Well, I'm trying to find the right amp for me. I am currently running Song Towers, and will eventually have the song center/surrounds (probably around this summer when I'm back to working full time since I'll be off from school). My budget is flexible, but I'm budget conscious and would like to keep it within reason, definitely under 2k, and if possible closer to 1k or less. I know it'll be something used, and I'm fine with that, as I've used agon before. My short list of amps include the Halo A 52, bryston 9b (it would be pushing my budget), Audio Refinment Multi 5, and either an Emotiva xpa 5 or xp3/xpa2 combo. Other possibilities include the Rotel 1075/1095 or a Parasound 1205 or the 2250 (I think that's the number?), since I enjoy my current 2 channel parasound amp. I really want something that will make my song towers sing, and I'm afraid that the Emotiva will sound too run of the mill or mass produced. As a friend put it, "I have to remind myself that these amps are geared towards mass market capabilities and not dialed in on musical performance or recreating beautiful sound. There is more to amps than watts." (He's referring to Rotel, B&K, and Emotiva to be specific). I'm not trying to put down Emotiva, or any of those other brands, because I have not listened to them, but that's one of my fears is they will not provide the great sound that compliments the Song Towers.
A little more background, I'm currently using a Marantz SR-5002 avr to power them because I moved my 2 channel amp and preamp into another set up (I had unused speakers in my apartment that had been sitting idle too long). I enjoyed the sound I had when I had my parasound HCA-1000a hooked up to my song towers, and it's tough going back to an avr, which is why I'm wanting the 5 channel amp.
Finally, my usage is about half and half when it comes to movies and music, but probably leaning a little more towards movie/ht usage. So any recommendations or thoughts on what I'm currently looking at would be great. Thanks,
Alex
