Newbie question for amps: Sunfire, Anthem, Rotel?


Hey everybody. I am just starting to get into my system. I have an HT setup with Paradigm Studio V.3 (40's, 20's, CC 470, and sub). Still working on breaking speakers in.

I am looking for a good 5 channel amp (170 Watt+) to drive them. Currently I am powering them by an older Denon AVR. I have looked into the Sunfire Cinema Grand, Rotel 1095 and the Anthem MCA 50. All have gotten sound reviews and seem to hold their value, but won't break my wallet or piss my wife off too much.

Any suggestions? Any other amps for the value? I am sorry for posting again. I thought I found a similar thread, but couldn't find it again after searching.

Thanks again
jeepslave20

Showing 1 response by snofun3

Can't comment on the others, and suspect they're good pieces, but I've had an Anthem MCA 5 in my system for 5 (holy crow - five!?) years now, and it's the longest lasting piece I've had.
While it only does duty for the center and rear speakers, it's a nice unit, and I have no desire to change it. I used to have two HSU subs on the other channels, and the Anthem never ran out of gas. If my main 2-channel amp (Bryston 4B ST) died, I wouldn't have a problem with using the Anthem again.
Also note that the Anthem has an option of a signal sensing circuit for turn on, which is great for my multichannel purpose, as well as the fact that I have all Martin-Logan's and don't want to energize the power supplies every time I turn them on by an amp that uses a 12V turn-on from a pre-amp. Yes, it also has a standard 12V turn-on-all selected by a rear switch.
Good luck.