2. amps-preamps
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Multi-channel amp question????

Ok guys here's the deal, I have a buddy trying to build a better then Best Buy Home theatre and I am not welly versed on this stuff. He is looking for an amp right now, 5 channel under $2000, that budget is not set in stone, if there is something way better for a little over budget that is no problem. It will be powering paradigm reference speakers, w/Paradigm P1000 powered sub. The only source will be digital, DVD and CD. He is thinking EAD, Sunfire, Acurus, B&K and I am thinking Rotel, Adcom...any suggestions. I am sorry if some of you feel this should be in the Home theatre arena, I figured I would reach more people here, and it is an amp question, thank you for any input, Tim The Tire Guy
tireguy
tdavism3
46 posts
 
For the money, a Sunfire Cinema Grand is tough to beat. However, I think the EAD Powermaster 1000 is pretty nice sounding as well. Unfortunately, the EAD does not have balanced inputs, whereas the Cinema Grand does.
sc53
718 posts
 
The Acurus 125x5 is often for sale on this site for under $800. I bought the unit new for $1000 about 9 months ago from a dealer and still feel it was a great deal for the money. The amp is quite heavy and fills my room (large bedroom) very adequately. For the current price it is going for, it is a steal. I believe there is also an Acurus 200x5 available now, if you need more power. Acurus is a great company (Mondial actually, they also make Aragon stuff, which is a whole leap upward in both price and quality), their stuff is well built and reliable. If your friend has the money, go with the Aragon 5 channel amp.
gallaine
114 posts
 
I have been using the B&K AV6000 (6 ch. amp) with Paradigm Reference Studio 60 loudspeakers for over a year. For Home Theater I have been very happy with it. For two-channel it is still musically satisfying but the imaging and soundstage isn't what it'd like. Tell your friend to find a dealer that has two or three of the models he is interested in and audition them. The B&K ref. 7250 has gotten excellent reviews and can be purchased under $2k used.
rsuminsby
152 posts
 
All the amps you listed are worth a look. I used a Rotel 985 for about a year and was pretty happy with it..for around a grand new (much less here on the 'gon) it's tough to fault it. EAD seems a little more up-market than the others you listed. Haven't heard it, but reviews would suggest it's a notch up from the rest, but more $$$.
gbm4th
57 posts
 
I have both a Citation 7.1 THX amp and an EAD PM 1000 amp, both of which are no longer manufactured but can be found here used. The Citation is quick in presntation and the PM 1000 has good bass and a relaxed presentation. Try to listen to the amps in your system to see which amp sounds best.
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