Home theater Amp

[Doug Lax]

Hi Everyone,

I need some help choosing a replacement for my Marantz Amplifier.

I have 2 Amps that I am looking into .

2. Theta Dreadnaught II
3. Krell s 1500
My system is 5.1 right now but I may upgrade to an Atmos 9.2 system.

I have the B&W matrix THX system and am using 802 3s for the mains .

I plan to Bi Amp the 802s so I will need 11 Channels . I will have to buy two amps in total .

My thoughts are that the Krell is a newer amp and I could bi-amp with it now!

The Theta is a beast with 250 wpc .

I know that 802s love current and both would fit the bill but what are your thoughts?

also would either play nicer with the AV 8802a?

[hobie1dog]

More power, there is no substitute for power and displacement.

[Lrr0936]

I recently purchased two professional amps that I was highly suspect of because of the low cost. But the specs on them were very good, especially their range. One was a 4 channel with 500 / channel @ 8 ohms. The other, for my tower fronts, are 800 wpc, also at 8 ohms. I'm thoroughly impressed with their power. (I did however run two more dedicated 20 amp circuits to the location for these and other equipment.) They're produced by "Seismic Audio."

But based on the knowledge base of all the fine folks here, I will be interested to get their read on these units (from the spec sheet.). Again these are hi power pro amplifiers, that are clearly not cost prohibitive considering the level of power they deliver especially.

Many folks use these in on stage. Being a drummer and in a band myself, (even though I'm an old guy��), that's how I happened to come across these.

They power SVS ultras and other speakers as well.

Bob R.

[auxinput]

I did research on the Theta Dreadnaught amps a long time ago. The Theta amps are slightly on the laid-back side of neutral, so if you are wanting to keep the type of signature coming from your Marantz amp, it might be the way to go.

The Krell sound is more high-bandwidth with increased attack/clarity. If you want a more exciting type of sound, choose the Krell. However, some people don't like the Krell because of it's forward "in your face" type of signature. Always, it depends on system synergy and wire components.

[Doug Lax]

I could demo them both as they are both in the area

[Doug Lax]

They both come in a brushed black so they will match the current gear