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Help Me Choose Better 5-Channel Amp

Our home theater has evolved from a home theater only into a hybrid HT/2-channel system. Both the HT and the 2-channel perform very well and overall I am very pleased with the outcome. But I would like to improve what I perceive to be the weak link when it comes to 2-channel listening. Right now I am using an Anthem Statement A5, a good match for the Anthem AVM50 and great for HT sound. But when I listen to 2-channel, I believe the sound could be improved with a better amp. I would prefer to upgrade the amp rather than buy a separate 2-channel amp and switch back and forth. When listening to 2-channel in this system, the other components are the Well Tempered Amadeus TT with a Dynavector XX2 LOMC cartridge, Levinson 390S CDP, Audio Research PH7 phono stage, Audio Research Ref 3 preamp, and Verity Fidelio Encore speakers. ICs are Aud23 and the speaker cable is Chord's Epic Twin.

Any suggestions for a better 5-channel amp that will improve the 2-channel listening experience?
4musica44107

Showing 4 responses by 4musica44107

4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Blindjim - Fair question, and one that I should have addressed in my post. I have a preference for tube amps, or amps that have as much of a tube signature as possible without compromising microdynamics and bass slam/weight. Better imaging and transparency would be welcome. I hooked up my Accuphase P-3000 from another system and there it was - the sound I was looking for. But even if Accuphase makes a 5-channel amp, I don't want to spend that kind of money. But the Accuphase was definitely superb.

Vernneal - An audio friend also suggested I consider the McIntosh MC206, adding "if you can find someone willing to part with it." I infer from his comment that they are hard to come by, but I will certainly consider it.
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Dg1968 - Thanks for letting me know about the Linn 5125. Another one that I was not previously aware of and sounds like a strong candidate.
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
I really appreciate all of the feedback so far.

WRT the idea of separate 3-channel and 2-channel amps, I would prefer a one-box solution. But if I were to go with separate 3- and 2-channel amps, wouldn't it be more important to spend more on the 3-channel amp than the 2-channel amp? My thinking is that by doing so, I have not only the best possible 2-channel sound, but also uniform amplification for all three fronts of the HT speaker array. Or am I missing something?

I brought the Accuphase down from another system because it happens to be - for me - one of those elusive SS amps that has some tube-like qualities. But I need the Accuphase to remain in that other system, and again, I would sure like to find a one-box solution.

Classe is yet another amplifier brand that I had not thought of. Hey, up to a point, the more good options the better, right?

I obviously have some research and auditioning to do. Should be fun!
4musica44107 OP
520 posts
 
Well, you have all given me a lot of good ideas to think about and research. I believe I will keep my A5 and use it for the center and rears, then add a high quality 2-channel amp for the FR and FL. After researching all of the ideas offered, I lugged my Accuphase back down and tied it into the system as above. The 2-channel sound was again superb, and the audio for movies was just as good as with the A5 alone if not better.

So I guess I am in the market for a 2-channel amp!

Many thanks to all who helped me to get this far. More suggestions for 2-channel amps are most welcome.
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