Please Recommend 5 ch Amp that...

Used Aragon 8008x5 "under-rated" 200x5. Balanced, large 2.5kVA power transformer, 110 pound monster, retail $4200.

Check Sherbourn 5 Channel Amp which have all these feature.

Arcam AV 300

Much better sounding than Bryston http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?ampsmult&1097289969 and a mid-range quality that Bryston only wished it had.

240 watts at 4 ohms. Note: I do not Know the seller of these amps.

Dave

audio refinement

Rotel RMB-1095

I like the McIntosh MC126 a lot. It is a little warmer than the Bryston and will definately be in for the long run. The MC206 is even better but it is (still) expensive.

...or you can check out the Proceed Amp 5 (or BPA/HPA).

The SST's are much better than the ST.

I'm also thinking about the newer Bryston 150W 3B SST for fronts +120W 3channel 5B ST for center and rears

I guess, this way, 2 channel sound will definitely be better, but wondering if 5 channel movie or music performance will not be as good as getting 9B ST...

I guess, as alwasy, I will end up spend little bit more than my original budget... but I think Bryston is worth it for now and for long run...

I would recommend a used Bryston 9B-ST like you originally wanted. You could get one on Audiogon if you wait.

There is currently a cheap newly listed Brand New Aragon (newer version) that is 200x5, THX Ultra 2 for dirt cheap.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1102102181

Theres lots of alternatives so its up to you.

Theta Dreadnaught I/II?

The little Krell Kav-500 has those features (I own one) and can be bought for less than your price.

OR, check this power-house out http://ww3.onecall.com/PID_724.htm

I don't know if it has balanced inputs and needs 20A outlet but for the cost you could add a dedicated line and be under $2,000.

Dave