Best ~$2000 Amplifier - ATI, ParaSound, Emotiva, Outlaw, Theta
My 15 yrs old Kenwood VR-4090 receiver died recently & now I've an opportunity to upgrade my setup. I usually watch movies (80%) & listen to music/tapes (20%) since I've several old tracks. I'm planning to use the Oppo BDP-105 as Pre/Pro in 5.1 setup.
I read tonnes & tonnes of reviews & forums and am considering the following, similarly priced ($1500-$2000), 5 channel used/refurbished Amplifiers. The objective is to break the barrier between Tube & SS:
1.) Parasound A 51
1.) Emotiva XPR-5
2.) ATI 2005
2.) Outlaw 7500 or 755
2.) Parasound A 52/ 5250/ 5125
2.) Theta Digital Intrepid
3.) Anthem MCA-50
3.) MARANTZ MM8077
3.) Onkyo PA-MC5500
Current Setup:
• Room 20x18x9 with open area, so sound can bleed
• Speaker: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook System II (L, R,C)
• Speaker: JBL S312 (RL, RR)
• BD: Oppo 105
• Tape Deck: Nakamichi RX-505
I know that I don't need a lot of Power. However, it's my understanding that the overall SQ in high-end Amps gets better & better. The above list is created based on responses in a few forums, with no actual listening experience. Since most of them are old, I don't think I will have that opportunity anyway.
Please let me know what do you think & do you agree? Which one would you personally recommend based on your actual listening experience. Otherwise, it's like a blind leading a blind. :)
Hey, and any good place to buy? Are you selling? PM me. :)
Thank you!