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Best multi channel amp and processor good for 2 channel listening.

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and have a few questions in reference to HT processors.  I am starting from scratch and switching from a Krell S-1000 and S-1500.  I sold the processor a few months back and I going to list here the amp.

I am currently considering the new Bryston 9B3 and the SP4 and decision was based on upgrade ability and warranty. The speakers for HT will be Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home and for 2 channel Verity Otello’s.  My second choice was Classe but I was informed that they have all sales on hold, this is concerning.  I have not listened to either, my choice is based on reviews and the Bryston dealer.  My decision was also based they are both good for two channel, I am not set on this but it will help the budget and space.  I am looking for a warm and good over all sound; some might say 3 dimensional sound, clarity is also a factor.  Actually, all I’ve read in reference to Classe fits the bill.  I would like a couple of other choices to include in my short list and opinions are welcome. The budget for the processor and amp is approx. 22k.  

Thanks to all.....
maguiar
jimpittsburgh
34 posts
 
the finger snaps on Patty Barbers version of Ode to Billy Joe is a real differentiator between amps. Those seem incredibly difficult to get just right. I also listen to cymbal strikes and decay as well as the same on piano. Ahmad Jamal's Blue Moon is excellent for this. Bob Wasserman Duets is another go to for voicing and differentiating between amps and sources. 
maguiar102
83 posts
 
Jimpitt.

This is good stuff... Love Patricia Barber..
stttt
64 posts
 
I built a  Frankenstein system that sounds pretty good, but nothing like the dollars you have.   I purchased an NADT777 V3 with paradigm 15b speakers and Dynaudio x18.  I mixed 8 ohm and 4 ohm.  The home theater is pretty good.  Set room with Dirac, but it does lack on 2 channel Zone set up.   This was an interesting read as I wondered the same thing.  
I was still using an NAD 2200 I bought new in the 80s.  Its working in the garage now.
maguiar102
83 posts
 
Stttt,

You see what I am saying, it’s just logical to me.  All electronics have there own sound and the only true way of having the best of both worlds is separating the two. The more research I did on this topic it all lead to the same conclusion which lead to a priority change. I learned your two channel is where all is truly taken in and where all the detail is important to be present. Don’t get me wrong a good sounding HT is important to a lot of people but you really don’t have to spend a whole lot to accomplish something that to me will always be lacking. A movie is mostly sound effects and not all sounds or scene of the movie will be brought forward. There is the back ground music but when your involved in everything else, this tends to disappear in the back ground. Anyway this is just a personal observation and conclusion, please don’t chew me out.....

stttt
64 posts
 
Maguiar,
I agree with you on the two channel.  I listen to a lot of music and I like two channel.  My HT is nice too, but HT is a bunch of noise with some music between explosions.
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