Help needed in buying 5 channel amp

Hello guys, could do with some advice in selecting a new 5 channel amp. My kit is as below and as the Primare is wasted by not using the pre section and so is the Marantz (and of course not being anywhere near the same quality!) I am looking to sell both and buy a new (or second hand actually) 5 channel power amp.
Have about £1500 all in and I am looking for a lively dynamic sound, plenty of THWACK and lots of detail and soundstage.
Obvious contenders are the Primare 5 channel and the NAD S250 (cos it's cheap!) but I'm also wondering about Sunfire, Krell, Parasound et al.
Anything else anyone would recommend (more than happy to go second hand!)
Cheers, Liam.

 

What Marantz?? Anyway, my off the top of my head suggestion is Rotel RMB-1075

Or...an Arcam P35 and P35/3 (the 3 channel version of the 2ch. P35). Not sure how much they cost. If too much new you can also check out the earlier versions which were P25 and P25/3. Incidentally, any 2ch. P25 or P35 can have a 3rd amp module added to make it the 3ch version.

Michael.

 

sorry Michael! I've realised the AV side of things is not in my signature. The Marantz is a SR5200 receiver which I use to power the centre and rears as it stands (same as you I believe!). Not sure about the Arcam as I didn't get on with the FMJ32 (I think!) when I demoed it some time back. Do you think the Rotel would be as good as my current Primare for CDs?

Liam.

 

Anyone know anything about the lexicon 512?

Liam.

 

There's a primare 30.5 on www.hififorsale.com for 650 - it's a Mk1 though so may not fit the bill?

 

What power amp is the Tag processor connected to at the moment? How does that compare to the Primare integrated amp for stereo music? If you know where you could still get a NAD S250 get it home quick and have a listen. It looks like one serious powerhouse. That Lexicon was supposed to be designed and built by Bryson which is very well rated indeed. I got a secondhand Rotel RB985 as a stop gap solution 5 years ago. Since then as an obedient audiophile I went to a few shops and listened to power amps from Linn, Primare A30.5, TMA, Bryson and even a serious money Chord. Listening to music at normal level there seems to be very little musical advantage. Never the less I am looking forward to your experiences then maybe compare notes later.

 

parasound, tag, sunfire, flying mole.
cheers


julian

 

I had the Rotel 1095 in my HiFi system for a few years, very nice sounding with no major flaws at all, slightly warm/relaxed sound when compared to some but not a downside. I managed to achieve a very open spacious sound with Rotel that was in no way fatiguing, its got plenty of power so dynamics in soundtracks should be no problem. I used it in a bi-amp way and using four channels all the time and in no way stressed it, it also runs quite cool for such a large amp. Second hand they go for a grand I guess, they seem to last for years so buy with confidence I'd say.

Alternatively just buy a load of flying moles and save the money.

 

I would suggest the Linn AV5125, which I feel is the best value product in the whole Linn range, but maybe Linn isn't your bag.

 

Thanks for your replies - to clarify the Primare is my power amp for the front pair and the Marantz 5200 does the centre and rears. Any particular models from Parasound/Sunfire to look out for?

Liam.

 

Found these _

Sunfire Cinema Grand £850
Classe CAV 150 £1500
Lexicon 512 £1350

Any thoughts?
Liam.

 

I've always liked Classe stuff but I have not heard that model

 

Given the Meadowlark speakers, what about an eVo 6?

 

Haven't heard of the Evo 6 Isaac. What are the new/second hand prices?

Liam.

 

Paging Tone, Tone to the 5 channel amp thread.

 

So this is my (current) shortlist:

Primare 30.5 (around £800 s/h)
Sunfire Cinema Grand (£850 s/h)
Classe CAV150 (£1500 s/h)
Parasound A52 (£1450 new)

Any experience of these?
Thanks, Liam.

 

No comments on those but the Linn AV5125 should still be on the list in that company - £1750 new is in your budget; don't let the compact looks fool you. Try a google for comments if you want corroboration.

 

Thanks for the info, but I must admit I'm not too keen on Linn after hearing a pre/power stereo combination some time ago (LK140?). Mind you, I liked the Genki cd player!

Liam.

 

Parasound HCA2250 would be nice if you can find one. Actually, what about the Tag 5x100 - are they going a bit cheaper these days?

Matt.

 

Actually - there's that other (non silverline) NAD multi channel amp - the T973 - that looks pretty good and not too expensive: http://www.avland.co.uk/nad/t973/t973.htm

Matt.