2 Channel Amp for Surrounds: Need Recommendations


Hi,

I need a 2-channel amp to power my back surrounds which are rated at 150 watts.

I plan to bi-amp my VT-2 mains when I add an AV7005 Preamp later this year. My Wired 4 Sound Mini MC-7 puts out 7 x 220 wpc.

I'd like to find a 2-channel amp for $500 or less that delivers about 150 to 200 wpc.

Something that would generate minimal heat is a real plus.

I would love to hear suggestions/ opinions.

Thanks!

My System as of July 2011

Wyred 4 Sound Mini MC 7 Multi Channel Amp
N H T VT-2 Speakers
N H T iC4 In-ceiling Surrounds (4) Monitor
N H T VS-2 Center
Denon 3803 Receiver (Temporary Preamp)
Sony BluRay
DirecTV HD Receiver
760raptor
To say dont worry about sound quality goes against everything you and our group stands for. Yes the surround info is limited but limited quality sound is better than limited crap sound. Go with any of those big names listed and you will get both quality and price. I am surprised to hear you say that String, its nonsensical.
Adcom GFA-535....$400 when new in 1992. 2x60 watts. Solid piece with some weight to it. I owned one with a white faceplate ($50 extra). Adcom also made a Mark II version. You may also try the Adcom 545 and 555 amps.
A great amp is a Parasound HCA800, more power than ever needed, Carver TFM35 is capable of driving most any speaker so its good as a emergency spare 2 channel.
Wow, all the advice here is fantastic!!!

So far I have been looking at most of the brands mentioned, but most of my research was done looking for 7-channel amps (I just recently made the 7-channel W4S MC-7 purchase).

When it comes to 2-channel amps I am starting with virtually no knowledge base on the models available, what's good, better, best for my price range.

That's why its especially helpful to see recommendations for specific 2-channel models. This will help me narrow the field on the best choices.

Keep 'em coming gentlemen, I enjoy reading online reviews and forum discussions and I'm not in a big hurry!