Multi-channel amp questions


I have a HT setup that I also use for stereo music. My Yamaha receiver with my VR series Boston Acoustics speakers work fine for HT, but I'm just not that happy with the 2-channel stereo sound. I'm considering adding an amplifier to help things out, but can't decide if I should get a 2-channel amp ( many options out there in the sub-1000 used range), or multi-channel amps ranging from 3-7 channels( not too many in the $1000 range). I see a lot on B&K, but not a whole lot about them written at this site. One amp in particular that caught my attention is the Citation 7.1. In other discussions this was the suggested amp for HT/stereo combo systems. What I don't understand is why a 4-channel? I read about bridging the channels etc, but at 150x4, bridging doesn't excite me much, I would think a 5 channel would be preferable ( 5.1 soundtracks). I'm leaning towards SS, partly due to ignorance of tube amps and partly due to the HT nature of my setup.
Clarifications, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
snipes
You may want to look at manufacturers like Bryston that make a variety of multi-channel amps (2,3, and 5 channel). That allows some flexibility and expansion options. I own a Bryston 9B ST (and love it), but may eventually add a 4B ST toi have some more oomph for the front L/R channels, especially for music.
I'd recommend trying new main speakers. A good efficent speaker would be a better upgrade then adding more power to a so-so speaker. Try Paradigm speakers as a cost effective choice. Klipsch are pretty good, or Definitive Technology.

If you do go with mutli channel amp (under $1200), check out ATI, Outlaw, Bryston (good amps, but expensive compared to others I mentioned) or yes, B&K.
Rotel is another manufacturer to consider...good solid amps and exceptionally good value. The RMB-1075 is prettily highly regarded as a 120x5 amp, and it retails for $1200, so you should be able to pick one up used for well under a grand.
Mdomnick: I auditioned Paradigm and Def Tech speakers and just wasn't happy with the sound. I thought the Def Tech's sounded really nice and even turned a friend on to them, but I don't think either one of these has anything on my Boston Acoustics VR M60's.
Mdomnick: I do appreciate your comments / suggestions though. I am curious as to why you would classify Boston's as inferior to these other brands, you've got me wanting to head back up to my hi-fi shop this weekend and demo the Klipsch. What's up with the horn "tweeters"?
Sounds like you've put together a respectable first system and are starting to get bitten by the audio bug--congratulations and God help you. In other words, welcome to the club.

Although I don't necessarily agree with his alternative speaker recommendations, I do agree with Mdomnick that if you're starting to get more serious about 2-channel performance the biggest improvement per dollar AT THIS POINT will come from upgrading your speakers(not that the Bostons are bad at all, just that there are much better out there--see below). It sounds like you've got a preferred dealer in the area that carries a lot of mid-fi brands and maybe a couple hifi makes(maybe like a Tweeter?), and if this is the case I'd strongly recommend you get out and hear some other brands such as Silverline, Coincident Technology, VonSchweikert, Talon, Gershmann, Thiel, Soliloquy, Audio Physic, Merlin, Triangle, Joseph Audio, etc. Although these may be outside your price range for now it will give you a much better frame of reference for what is possible with a high-end stereo system, and more importantly you'll start to uncover what characteristics are important to YOU and that you would like to have in the speakers(and system) you ultimately choose.

Upgrading your amp and/or preamp now will provide an improvement in your current system, but it will be nowhere near the level of improvement you'll get by hooking better speakers up to your current equipment. As your system evolves other pieces of equipment will become relatively more important(that's why I wrote "AT THIS POINT" in the previous paragraph), but you've got to get the speakers right or you'll constantly be playing the catch-up game(trying to coax certain sound characteristics out of speakers that don't naturally go that way by changing box components and/or cables). Also, there's a good chance any amp you buy now may not be a good match for whatever speakers you fall for in the future, and that would be a big(and expensive) bummer. In short, make sure you get the speakers right and the rest will follow. Doing it the other way around is MUCH more difficult. So my recommendation would be to take some time to hear what's out there and save up your pennies, then go buy the speakers that knock your socks off and build your system around them.

Here's one last thought and it won't cost you a dime. If you haven't done so by all means experiment with speaker placement in your room. Sounds like you've got a TV between your speakers, and if that's the case try pulling the speakers out a foot or more past the front of the TV and see what happens(you don't have to leave them there obviously, but just play around and see what happens--even try a couple feet past your TV if your cables are long enough). You should also experiment with toe-in if you haven't done that either(pointing straight ahead you'll get a wider soundstage, while angling them inward will improve center image fill and focus). In my opinion, next to speakers your room characteristics(shape, size, decoration, etc.) and speaker placement are the most important variables in your system. Hope this helps and best of luck in your quest.

Tim
Tim summed it up...I'm not knocking Boston, but there are better name brands out there. Klipsch are good speakers, and I have had lots of experience with them, but I am not a fan of Klipsch in terms of audio reproduction. I feel they excell in HT. Paradigm is one of the best investments you'll make IMO (I am in no way affiliated with Paradigm, nor am I a dealer, just a big fan of the speaker). The speakers Tim mentions are nice, but VERY expensive. Tim is right on another count; don't buy the first thing you hear. Try several out, and you'll find one that will perform better than others...if possible, take your Boston's into the dealer with you, and do a side by side. Try to listen to the same songs so you are very familiar with how they sound on your system vs another.

Good luck. Happy to help when I can...just email for my OPINIONS;)
sorry...to answer your question, the Horn Tweeter is the trademark of Klipsch...its just different technology used to re-create the highs in audio. I find it to be incredible if you listen to Frank Sinatra or big band music, as well as home theater applications. However for more laid back music, or acoustic music I find the horn tweeter to be bright and too forward sounding. This is completely an opinion, and you may find you like it, but I bet $1 in a side by side comparison to Paradigm's line, you'll like the Paradigm.

Good luck.

m-