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Picking the right amp...

I am looking to get a new amp. Preferably a 5 channel to drive my N802's and Nautilus HTM1. 5 Channels so I can bi-amp my N802's and the remainder to drive my center. My system is 80% home theater, 20% music. Although when I listen to music, I want to to be amazing.

My processor is a Yamaha VX1 (will upgrade that but down the road). Currently I have a B&K 4420ex (I believe it is 200x2). I don't have balanced outputs but would like to have them on my amp so that when I am ready for the future.

Here is what I am looking at. Any opinions on these, please share.

New Earthquake Cinenova (300x5)
BStock/Used Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature (425x5)
Used - Krell KAV-1500 (300x5)

My budget is $2500 (I know I won't find the krell at that price point, but if poeple tell me I need to spend the extra money....I just might.

Also, should I be looking at getting 2 three channel amps and bi-amping everything? What works best with the N802?
jesseasi

Showing 2 responses by jesseasi

jesseasi OP
2 posts
 
Problem for me and the Krell is the price. $3500-$4000 used. That is tough for me to stomach. I am hoping someone can tell me some nice things about the Earthquake.

Everything I read about the Earthquake specs look too good to be true, but I don't know how they would be with the N802's.

Other option I can find is the Sunfire Signature. Anyone have N802's and the Sunfire? How does it work for you?
jesseasi OP
2 posts
 
Many of the suggestions I am getting are only 200w per channel amps. The 3 amps I started with, cinenova, sunfire, and krell, were all 300+ watts per channel. From what I have heard, the 802's are very power hungry. Will these other suggestiong be able to drive my 802's?

Or is this a matter of one brand being that much better, example EAD or Meridian 200watt are equal to a sunfire 425watts?

Should I even care about power output?
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