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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
 
I was offered a 3 year old demo Plinius Odeon multi channel amp at $9.8 and a Audio Control Maestro 9 at $8.9 but not convinced on the Audio Control.  So far the Plinius has very good reviews but not sure about the asking price.  

Also, would like to thank you all for all the input you have provided.....

mahler123
633 posts
 
There was some discussion upthread about Anthem and B&W speakers.  I have B&W 803 D in my two channel system and yep, they are bright.  I just added an Anthem 520 receiver in a Surround Sound System last week, with Speakers from Silverline Audio, and not bright at all.  The Anthem replaced a 10 year old Onkyo AVR that retailed for roughly the same and boy, what an upgrade.  I don’t know much to credit the room calibration vs The I moved DACs but the improvement is not subtle, and interesting, I perceive the improvement more in 2 channel than in Multichannel.
mahler123
633 posts
 
That’s “improved DACs”...
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Onkyo and Emotiva processors suck in exactly the same way. Clinical, slightly hard, and completely thin.


audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
Op the Audio Control is one fantastic processor, it is built for sound quality and uses all  independent burr brown dac’s per channel, vs most of the world's processors which use a single dac chip for all channels, the processor uses a massive power supply it weighs 40 lbs most processor barely weigh 15 lbs, and the Maestro uses Dirac which along with Anthem and Trinov are the best room correction software.

The Mastro is very very good souding for music and theater, perfect it isn’t but for its price point of $8,900.00 it is fantastic.

As per the Odeon it is one of the best sounding multi channel amplifiers ever made, if the price seems a bit high make an counteroffer.

Other than the Thetas Cassablancas which are very expensive and not sure of the room correction, the Maestro series from Audio Control has been getting rave reviews for years based on their musicality, superb service made in America, and reliablity and excellent service.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
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