Best used 5 channel amp for under $3k?

If you like the Classe, definately check out the McIntosh 7205 - it is very impressive. If you are stuck with these two, I would go with the Classe since it has more soul than the Bryston IMO.

In answering Hockey's question: yes indeed sonic signature - the same reason many people here like tubes better than solid state. Personally I like how certain SS amps like the ones I mentioned manage to get the best of both - good bass with silky mids and highs. I was just suggesting, as you did, that Classe and Bryston take different approaches to making music. Simply put, it is either one of two camps: Warm and emotional or Clean and clinical, and he shall decide which he likes better. Arthur

Hey Cytocycle - I hate to tell you, but if you don't like bipolar amps, you shouldn't like your EAD either. The EAD amps are fully bipolar - input and output. As you have proved to us, bipolars can indeed sound quite nice! I agree with you, system synergy is the most important ingredient, no matter the price.

Bruce: you could also try the BAT 6200. I forgot to mention it earlier but it may be a great compromise between your two possibilities. It may be a bit expensive however. Take care - Arthur

Sounds like you made the right choice in pairing up warm speakers with cool amp. Synergy like that is the most important factor - glad you saw through the fog ;).

I had a Krell KSA100 that I thought was nice but I ended up selling it for a warmer amp. Krell does seem to get a generally bad rap but I like McIntosh which tends to get beaten up too. Hey, if you like your system, who cares what others think! I always see asking here for advice as as an exercise of curiosity rather than a foundation for my opinions. Take care and enjoy - Arthur