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
I'm going to be blunt here.  I wouldn't even consider driving the $19k Otellos with two channels of a seven channel amp or a prepro in the name of saving space, or anything else for that matter.  To me, speakers of that caliber deserve their own good stereo amp and preamp (or at least a very good integrated).  Buy a decent 3-channel amp and prepro to drive the HT, but I'd put as much as possible of the electronics budget toward the stereo components that get the most out of the Otellos.  You can easily integrate the HT and stereo electronics into one seamless system, so operationally this setup works well and also allows you to spend more of your budget on the more critical stereo components. 

Also, I'm still not clear.  Are you considering having both the Otellos and Grand Pianos set up side by side at the same time?  If so, that's an imaging nightmare and a big no no in my book.  Personally I'd sell the Grand Pianos and just use the Otellos as front L/R speakers for both stereo and HT, or sell your rear speakers and put the GPs back there.  Having heard both the Grand Pianos and various Verity models (awesome speakers BTW), my take is they're voiced similarly so this might work out well.  Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck in whatever you decide. 
Hi Soix,

I totally understand what you are saying but at this time they will be in the same area. This scenario might change in the future because I am thinking of relocating next year.

I also understand mixing my Verity’s with my stereo gear may not be wise and this is why I started this thread for suggestions and help. As I mentioned I love good sounding music but I am not technical at all and don’t want to be at the mercy of a hungry salesperson.  Don’t get me wrong I have some knowledge plus I am going crossed eye on reading so much material on this stuff.  Actually, someone just suggested the Luxman L 509X intergrated amp for the Verity’s of which I just started to read on.  I may consider buying something used for HT and put most of my money on the the stereo side.

Reference the SF GP, I thought about selling them and just keeping the Verity’s but I do not see a center for the Verity’s which is important to me.  If I can match a center channel that is considerably close in sound I will consider selling the GP.
Once I get the Verity’s home I will listen to the tonality of both and if they are close I can keep my SF center channel with Verity’s and sell the GP.  Just one step at a time...lol...baby steps.....

Any suggestions on any the Luxman or any other intergrated?

Thanks a bunch...

@maguir 
 
Don’t worry a single second about using something like the Marantz as your processor, it’s DAC is high quality and it’s pre-outs are high voltage and low distortion. Not really gonna gain any real benefit from using an audiophile grade stereo pre-amp/DAC. 
 
Since you seem to want a 2ch setup plus your surround setup, the way you would have this wired is having the 2ch setup as Zone 2 (you lose any room correction though). I would test out the speakers as the main left/right for the surround sound as well, as that would simplify things, and even though the center may not be timbre matched, it’s not as big of a deal as people make it out to be, I’ve seen many people’s setups where they use a different brand for the center as their main speakers don’t have a matching one, and they can’t tell there is any mismatch.
To all,

I am more into sound quality, 3 dimensional surrounding sound and clarity, tube like quality.  If anyone here had 23k for a HT and something for music listening what would be your choices? I am opened on all choices including used gear.

I really rather spend most of my money on the music side of things like the Luxman L509x and something reasonable but good for home theater, please elaborate in simple terms how this all will come together.  So far Bryston, Krell, Marantz, Arcam and Nad seem to be good choices for HT, but what amps? 
I really need help from all since you have a lot more experience and knowledge on this stuff.  I would really be gratefull for all the I can get.....
the Luxman is voiced on the warm side, so if you wanted to pair an HT amp with that, I would go for the Parasound A31 3-channel.  The Bryston is going to be too bright/thin in comparison to the Luxman.