Very best 5 ch amp to feed a complete PSB system


Just wondering if there are any people who have been down this road. Im going to buy a complete PSB set of HT speakers, either Platinum T8 based or synchrony 0ne based ( another quandry I have, comments welcome) Im using a classe ss600 proc and want to buy the very best 5 ch amp to match the speakers. Suggestions so far are Bat and Theta. All help welcomed
willsandbills
You might try an old cal audio MCA 2500. They are slightly older, but can be had for a song here on Agon. They are big and heavy, and run hot, but you get some serious bang for the buck out of this beast.
I tried using an Ice amp with these and I was not really impressed with it. I suppose it may have been the fault of my Onkyo SR-806 being used as a pre-pro, but it just did not sound all that great. I have since relinquished the amp and I am just using the receiver to power the Synchrony One towers and CC. To me, it sounds better...

I am still looking for that ultimate amp for them. Still trying to figure out what has more of an impact on them: the amp or the processor... hmmm...
Disclaimer: (PSB Dealer here). We use three amps the majority of the time with the PSB Synchrony One system (Parasound, Bryston, NAD). Currently, with our Synchrony theater room I have the Parasound Halo A51 driving them. IMHO, this is an outstanding sounding combo. The other amps mentioned also do a fantastic job. Nothing beats a Bryston amp in the long run. I would seriously look there as well.
I would have to agree with the NAD M25 as well. It is a great amp and a very good value. t
You might want to try a Bryston 5 channel 9STT. It sounds very good and has a 20 year warrenty. If you loose a channel all you do is remove the amp mod that's a problem and send it back, you still have 4 amps so you can still enjoy your system while you wait for the other to return.
I used 1 when I had 2 seperate systems, 1 for 2 channel music and 1 for movies.
I have a Parasound HCA 2205AT with an Onkyo Pro SC-885 pre processor and at 220rms x 5 channels with .05 distortion at 8ohm's it really fills my 18 x 23 foot room. Built like a tank at 85LBS. Very detailed, great bass & midrange with alot of authority. At around $1000.00US on the used market for what the Halo series offers- 250 x 5, XLR's, more refined, save yourself $1500-2500 and get a HCA 2205AT. You won't be unhappy!!!!!!

Regards Bacardi
Thanks again, Nad would be easier for me to obtain, I will hunt for reviews. I have a Nad 370 and it was excellent.
PSB and NAD are considered a perfect match from reviewers as well as the manufacturers mating these in systems. I'd seriously look at NADs Master Series.
I have the Parasound A-51; with 5 channels of 225 watts/per; and it sounds great and warm; and detailed...and its priced well.
have you looked at marantz. I am using the sr9300 with very good results (7.1 vs 5 channel) but they have a full array of separates.
By the way, keep shipping costs in mind. Most of these amps weigh 75-125 pounds!
Thanks, would not have considered mac as we dont see it much in Europe. ill have a look at the reviews.Thanks all.
You can go Classe CA5100 to match, I have a MAC and love the smoothness of it, Theta is nice and so is the Parasound A51. There are lots of options! I doubt you will get a consensus on "what is the best amp". Buying used on the gon allows you to try untill you like something without huge $$ losses.
I have a Mac 7106 and bridged the center channel-simply amazing! Anthem is my second choice. Sherbourne third, it's just too big and heavy.