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Best multi channel amp and processor good for 2 channel listening.

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and have a few questions in reference to HT processors.  I am starting from scratch and switching from a Krell S-1000 and S-1500.  I sold the processor a few months back and I going to list here the amp.

I am currently considering the new Bryston 9B3 and the SP4 and decision was based on upgrade ability and warranty. The speakers for HT will be Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home and for 2 channel Verity Otello’s.  My second choice was Classe but I was informed that they have all sales on hold, this is concerning.  I have not listened to either, my choice is based on reviews and the Bryston dealer.  My decision was also based they are both good for two channel, I am not set on this but it will help the budget and space.  I am looking for a warm and good over all sound; some might say 3 dimensional sound, clarity is also a factor.  Actually, all I’ve read in reference to Classe fits the bill.  I would like a couple of other choices to include in my short list and opinions are welcome. The budget for the processor and amp is approx. 22k.  

Thanks to all.....
maguiar
maguiar OP
31 posts
 
Hi auxinput,

WOW, thanks a bunch for all this info., I sure can use it.  

Actually, I heard the Anthem AVM 60 a bit this pass weekend with some B&W’s in a HT setup and found it to be a bit bright. I don’t recall which model since I was not really there for that at the time.  I also heard a McIntosh MC452 since he did not have the 8207 in his showroom.  This amp was paired with Sonus Faber Olympica's which was my second choice for speakers, but left a bit disappointed since I found them to be lifeless, monotone, too laid back with the 452. I still love those Verity’s my God the sound, I have no words.  

On the bright side I have the opportunity to audition the Bryston gear at home which is helpful, but I was informed the 9B3 that will replace the 9bsst2 will not be available till April sometime.  I just added the SP3 to my short list,  I heard the SP3 will still be available along with the SP4.

Auxinput, what do you think about the Arcam AV860? MZK recommended it via this thread but did not find much on it. Does anyone have info. on this processor? 

Thanks again...

mzkmxcv
558 posts
 
@maguiar

All modern B&W speakers are bright (their 10000Hz peaks are well known and documented), so it was the speakers not the processor.

Bryston and Benchmark make excellent 2ch amps, being “fast” has nothing to do with sound quality being bright or warm, they are both neutral (John Atkinson of Stereophile had to call up for help in order to accurately measure the Benchmark, as his test equipment couldn’t keep up).  
  
Still excellent, but cheaper, are the ATI amps utilizing Hypex. ATI is a very well respected American amplifier company, they are not as popular though, but they are so good that other brands actually have ATI design the amps for them, like the Monolith amps (which are excellent for the relatively cheap price) is designed by ATI.
maguiar OP
31 posts
 
auxinput,

As I mentioned in this thread I am technically chalenged, when you mention fast, will this imply this amp can run quite a bit hot as well? I really would like to stay away from something that would run really hot. Also, what do you mean by 48khz for dac and high resolution at 24/96 etc.?
maguiar OP
31 posts
 
mzk,

I can audition Marantz and research the Benchmark and Ati.
soix
2,133 posts
 
I'm confused.  How can you use two sets of speakers (SF GPs and Otellos) in the same system?  Are you physically going to swap them them out for HT and 2-channel listening?
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