3 or 5 channel amplifiers recommendation

[djwhog]

Ok I am thinking I would like to get a 3 ch amp to power the center and surround speakers, 5 if I want to figure on the RSR and LSR surround as well to get all 7 ch in the mix.

1 So I would need and want at least in the 150-200 watt range @8 or 200-250 @4 ohm load support.

2 Must be fully balanced too.


3 Price well I am up in the air, but kinda would like to stay under 5-6k if I go new.


4 Time frame in planning stage


I currently have a halo class A bridged 300-400 watt for the center @8 or 4 and an old 150 watt carver for the LS and RS and nothing at present for the RSR & LSR .


I have been looking a the MC 303 for 3 and the MC 205 for 5, but am open to other amp options.


I did see that Parasound in the Halo line makes a 5ch at 125 and 250 watts @8 and 250-400 @ 4ohm loads.


I also noticed Bryston seems to have good options too. Then there is Krell, Mark etc, but I think they all get pricey..



Looking for input recommendations etc to go with my 452 that runs the main stereo set. I have a 7270 but use it to run a set of custom Dynaudio 2 ways and run a 1000 watt parasound mono bridged anp to drive my sub.


Thanks all

[Masterlu]

Take a closer look at Bryston, I'm seriously considering a multi-channel amp for LuJr.

[Rilands]

MC205 does the trick for me.

[thughes]

Take a closer look at Bryston, I'm seriously considering a multi-channel amp for LuJr.

Is a price list or information posted here anywhere?

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by thughes

Is a price list or information posted here anywhere?

Not that I know of but this is pretty useful: Bryston-Audio Advisor

[thughes]

Thanks

[thughes]

Are these the retail prices?

[djwhog]

I like this! Options, buy and add when needed.

Anyone own this model? How does it compare in sound performance etc to the Macs?

from the link posted above
"The 9B SST2 is a modular, single-chassis power amplifier delivering 140 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms. That word 'modular' is critically important here. Like other models in the SST2 series, the 9B employs modular construction in which each channel is self contained with audio circuitry, connectors, and an independent power supply. However, the 9B channel module differs in that it is built on its own removable assembly. This means that not only may any channel be easily swapped in the unlikely event of failure, but also that the 9B may be configured with fewer channels if an application so requires.


Indeed, the 9B SST2 may be ordered in a 3, 4 or 5 channel version. Modular channels are available separately for later expansion."

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by djwhog

I like this! Options, buy and add when needed.

Anyone own this model? How does it compare in sound performance etc to the Macs?

I have the earlier 9B THX (although mine was updated by Bryston). See: Bryston 9B-THX five-channel power amplifier | Stereophile.com

Indeed, the 9B SST2 may be ordered in a 3, 4 or 5 channel version. Modular channels are available separately for later expansion."

Another amp with that capability is the Ayre V-6XE. See: Music in the Round #32 Page 2 | Stereophile.com