multi-channel amps Anthem, B&K, or Rotel


I'm in the market for a multichannel amp. I'm looking at The Rotel RMB-1075 ($1000), B&K av5000 ($800), or the Anthem mca5 ($1050). Price is a concern, but with them so close it's not a deciding factor. My main concern is reliability, sound quality and usable clean power. I will be running the power to an all Paradigm speaker system studio40's (rated to 140w and a db rating of 91) in front, center and rear ceiling mounts. The Anthem is the power house with 200wpc, the Rotel is THX certified and I think 140wpc and the B&K is rated at 125wpc. Do I need the 200 wpc of the Anthem or should I go for the THX certified Rotel, But wait the B&K is $200 cheaper. Oh I dont know my head is spinning. Please help
jlokker

Showing 1 response by sean

I would tend to agree with Maggieowner's very astute descriptions. I would also add that the B&K's and Adcom's tend to get "jumbled up" or "loose control" when pushed hard. Never railed on a Rotel, so don't know about that aspect. I do think that the Rotel probably has the best build quality of the three mentioned though. I also haven't listened to the Anthem, so can't help you on that one either. I would not doubt that it is a pretty solid amp though.

Depending on your personal tastes and the other components in your system, i would keep in mind that the Paradigm's can lean towards sounding bright and / or possibly even glaring if fed a "typical" digital signal. That is, if they make use of a metal dome like many of their models do. In that respect, the B&K may be the best / most forgiving match. Sean
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