Best 3 to 6 channel amp for around $1000 - $1500


Looking for at least three channels of amplification for around $1200 or so, but willing to go a bit higher if necessary. Any thoughts?

Set up is 50/50 music and theater, using modified Odyssey Stratos for R&L. I sold my ATI 1506 a while ago, and am looking to replace it with something a little sweeter, more musical, less sterile.

Would like 5 channels to allow for upgrade to 7.1, but need at least 3.

ALL HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Thanks,

Dan
dklap
I would suggest that you check out the Rotel 1075 5 channel amp that really has a sweet and melodic musical presentation. Boz Scaggs' GREATEST HITS DVD reveals the lovely, delicate and controlled back up vocals of the 2 female singers that gently but distinctly overlays his dominant vocals. The rest of the band sounds so coherent but also distinct in their presentation of rhythm and tone. The whole experience remains musical and nonfatiguing as well as captivating and involving. This amp is priced lower than your indicated price range but don't let that misguide you because it is an awesome amp even in stereo only set up.
I agree that the Rotel RMB-1075 is nice (I seriously considered purchasing one), but I then compared it to the Sherbourn 5/1500A (which I still own after 5 years) and the Sherbourn clearly came out ahead. Much better bass definition, more clarity and top end air, and better dynamics. I compared the two with string, piano, and vocal music, and the Sherbourn excelled at both. The Rotel is good, but within your $1200 price range, in my opinion you can have better.

Michael
Sufentanil,
I suggest that you go back to comparing the two amps after 200 hours of break in period. I can tell you that they have more similarities rather than differences. The only difference that I found was that I had more money left in my pocket to buy other essential audiophile stuff. If that is not an issue to you then go ahead and enjoy your Sherbourn with all its glorious definition, clarity and air. Just bear in mind that I'm also enjoying the same thing with my Rotel.