Sorry I'm asking this in the Digital Amplifier Co. circle, but this thread got my attention and am enjoying the responses.
I'm curious to hear anyone's thoughts (even generally speaking) about this topic, but for multi-channel amps. I may be in the market for a 5 channel amp: 4 channels for active bi-amp of main speakers, and 1 channel for an 'ambiance fill' reduced-volume center channel. I realize I could go 2 stereo amps for the mains + a mono for center, but I need to keep things as simple as possible. So some 5 channel amps I'm considering are:
ATI Ncore
ATI 'regular' class A/AB
ATI fully balanced monster
Monoprice (made by ATI)
NAD Ncore
Bryston
Parasound hi-bias, (first 6 watts or so as Class A).
Any thoughts or opinions? Is the Parasound hi-bias Class A worth chasing? I've heard that well executed Class D sounds remarkably similar to Class A, but never heard myself..... Does going active reduce my need for higher watts, due to not being wasted in a passive crossover? etc.