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good 5 channel amp for rears only

Hello everyone,
I've got B&W Matrix all around, 801s and 804s, using Classe to power the front two. I'm going to 7 channels, and am considering the B&K Ref 50. Do any of you have a recommendation for a 5 channel amp for the center, surrounds, and rears? I'd like something reasonable, but just don't notice much comes from these channels to justify (to me) spending over $1k for this amp (new or used). How are B&K 5 channel amps? Thanks in advance.
jsclarke
exertfluffer
270 posts
 
YOu've a good synergy for the money with your classe/B&W combo. Your main concern with "timber matching" is already adressed with the speakers. Slightly differing amps won't matter too much in the long run, especially considering how movies are mixed. That said, a tonally similar yet strong match would be the dirt cheep(used) Parasound HCA1205a. Strong enough to driver your speakers, and a good sounding HT amp, good enough to do justice to your B&W's for your purposes I think. I owned the Classe CA100/150/300, and am familiar. I've sold the B&W's for years, as with the Parasoujnd stuff.
A slightly more "extended" choices is the ATI 1505 amp, but I like the Parasound in your case.
Anyway, I'd also like to see you in a sonically superior pre/pro than the b&K!..which is just OK. The Classe SSP's, Krell's, Anthem AVM20, Aragon STage One, and others stomp the sonics of the B&K from the digital in!
Anyway, good luck.
Also, may I suggest strongly running your B&W's as "small" on your pre/pro!? With a powered sub, you'll get much much better dynamic ability and control/efficiency with your sytesm, as THX predicates. Running as "full range" through your passive speakers, dynamic output and control will be limited, and bass modes hard to control from 7 speakers in all but the largest of rooms.
islandflyfisher
94 posts
 
I agree with the previous post in that you have addressed your timber match in your speakers. I'm doing the same thing in my system only using 5 channels instead of 7 in HT mode. I think the Parasound is a great way to go as I am using the 2203 which is a three channel amp for my surrounds and center. Parasounds are very resonable, very reliable, great customer service and do not call attention to themselves. Yes, you can find a 2205 dirt cheap. You are on the right track in my opinion.
jsclarke OP
2 posts
 
Thank you all for your advice. I appreciate it. If I may sum up these and other posts on this topic...

reasonable choices are
1. Rotel 1075 ($1k new)
2. Sherbourn 5/1500A ("... runs circles around Rotel..."?)
3. Parasound 1205a or 2205 (best choice for B&Ws)

If I were a Vanderbilt, I'd but a Classe CAV-180, but I just can't see it's worth it. Surrounds don't do a whole lot, and I listen critically to 2 channels for music. For movies, I want to avoid a glaring center / main mis-match.

Exertfluffer I really appreciate your thoughtful reply. John
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