[AngelEyes]

Hi,

I hope to be getting an HD processor soon, probably the UMC-1. I currently have my Cinepro 2K6 running 3 channel bridged for the front 3 which will leave me with 4 channels needing amplification.

I don't really like the idea od a single channel on a 5 channel amp sitting idle so my preference would be a fairly decent 4 channel amp for M&K surround duties.

I will consider 2nd hand as well as new, any suggestions?

Thank you.

Adam

[MADEINUK]

Hi Angel Eyes, have you considered one of AUDIOLABS 4 channel power amps, or maybe, if you can find one, a PROCEED 4 channel amp ? I can't remember the model numbers but i think the AUDIOLAB was an 8000X4(but try not to quote me on that) I came across a PROCEED power amp a few weeks ago, it was being sold for £600 used. They're like hens teeth on the used market, and are snapped up when they appear.

[Crustyloafer]

You can get 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 channel versions of the Bryston 9BSST. It might be worth keeping a look out for a second hand one. They are very hard to come by though.

[AngelEyes]

Thanks chaps, I'll do some research. I would love to have a Bryston but I think something that special would see the Cinepro relegated to Surround channel duties, maybe a consideration too I suppose?

Any idea on 2nd hand values of a 3 or 4 channel Bryston, sorry I am not familiar with model names? Would these definitely be a step up from the Cinepro?

Thanks.

Adam

[AngelEyes]

Now you have me thinking, I could use 4 channels from the Cinepro for surround duties, bridge 2 for the centre and buy a stereo power amp.

So now, which stereo power amp for music and movies?

Cheers,

Adam

[dean999]

hi adam

did you have a budget in mind?

why not get another cinepro- that will keep your sound the same i hope.

[AngelEyes]

Originally Posted by dean999

hi adam

did you have a budget in mind?

why not get another cinepro- that will keep your sound the same i hope.

That is of course something to be concerned about but Cinepro amps seem rarer than Brystons so I won't be holding my breath.

As for budget, if we are talking Stereo amp, second hand I would consider around £500 and possibly doubling it for something a bit special. I probably couldn't go over £1000 for a 4 channel amp.

Thanks,

Adam

[MADEINUK]

Good call DEAN999, it's best to keep amps the same across all 7 channels, what with matching gain and balance.

[MADEINUK]

Angeleyes, have you considered hunting down some DENON POA 2 and 3 channel power amps? A friend recently got hold of a 3 channel and 2 x 2 channel THX rated Denons for well below the grand you are willing to stretch to. Good hunting.

[Mr_Orange]

You could try finding a TAG McLaren 100:5R that only has 4 channels fitted. There was one listed on Hififorsale a couple of months back.

[AngelEyes]

How do the Tags compare with the likes of Bryston, Parasound, Arcam etc? I had a P7 once but wasn't overly impressed driving M&K 850s but my current speakers are a much heavier load.

I don't know anything about the Denons?

Thanks,

Adam

[mannyjarnail]

Originally Posted by AngelEyes

Thanks chaps, I'll do some research. I would love to have a Bryston but I think something that special would see the Cinepro relegated to Surround channel duties, maybe a consideration too I suppose?

Any idea on 2nd hand values of a 3 or 4 channel Bryston, sorry I am not familiar with model names? Would these definitely be a step up from the Cinepro?

Thanks.

Adam

I have not heard any cinepro amps so i cannot comment on them although Bryston amps are absolutely excellent so is the chord spm 1203 amplifier. Each of the above amplifiers has its strengths and weaknesses.

The 9BBST is configurable to 1 to 5 channels as it is a modular amplifier.
The 6BSST is a 3 channel beasty.
The SPM 1203 is a 3 channel amplfier.

There is also the SST2 series Brystons which are a better again.

I think mr oranges tag option would be the most price performance option.

[bazonix]

hi Adam

considered a marantz mm8003 8 channel (allows for bi-amping 8 into 4) ?

i think Nick just bagged one off the classifieds and there was another seller lurking around.... and for what they sold for.... less than half price! if he's in possession of it, possibly ask his opinion on it

just my 2p

[MADEINUK]

The DENON POA power amps are pretty powerful, the newer models are available via their website or any decent DENON dealer. The ones i'm thinking of were available from the late 90s' up to the early 2000s'.

[stevefish69]

Originally Posted by AngelEyes

How do the Tags compare with the likes of Bryston, Parasound, Arcam etc? I had a P7 once but wasn't overly impressed driving M&K 850s but my current speakers are a much heavier load.

I don't know anything about the Denons?

Thanks,

Adam

Adam,

As you know i changed from a Parasound 1500a and 1205a to the Cinepro and the difference was staggering so IMO i'd be a step down.

A Bryston beast 2 channel amp may be a good match but they don't come cheap. Have you posted a wanted post out for another Cinepro. You never know your luck (just don't think ya getting your hands on mine )

[AngelEyes]

That is the problem with getting the Cinepro so cheap, I can't afford anything of similar quality.

Adam

[dean999]

hi adam

it seems that you now have a selection of recommended amps.

good hunting. i think from reading thru the thread a cinepro or bryston is what you seem to be veering towards.


regards
dean

[AngelEyes]

Hi Dean,

It is difficult not to stick with what you know and when trying something new, Bryston is probably a safe bet. I still have an open mind though

Adam

[dean999]

hi adam

i think a parasound halo a21( 2 channel) will be up your street. they are high ampere & have a high damping factor( i am lead to believe that the higher the damping factor the deeper & more controlled bass). the 2 channel from memory last year was £1250 new,sad to say it is now £1950 at stoneaudio.co.uk so may be a second hand one would come under/on budget.

best regards
dean

[dean999]

adam

check out this link- it compares the halo vs the bryston:

Parasound Halo and Bryston - AVS Forum

[AngelEyes]

Anyone have any idea what a second hand Bryston 4B ST is worth and whether it is any good?

Cheers.

Adam

[dean999]

Adam, found this bryston on ebay:ships worldwide

Bryston 9B ST 5 Channel Power Amplifier Amp for approx $1900 on below:

Bryston 9B ST 5 Channel Power Amplifier Amp on eBay.ca (item 350272720363 end time 30-Nov-09 11:13:21 EST)


i cannot find any bryston 4b st.

take care
dean

[stevefish69]

There is a nice 5 channel Parasound HCA 2205a up for grabs in the classifieds here. You could keep the Cinepro bridged up front and use this for your rears, but may need to find something to do with your spare channel

Tactile Transducer anyone

If ionly Dave had not given his away i'd have it hooked up to my 6th channel as we speak

[AngelEyes]

I have seen few that interest me, I could opt got a Bryston 4B ST for the front 2 or I think there is still a Parasound A52 in the classifieds... The Para seems the safer bet as the Bryston may not blend well with the Cinepro.

Decisions...

[Welwynnick]

Originally Posted by bazonix

considered a marantz mm8003 8 channel (allows for bi-amping 8 into 4) ?

i think Nick just bagged one off the classifieds and there was another seller lurking around.... and for what they sold for.... less than half price! if he's in possession of it, possibly ask his opinion on it

I sure did, and what a pleasant surprise it was. I've been through quite a few power amps this year, and this is my preferred amp, even over the 4B SST. Strongly recommended. The other seller wasn't very communicative though.

Nick