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Home Theatre Amp Suggestions

I am looking to replace the old Adcom amps currently driving Thiel 3.6 and 2.3 speakers in my HT system. Rest of the system is Muse 8/296 and B&K 50 preamp/processor in a 19' x 13' section of a 19' x 24' open area.

Because this is part of the TV based system that is always on, I need to stay with solid state amps here. I use BAT tube electronics for my audio system in the basement.

I am looking for 6 channels of amplification. Preferably I'd like to go with three 2-channel amps. Considerations are for the McCormmack 225, BAT VK200, Ayre V3 and Plinius 100. All of these appear to be about $1500 or so on the used market.

Most likely I will return to Magnepan speakers in my audio system so I will most likely sell off the Thiels and move my Talons to the HT system. One advantage here is higher efficient speakers so 100w amps would be fine.

Any ideas from owners/users of any of these amps and their strengths/weaknesses to the rest would be greatly appreciated....or any other ideas?
jafox

Showing 1 response by gunbei

gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I received a BAT VK200 last weekend I bought here on Audiogon. In my short experience I definitely feel this is my favorite amp.

Right now, I happen to have a Pass Aleph 3, Blue Circle BC22, Bryston 4B and the VK200 and it's been fun comparing them. The Bryston has been used exclusively to drive my subwoofer, but I did compare it with the others in my 2-channel setup, and didn't care for it's performance. It sounded thin and bright, not my cup of tea. However, this is an older 4B and I understand the new SSTs perform much better with music.

The VK200 has a slightly sweet character in some ways similar to the Aleph 3, but with infinitely more power. You had mentioned you own BAT tube amps so you know about hot running amps. Well, this is no different, it actually runs a bit hotter than the little Aleph oven.

Although I use it to only run ProAc monitors, I think the VK200 is a good choice for HT because of it's super smooth character and power which seems like much more than 100wpc. Great bass too.
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