Best multichannel amp for quality stereo listening

Thanks, Soix but I think I'll be alright. I'll use the Peachtree Nova and Peachtree 220 for the audio inputs that I care about (CD, Apples TV and jukebox) and the B&K for video (TV tuner & DVD player). I think the only issue I'll have is that we'll have to watch movies purchased through Apple TV in stereo only.

If you're trying to simplify your system, I don't know if using the B&K is your best choice if it has no HDMI input as you may encounter some cumbersome video switching issues and you'll still need to buy a three channel amp. I think Kal's suggestion of a decent AVR would be your best option as it can handle all of your video/input switching while also giving you the amplification you need. I'd think something like a $200-$300 Yamaha AVR would solve all your problems and sound perfectly fine for movies. Best of luck.

If the B&K does not work for you, consider looking at the Emotiva XMC-1 multi-channel preprocessor. This is a *very* capable unit and is only $1995. It can easily compete with units costing $10,00 - $12,000. Plus, it comes with a 30 day in-home trial and a 5 year warranty - w00t!!

https://emotiva.com/products/pres-and-pros/xmc-1

-RW-

I apologize for changing the nature of my original post here, especially after having received well thought out responses, but I just discovered that the Nova does, indeed, have an HT bypass function at one of the aux connections. I didn't even know that there was such a thing before your post, Kr4, but that being the case, your recommendation makes sense and will be my approach.

My next move, then, is to get the B&K AVR307 out of storage and determine whether it has L/R line out connections. According to the manual it has several line out connections but I'm not sure that any of them are for delivering L/R channel signals. If so, even though it's old, the B&K is still a pretty good performer; if not, I'll look for one that does.

Anyway, I'm still open to and will appreciate all suggestions.

For years I used an Anthem AVR processor - the AVM 20 and then the AVM 30 as my preamp in a two channel system. I did this for the bass management capabilities primarily, but overall it was an excellent two channel pre amp that you can pick up for $500 or so. Solid, well made, reliable. I never used it for HT. Why so cheap? It is pre-HDMI, so if that is importnat to you, you could look at their later versions AVM 50 I believe. It gives you a dedicated sub out (two of them, i believe). You could pick up a three channel amp pretty cheap and you are good to go.

Congrats

You're right Kr4, but it doesn't have the by-pass so I'll have to pursue other options. Steuspeed, originally what I had in mind was to reinstall the B&K as a parallel system using a speaker switching panel allowing the fronts to be shared. This would allow me to maintain the two channel integrity of my current system but it further complicates its use for others that I share this setup with.

Coincidentally, I originally had an all ML surround setup including the center, rears and sub, with Odysseys as the fronts. Before I abandoned surround a few years ago, I had replaced the rears with in ceiling speakers and sold the ML center. I still have the sub in storage as well as a Focal Electra center speaker. I traded the Odysseys for the Ethos pair several months ago so I won't have to spend a lot of money on speakers to have, one way or another, a workable surround system again.

The easiest solution would be to ditch the Peachtree gear which I very much like, and purchase a quality HT processor/amp with the capability for high quality music reproduction. This takes me back to the original purpose of this post which is to identify the best surround equipment to satisfy that goal. I will still be using the Nova for music sources.

If you can make the B&K work, I would stick with it for 5.1 movie watching. Video inputs will be out of date, so it might require a couple remotes or a universal remote to get the audio modes to switch right when going between 2ch and movie watching modes. Spend the money on nice Martin Logan surround, sub and center speaker. You could also do a 4.1 system with no center. Start with a couple surround speakers and the B&K before you jump all-in.

I do not know if the Peachtree Nova has a HT Bypass input but that is the best way to integrate your two goals.

If it does, get a decent modern AVR with L/R line level outputs. That way the main speakers function as L/R for the HT operations and there is no complication with split VCs.