[jephdood]

Used, but must be in excellent shape.

Has to have a good reputation for sound and dependability.

I like a smoother sound.

125-200wpc.

Black.

A grand or less.

Anyone?   aa

[krikor]

I don't have one anymore, but I highly recommend the Audio Refinement Multi-5 (built by YBA I believe), especially if you like a smoother sound.  I used this for a while with my Magnepans and it sounded great.

They retailed for $2500 but Spearit Sound is clearly them out for $1250 new with warranty.  You can also find them used every now and then on audiogon for under a $1000.

[WGH]

The Anthem amps are very good and smooth with tight controlled bass. There is a PVA-5 on the audiogon for $700. Secrets likes Anthem gear:http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/main.html. I use the PVA-2.

[zybar]

Used, but must be in excellent shape.

Has to have a good reputation for sound and dependability.

I like a smoother sound.

125-200wpc.

Black.

A grand or less.

Anyone?   aa

I am very happy with the ATI 1506 (yes, it is six channel amp, but you can find it as a five channel amp - model 1505).

It is built like a tank, runs relatively cool, and sounds great.

No ss glare or brightness.

Great dynamics, yet well balanced.

George

[WEEZ]

There's a 1505 for sale at Audiogon right now for $800 obo.

(I'm not affiliated with the seller or ATI, fwiw)

WEEZ

[jephdood]

Thanks for all the suggestions.   

I saw that 1505..  why the heck do some of their models have gray/silver chassis covers?  Not a deal-breaker, but..  why??  Also, I've heard some say 'smooth' on that one, and some say 'bright'.  Not sure which is correct as I've never heard an ATI in person.

The PVA-7 seems a little underpowered, but maybe I'm looking too hard at the numbers.  I used to have an MCA-50 and loved it.

The Audio Refinement looks interesting.  Researching that one now.

Any thoughts on the Parasound 2205A?  Everyone seems to agree that it's a great HT amp..  but 2-channel sound is very important to me as well.

[AB]

There is always the Rotel RMB 1095. I have had one of these for a few years in my HT. Works like a charm.

[jephdood]

I'd take a 1095..   

[WGH]

Thanks for all the suggestions.   

The PVA-7 seems a little underpowered, but maybe I'm looking too hard at the numbers.  I used to have an MCA-50 and loved it.

 2-channel sound is very important to me as well.

The amp choice probably depends on your room size and speaker. The PVA-2 I use is the 2 channel version of the Anthem amps, I use it for both 2-channel sound and home theater. I like it very much for both applications, the first thing I noticed when I auditioned it was that the amp is very smooth, like the solid state graininess or hardness heard in some amps is just not there, you find yourself turning the volume up because it sounds so damn good. The next thing I noticed is bass control, this amp goes down deep and tight. The highs are not in-your-face, but also smooth. If you want a more Technicolor sound for home theater then this is not the amp to choose, but for music it sings. I have a smallish room (11.5x15) and efficient speakers (VR2's) and never lack for power even without a sub. I use an old Adcom GFA-535 (60 w/channel) for the surround speakers, (no center speaker needed in a room this small), so the Anthem does not have to drive 5 speakers.

I never heard the other amps mentioned, but an ATI amp is used by a few speaker manufacturers to tri-amp their speakers using an active crossover.

[BradJudy]

I saw that 1505..  why the heck do some of their models have gray/silver chassis covers?  Not a deal-breaker, but..  why??  Also, I've heard some say 'smooth' on that one, and some say 'bright'.  Not sure which is correct as I've never heard an ATI in person.

You can also pick up an older Outlaw amp, which were made by ATI.  I have an Outlaw 750 (the 755 is very similar) which is 5x165W in a flat black finish.  They go used for a good bit under $1k, but are often hard to find for sale without the corresponding pre/pro.

[jeffjazz]

Just saw this you might like. Don't know the guy.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1194388871

Looks like a beast.

[Midnite Mick]

Just saw this you might like. Don't know the guy.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1194388871

Looks like a beast.

Was that amp really 3500 new?

I just purchased a used one of these myself in silver about a week ago.  I wanted an amp exclusively for home theatre.  It is okay but nothing special for this application.  I find it to be pretty quiet and leans to the warm.  FWIW I paid 1000 Cdn locally.  I think it was a good price though, because that is what he listed it for and he had a fair amount of responses in a short period of time by Canuck Audio Mart standards.

Good luck,
Mike

edit:  I just looked at the op and this may actually be what you are looking for

[jephdood]

I had an Aragon Stage One and 2007 amp a half dozen years ago or so.

I thought it sounded so-so also.  Kinda thin, actually.  Cracked open the chassis as well to have a look under the hood and wasn't too impressed with that either.

I dunno...   

[aaron smithski]

Used, but must be in excellent shape.

Has to have a good reputation for sound and dependability.

I like a smoother sound.

125-200wpc.

Black.

A grand or less.

Anyone?   aa

Hi Jeff --

You are describing the Parasound HCA-1205A...which I happen to have a mint copy of here at the house.    It hasn't been used in nearly 2 years (other than hooking it up a few times). I've been debating on whether or not to use it in my second system in the family room, or just run a receiver in there...so it's been in storage.

It is a near-new as you could probably find anywhere. I can't find a single blemish on it.

Rated at 140 x 5 into 8 ohms, and 200 x 5 into 4 ohms. Parasound's with the MOSFETS are known as being very smooth, warm amps.

I'm looking to get $700 plus shipping for it.

Aaron

 

[Cacophonix]

Sony TAN9000ES can be had for under 500 on audiogon. 120wx5.
Excellent amplifier! Very well built, and sounds wonderful.

[satfrat]

You could look for a used Butler Audio TDB-5150, that's 5 X 150watts per channel @ 8 ohms, but I doubt you'd find one for $1000 or less. You never know tho and I can attest to the fact that these tube hybrid amps do both home theater & music decently well.

Robin


PS, only used one I could find is being sold for $1850, probably outta your ballpark. http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?amps50ch&1187107109&class&3&4&

[warnerwh]

I think Parasound amps offer alot for the money. Also the ATI and Cinenova are true bargains. The Cinenova will be out of price range although you can get a 3 channel for that money and use a receivers amps for two channels (rears).  I use a Cinenova and feel it's the best deal for the money out there. Just my opinion of course but it's a hell of a lot of amp for a grand.  With 300x2 at 8 ohms and doubling into 4 ohms it's hard to beat. There's a couple of reviews where they actually measured the amps and they have zero problem putting out the power they claim. They run cool too so you're not adding a heater to your room in the summer.

The only downside is the size. They're very large as the transformer alone is about 4 kilowatt. The weight is 98lbs. Finding used ones isn't easy either but they go on Ebay sometimes.

[jephdood]

Thanks all.  Just got what I believe to be a great deal on a Parasound 2205A.  I'm pretty happy about it.  It's my first Parasound, so I hope it's the amp for me..   

[jeffjazz]

Saw another one.  Don't shoot me down.  I don't know how good it is.  I don't think it can be beat much for the price.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1194663710