Funny, I find myself in the same exact boat. I have considered the Theta Dreadnaught II and both Bryston units. I have only 2 front speakers now, but want to get into HT fairly soon. There are plusses and minuses for each situation. The Theta can be purchased as a 2 channel and additional channels can be added later. Theta doesn't "punish" you for buying modules later rather than at time of purchase. The modular Bryston, the 9BSST I think, has a steep price increase for modules purchased after the original sale. The Theta can also use 225watt modules or 100x2 watt modules. You could conceivable run 10 full channels if you wished. I am thinking of getting it with 2 225's initially then adding as I grow.
Converesely, the Bryston is a bit more of a dillemma. If I go with the 4BSST first, I will have the amp for my current system. Adding a 6BSST would allow a quicker additon of center channel when the funds for the speaker come. But going the 6BSST first will require me to wait much longer as the price difference is considerable.
I would love to hear what others have done in similar situations. Ultimately, the Brystons will end up being about $1k more than the Theta for 5 channels but, with the 20 year warranty, I think this is more than worth it. Guess I will have to do some serious auditioning and let my ears choose.
Converesely, the Bryston is a bit more of a dillemma. If I go with the 4BSST first, I will have the amp for my current system. Adding a 6BSST would allow a quicker additon of center channel when the funds for the speaker come. But going the 6BSST first will require me to wait much longer as the price difference is considerable.
I would love to hear what others have done in similar situations. Ultimately, the Brystons will end up being about $1k more than the Theta for 5 channels but, with the 20 year warranty, I think this is more than worth it. Guess I will have to do some serious auditioning and let my ears choose.