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Amplifier suggestions for home theater

Hi all,

I have a Fosgate FAP-T1 processor feeding three Rotel amplifers...RMB-990, RMB-980, RMB-100. The 990 is front L&R, the 980 is surrounds, RMB-100 feeds the center channel. Speakers are Vandersteen 2CE signatures for the front L&R with Vandersteen 2w subs(a pair with the 2CE's), Vandersteen VCC-1 Center, Vandersteen VSM-1s for the surrounds. Also have Vandersteen V2W for the LFE channel. I would like to upgrade to an amplifier to drive the front speakers. I don't know if I should try getting a uses 3 channel amp or a Five channel and sell off the other amps. I listen about 50% music and 50% movies. I would like a very musical sounding amplifier and budget is about $1500.

I don't know if getting a stereo amp will blend in well with the other amps...especially the center...so that is my situation...I would appreciate any and all suggestions..

Thanks, Phasor
phasor
prpixel
826 posts
 
The sherbourn processor is based on an Eastek reference design. Yes, it is pretty much the same as about 6-12 other processors.

The Sherbourn amps are based on the same design as the outlaw audio M200 with the addition of XLR inputs. Actually, it's identical, except for packaging ie case) to the NHT A1 mono amps. I owned two NHT A1's. The advantage of going with the sherbourn as opposed to going with 5 or 7 monoblocks is that you don't have to worry about 7 power cords. I contiplated going with 7 mono's but when I added in the cost of 7 power cords it was cheaper to go with the Sherbourn. I bought my new 7/2100 here on Agon for under $1700 and that included shipping.
phasor OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions...I will check out Sherbourn. One of the dealers I frequent has been raving about the Fosgate Audionics 1000.5 amp. It is a five channel modular amp. He doesn't have one in stock so I can't give it a listen. Does anyone here have any experience with this amp. I will have to go to Denver (about a 90 minute drive) to hear the Sherbourn amp. So I will plan accordingly.

Keep the suggestions coming...

Thanks, Phasor
wdi
40 posts
 
I recently went the opposite direction: sold my 5 channel Rotel amp and bought a couple of 2 channel amps (to use with another stereo amp that I already had). For my objectives (yours may be different), I chose to put the most money into the 2-channel section, and have been very happy that I did. I haven’t heard any higher end multi-channel amps, so I may be making an incorrect assumption here, but it seems to me that a HT amp will never do as well with music as a stereo amp; based on, if nothing else, power supply alone. Isn’t that the rational behind having separates instead of a receiver and why some choose to go to mono-amps?

Your concerns about blending the center with the fronts could be alleviated the same way you're currently doing it: have the same brand amp running the center; or go with Russ’ advice and run the center in phantom mode.
phasor OP
7 posts
 
Thanks Wdi,

My first inclination was to get a better stereo amp for the front L&R speakers...and that is still an option...I will keep doing my research and try and get some amps to listen to in my system...The five channel would tidy my rack up...but that is a secondary consideration, as the quality of sound is my primary focus.

Thanks for the info...I still would like to hear from someone that has tried the Fosgate 1000.5 amp

Phasor
prpixel
826 posts
 
The sherbourn has 5 or 7 toroidial transformers. In essence - 5 or 7 monoblocks in a single chasis. Heavy beast!
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