Tube based surround sound amp???


Hello fellow audio nuts!

I am trying to downsize in a fairly drastic way, and my hope is to merge some gear from my two channel set-up with my home theater.

I plan on selling my beloved highly modded Fisher 500c, as well as my Eastern Electric Minimax CDP (both from my 2 channel rig).
What I hope to do is find an integrated amp for an IPod based 2 channel system that I can also use to run a 5.1 home theater set-up.

My speakers are Northcreek Rhythm Revelators- 4 ohm, 90 db efficient.

I would love to find tube amplification again because I'm addicted to it, and it helps tame the slightly tipped up highs of the Northcreeks.

I would love to make the Northcreeks my main speakers, and integrate them into my home theater set-up.

Right now I'm very intrigued with the Peachtree Audio iDecco, because it has a digital direct iPod port and, at least, tube preamp. Not sure about the 30 watts though?

Any thought on the iDecco?

Also, would I need a separate surround processor for home theater? Any cheap recommendations?

I'd like to keep my budget well under $1000. I saw a used iDecco for $575 on Audigon, so I have about $500 for a surround processor if needed.

Thanks for any advice. I am obviously an enthusiast, but not a true audiophile and any advice is much appreciated.
Lincoln
lincnabby
Thank you friends, for all comments and advice.

Mik- I know it is a step backwards- but downsizing usually is...

Could anyone comment on whether it's possible to connect a surround processor (e.g. the Emotiva suggested by RW) to my vintage Fisher? It does have an RCA pre-out input.

And I have heard good things about the Dared gear before. Is it recommended for Bluray DVD's? Mostly what I've heard was raves for multichannel SACD.

Thanks again for any further advice.
Yeah, Butler 5150 was my first thought too, until I saw the budget. Thus, my first post above...
I had a Butler TDB-5150 and loved it. But it is a power amp, not an integrated. You would still need a surround preamp/processor to complete the rig. And you'll never find a Butler for anywhere near $1,000. If you're lucky, maybe $1,500...

Emotiva make some well-regarded, inexpensive surround processors. Check out their UMC-200, on sale right now for $599. Comes with 30-day in-home trial and has a 5 year warranty.

-RW-
You have a wonderful rig, you will be taking a step backwards... I would look into the Dared DV-6C, it is a 5.1 channel hybrid tube/ss that has gotten some very nice reviews and is pretty cheap.
Best bet would be used Butler 5150...but probably difficult to get at your $1000 limit
Tube based surround sound integrateds aren't anything I have come across. And even a tube amp for 90 dB efficient speakers for under $1000 is going to be a tough price point to hit.