killer integrated... 
dep14
336 posts
 
@maguiar

So, unless your center, surrounds, and atmos (if you go that way) are hard to drive - the easiest solution is probably a really nice integrated amp, and a surround receiver to do your surround processing, and drive everything but your 2 channel.

An integrated with a built-in DAC could even simplify streaming.

I have a Marantz 8802 processor, but it does require outside amps to drive my center and rears. (I’m only running 5.1). I currently have a Mark Levinson 585 driving my 2 channel. (I also have pass labs separates I am selling as the 585 is really good). I’ll be using the built-in DAC to take my streamer signal and that makes things even easier.

That said, if I did it over today I would probably just do a higher end receiver and a nice integrated to simplify further. The nicer 2 channel integrated amps have really surprised me with how good they sound for 2 channel.

That said, if the budget is 22k... you have all sorts of options.  My biggest question is actually - how much space, shelves, etc do you have and want to use.

The larger companies have one huge advantage I've found and that is in the HDMI switching/pass through market, along with having the latest surround chips.  Their stuff works.  The higher end stuff DOES sound a bit better particularly for 2 channel (if your SSP is going to do 2 channel), but lord knows they almost all seem to have HDMI switching issues/lag/boards going out, or are a bit behind on the surround processing.  Surround formats and HDMI etc change so quickly it's hard to have a solution that is cost effective if you want to have the latest and greatest.

But... how many "boxes" do you want and how much space?  


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