A new amp for my system

[madmax123]

I run mainly 5.1 for movies mostly, also play 2 channel music from time to time.
I want to add a amp to my receiver one that will last for a long time! So I guess im looking for a 3 channel amp for now, for the front mains and the center or do I look for a 2 channel for my mains? Price $1000 to $1500 but want one that will last a life time! I don't like to change equiment, want buy once and enjoy! thx

[blackraven]

If your going to add and amp, I would look for at least a 3ch amp. That way all 3 front speakers will at least be driven by the same amp and have the same tonal quality.

Check out www.audioadvisor.com They are running sales on a lot of amps right now.
The NAD T955 100wpcx5 is on sale for $799 $1500 list!

If you can swing some extra money, they have the Parasound Halo A52 125wpcx5 for $1720, it is a demo unit which I would not hesitate to buy.

Also consider Van Alstine's 3ch solid state amp http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/amplifier/insight_240_3.htm

His equipment is well made, they have an excellent reputation and he will upgrade your equipment if he comes out with a new model. I own some of his gear and have heard that amp. Nice warm sound with tremendous bass.

[RoadRunner6]

http://emotiva.com/xpa2.shtm

http://emotiva.com/xpa3.shtm

http://emotiva.com/xpa5.shtm

[nightflier]

Odyssey makes an amazing amp for $1500, they offer a 10-year transferable warranty, and they will upgrade it as much as you want:

http://www.odysseyaudio.com/products-stratos-ht3.html

PS Audio is another great company. They have discontinued their multi-channel amp line, so you can pick them up for less than half retail and they also offer excellent waranty and service:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1248792856&/Ps-audio-GCA-Mc-3x250-multi-ch

I borrowed a 5-channel version of this beast and if I didn't need to return it, it would have been my last amp for a long time, perhaps for good.

Also check out Anthem on Audiogon/eBay. Great reviews on those as well.

[madmax123]

What about Parasound are they any good? When I choose a amp i want it to last me the next 20 years or so. So maybe i'll save alittle more money for one, So just want to know what brands will last a lifetime and don't have to worry about it.

[Mr Peabody]

If you want brute strength and reliability Bryston has a 20 year transferable warranty. This makes them a good buy used. You can buy a 10 year old amp and still have a 10 year warranty.

Krell is another brand that lasts but the warranty isn't that long, I believe 5 years on most. Both of these amps are costly though.

Several of the guys here have bought those Emotiva amps and seem to be happy with them, if you are just adding to a receiver the Emo's are priced good and buying beyond that would really be over kill with a receiver for the front end. If you were going to separates some day then my recommendations might make sense.

[blackraven]

I own the Parasound Halo A21. All I can say is that the build quality is excellent and it compares favorably to amps costing much more. The warranty is 5yrs parts and labor. The Halo line uses circuitry designed by John Curl. Check out the specs on the A21
http://parasound.com/halo/a21.php

I have no regrets buying this amp. Its quiet, has great resolution, detail, dynamics, headroom and bass. Its very neutral sounding.

I did a lot of research before I bought this amp.

But I agree with Mr. P. Bryston stands by their products and there are many older Brystons on the used market.

[DAVEBUCK]

I am also looking for an amp in this price range. I am setting up a 5.1 system using Magnepan 1.6R which are power hungry. I have pretty much narrowed it down to the Parasound 5250 which is about $1400 and the Odyssey Stratos HT-3 with Khatargo for the rears. About $2100. The others which have kind of faded in the top group include ATI-1805, W4S Minis, Outlaw 7500 and the Anthem 7605. Depending on your power requirements you may also want to look at the musical fidelity ht600 B-stock

[DAVEBUCK]

I meant Adcom-7605 or 7705

[blackraven]

I would consider the Parasound Halo A51 225wpcx5 at 4ohms