I need a cheap 5 channels of amplification

jermmd · « **on:** 10 Sep 2005, 12:09 am »

I need 5 channels of amplification for home theater duty. I have a great amp for my 2 front speakers and I need something to power the center and rears. Right now, I'm using a Pioneer receiver for this role. Since I'm probably going to keep my Parasound Classic 7100 processor, I figure I should sell the receiver and buy an amp. I'll probably go used/audiogon but I was wondering what "the experts" here would recommend.

Florian · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Sep 2005, 12:11 am »

All depends on the price range

jermmd · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Sep 2005, 12:24 am »

Well, it seems to me that you don't really need to spend too much on powering the rear channels of a home theater. Even the center doesn't really require extremely high end amplification.

In other words, I don't want to spend a lot of money.

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Sep 2005, 02:24 am »

What are you front 2 channels? And how would you describe their "sound"? You probably want to stay reasonably similar in signature right?

wildfire99 · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Sep 2005, 02:25 am »

I'm not an "expert" but my first amp upgrade was a used Adcom GFA 545 from Audiogon. Still works, and I still use it! I'd keep an eye out for them used, watch the wattage on some of them as they can be low.

The 545 for $200 was slightly nicer than the amps on my H/K AVR8000.

I've since upgraded to (used) Parasound Halos, but that's not what anyone would consider "inexpensive." Still, I don't think I'll need to upgrade for a long, long time.

I need to do a comparo against the Halos and some "pro amps" I have for the subs sometime. I'd LOVE to save a ton of money, but I've already heard differences among amps.