[byteme]

Hey,

I'm in a situation where I've got to have a 5 channel (or more) amp for HT purposes, but I've missed decent 2 channel since going HT so I've been trying to beef up that side of my system for the last year.  I'm pretty much there with a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 preamp, McCormack SST-1 transport and CIA DAC (Scott Nixon Tubedac on it's way).  So then next logical option for potential upgrade is the amp.  I've currently got a Sherwood Newcastle AM-9080 which I quite like, but have never heard any other multi's.  Is there such an animal out there that's a great stereo amp that happens to be 5 channel?  I'd need to stay under $1000 (hard salary cap imposed by the commissioner) so Sunfire and Cinenova are out.  The amp will be feeding heavily tweaked Polk RTA11tl via Zu Wax cables.  2 channel goals are "you are there" or they are here type sound!

Thanks!

[JoshK]

Here's my take, get a really superb 2 channel amp you can afford, say an odyssey or a val alstine, etc, etc and use that for your front two and use the Sherwood for the surround/center duties.  Then you can go 7.1 if you so desire.  Down the road you can get another matching amp for the center/surrounds.   Or look into a 3 channel amp from Odyssey or AVA, etc.

[byteme]

Josh,

I've thought of that.  Trouble is this, I've got no more room in the rack and my wife would crap if I wanted to get a bigger rack (if it were the other way around I'd be all in favor of her getting a bigger rack... ) Right now the Sherwood powers the front 3, while the Denon 3802 powers all 4 surrounds.  The other two channels on the sherwood power a pair of deck speakers in zone 2 on the Denon.  I'll have to look again at the space and see if there is any room to move stuff around...

[JoshK]

Can you comment on what it is about your current setup that you are not getting or you think it doing something wrong?   It is hard to recommend a fix if you don't know what is broke, you know?  

[byteme]

Things have really come a long way from running everything through the Denon and being powered by the Denon - that it really sounds good.  But I just can't help but think maybe I could squeeze a little more out of it.  Who knows, maybe not.  It's definately not something I need to do, just that I'm trying to get that extra little bit of realism.  Perhaps I've maxxed out with my current setup and would have to got to the next level in speakers and power in order to do this - I don't know.  Maybe I just need to go listen to other higher end setups and see if something is missing in mine.

[JoshK]

Things that you can do to your room to enhance imaging and tame reflections would probably offer more of an upgrade at this point I would guess. I am not going to defend your current gear as I have not heard the Sherwood but sometimes the best upgrade is the easy upgrade, taming the room.  Well not entirely easy but a good start is easy.  

Other things to consider are cables but I won't go too far into this realm.  If you still hear something missing in your setup versus some hi-end setups at your local shop, then beg, borrow and plead to get a good amp on loan to hear in your system.  If you can hear a significant improvement AND it is what you have been missing all along, then problem solved.  Otherwise send it back and try something else.  I wouldn't be too hasty to buy something new as usually this leads to circles.

[Carlman]

Maybe I just need to go listen to other higher end setups and see if something is missing in mine.

I wish more people came to this realization.  It has definitely helped me understand what to expect when upgrading.  Generally, when I listen to others' systems, I hear things I don't like but, then I hear something I DO like.  Once identified, I try to obtain the 'solution' in my system.  

So, basically, I go looking for problems that didn't exist and then spend money to solve them.  

I haven't heard your particular Polk's but, I have never heard a pair that were very convincing... including the pretty new blue ones that some hifi shops carry now.  

I would highly recommend taking your own advice and listen for sounds that you consider lifelike, convincing, true to life, and/or other adjectives that you didn't even know you'd like.  Put the money aside for now.  You'll need it to add to the other thousands you'll end up wanting to spend.

Good luck!

[JoshK]

Good advice from the Carlman!

[byteme]

I've really been avoiding thinking about an amp upgrade, simply because the rest of the upgrades were just so obvious.  The Denon is fine as a pre/pro but not as a 2 channel pre, and a cheap one box CD player can't really touch what I've got going now for a digital front end.  Things start to get harder now that I've got those dealt with!  Cables I think I'm pretty well covered on, at least at this level.  I've got Zu warmouth's in all the important spots and decent power cables were they can be and Wax to the speakers.

I'm going to have to go and find out what it is that I'm missing, or just enjoy what I've got.  At this point I'm starting to think that ignorance (of other systems and potential sound) is bliss as long as I'm happy with what I've got!

[MaxCast]

I will re-iterate what some have said already.

First, I'd try moving your main speakers around and let them do the best they can do in your room.  Toe them in/out.  Move out into the room as far as the wife will let you.

Second, if that doesn't work start listening to other systems.  Keep in mind that things will sound different in your room no matter how good they sound at the shop or at a friends house.  So, like Josh says, try to get them to let you take the component home.

[witchdoctor]

I think the desire to get a good 5 channel amp is common.If your goal is
to stay under $1000 start checking out audiogon. Harmon Kardon makes great high current 5 channel amps in your price range.
Here is my advice:
1) HK PA 5800 5 Channel Amp ( 80 WPC) - $300  J&R may still have new ones at $350.
2) 8th Nerve Roompack Acoustic Treatment - $250
3) Monster HTS 5000 power conditioner - $250

You still have $200 left over. If I could only get 1 item a would get the power conditioner. It is amazing the bang for the  buck you get because it upgrades your whole system.

Doc

[KeithR]

Find a used Sherbourn 5/1500a.  Great amp for the buck.

[doug s.]

josh's 1st post is the best adwice, imo - do whatever it takes to optimize yer 2-channel rig, even if it means getting a bigger rack.  if ya really are into audio, you'll be happier in the long run...

my opinion, of course!  

doug s.