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Picking the right amp...

I am looking to get a new amp. Preferably a 5 channel to drive my N802's and Nautilus HTM1. 5 Channels so I can bi-amp my N802's and the remainder to drive my center. My system is 80% home theater, 20% music. Although when I listen to music, I want to to be amazing.

My processor is a Yamaha VX1 (will upgrade that but down the road). Currently I have a B&K 4420ex (I believe it is 200x2). I don't have balanced outputs but would like to have them on my amp so that when I am ready for the future.

Here is what I am looking at. Any opinions on these, please share.

New Earthquake Cinenova (300x5)
BStock/Used Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature (425x5)
Used - Krell KAV-1500 (300x5)

My budget is $2500 (I know I won't find the krell at that price point, but if poeple tell me I need to spend the extra money....I just might.

Also, should I be looking at getting 2 three channel amps and bi-amping everything? What works best with the N802?
jesseasi

Showing 2 responses by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
For that kind of money, you can do better than Krell, which in my opinion is overated. Check out the above mentioned EAD amps or a Aragon 8008X5, Classe CAV-180, McCormack DNA-HT5. All of these will beat any on your list and can be had for less than than $2500 used. Personally I'd go after the Aragon 8008X5, my friend has one and it's a extremely powerful amp, yet not harsh like the Krell KAV series. I'll stick with my 2 channel Threshold amp though. I only use a Denon receiver for HT, but I'm 80% music and 20% HT.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
So it's quantity you want, well then your list looks complete. BTW, the B&W website has the 802's listed at 91 db sensitivity at 8 ohms, hardly power hungry. Unless you have a huge room or listen at extreme volumes 200 wpc should be plenty. Consider this a 200 wpc amp will drive those speakers to 114 decibels. A 400 wpc amp will drive those speakers to 117 decibels. So the extra 200 wpc will only get you 3 more db. How often do you listen at volumes exceeding 114 decibels?
The speakers can handle 500 wpc, so to answer your question, I don't think a 5X500 watt amp exists. You will need two amps to generate that kind of power. The 3 you have listed will give you the most power, along with the EAD PowerMaster 2000. There is one on Agon (EAD)now for $3200. I would take the EAD over the other 3 on your list.

BTW, make sure you have a dedicated 20A line for one of these amps. You wouldn't want to buy a Hummer and put watered down gas in it.
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