[David C]

Hi
I am trying to help a friend out on amp selection for his HT set up. He has a denon receiver he currently uses and would like to keep it to use the pre amp outs to a new 5.1 amp as he is buying a pair of Sonus Faber Cremona M floorstanders for the front left and right channels. Something in the 200 to 300 watt range for  $2 to $3 thousand USD

thanks in advance
David

[zybar]

Hi
I am trying to help a friend out on amp selection for his HT set up. He has a denon receiver he currently uses and would like to keep it to use the pre amp outs to a new 5.1 amp as he is buying a pair of Sonus Faber Cremona M floorstanders for the front left and right channels. Something in the 200 to 300 watt range for  $2 to $3 thousand USD

thanks in advance
David

So are you looking to drive 5 channels or just the front left/right channels?

Assuming it is all five, I used an ATI 1506 (used for under $1k) with my Denon 3808ci receiver and it definitely improved the sound over just the receiver.  I then moved to a Parasound Halo A51 and it improved further.  The A51 retails for $4500 new, but you can definitely get lightly used models within your budget. 

George 

[stigs]

My first choice would be to look at good used equipment. As of right now on Agon are several nice pieces such as an ATI AT3007 ,B&K REFERENCE 200.7 ,KRELL KAV500, and a  PARASOUND A51. These are just few amps that I would consider. You should also look at various forum classifieds. If I were to look at new I would try out the Emotiva XPA-5 as they have 30 day trial period. Hope this helps.

[max190]

David, no need to spend that kind of cash.
As stigs mentioned the Emotiva XPA-5 is all that your buddy needs. Will drive those 4 ohm Sonus Faber's easily.
Does he have a center, surrounds, or a sub yet?

[David C]

A big thanks to all for the responses. My friend is in Houston and I just got off the phone with him and he is going to go with the Emotiva 5 channel. He does have the other speakers and sub but I am working on him to get a new sub.... the 12" rythmik (spelling ?)

thanks again
David

[geowak]

The A51 is an outstanding value and very close to high end without the higher price. I like John Curl's designs if not a ptp wiring design.

[Vapor Audio]

Check out the D-Sonic stuff - http://www.d-sonic.net/

I have his new M2-1000S here right now, and it's without a doubt the best Class-D amp I've heard yet ... and I've heard a lot of them. 

D-Sonic is in Houston too btw, give Dennis there a call and see if you can check them out in person.