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As a reviewer I have focused on building my 2 channel stereo system based on low power SET and high efficiency speakers.
I have almost completed my two channel system which comprises of an Audio Note M3 Phono into a KingKo KA101 (used as power amp) which will be upgraded eventually to Audio Note 2a3 monoblocks. Audio Note E/Spx Alnico Hemp speakers for the front. Audio Note AX Two speakers can be used in the rears or as center speakers.
I have a Marantz NR1504 receiver that is pulling home theater duty. With KEF LS-50 and AX Twos in a 4 channel phantom center set-up as my listening position is dead center.
I have long wanted a high quality Solid State set-up with high power (preferably a no feedback design). I am a SET guy after all.
Thus, I am looking for a high power multi-channel system that can drive difficult load speakers (should I review such speakers in the future, and that has some sort of pass through so that I can listen to my two channel Audio Note M3 Phono as the preamp without having to change cables.
I am in no rush - I can look to do this next summer but ideas would be nice.
So in summary:
1) A processor that lets me use my M3 Phono/2a3 amp for 2 channel music without making me unhook cables. Thus, the preamp processor does not have to excel at music but I would like it to be fantastic with movies (and games)- preferably a no feedback amplifier. (I find a lot of solid state to sound thin and glassy and lack ambiance). Two channel SS that I have liked more than the average bear have been from First Watt, Sugden, Ayre, MBL, Acapella, Ypsilon, YS, Technical Brain. (some of these are hybrids though)
2) A multi-channel power amp(5 channels is probably enough given that I live in Hong Kong and there just isn't that much space). This amp should also be good enough to be considered a reference SS power amp in 2 channels as well as it will form my SS reference power amp for reviewing gear. Again preferably a zero feedback amplifier with high power. (ask the impossible eh?)
3) Preferably an amplifier and processor that can be switched to US/Euro/Asia voltage - even if it has to be soldered like my Audio Note gear. But Line Magnetic for example can't be changed.
4) I don't care about the looks of the gear so ugly is fine.
Lastly, budget. Well like everyone I want to spend as little as possible so I'll put this in the (up to) $15k range - preferably less of course.
Thanks in Advance for suggestions.
Richard
Follow Ups:
claims that the centre channel of a Video system is THE main sound source.
All else is secondary, redundant even.
That said; Unless playing Medal of Honour or other such drivel.
Multi channel is pointless
Do you Really ? need to hear "Arnold' in 'glorious' 5.1.
I currently have a simplistic home theater set-up and I do enjoy the rear effects in both Video games such as Dragon Age or Mass Effect or the Last of Us. And I enjoy it in films like The Thing as the helicopter flying overhead and behind you adds to the overall enjoyment.
Is it necessary? No. But then a stereo system of any kind isn't necessary - we can watch youtube through the TV screen with earbuds or TV speakers.
I've often said the same thing about home theater back in the mid 90s with Dolby Pro-Logic. But my current Marantz 5.1 surround receiver for a whole $350 sounds way WAY better than my mid 1990s $2,000 Pioneer Elite.
I don't think surround makes a movie better - it is simply an enhancement of the experience. And I quite liked the first two Terminator films.
...have room for a center channel speaker, but I don't.
For the past 9 years I have not used a center channel speaker, just two fronts and two rears and I can hear everything on video just fine.
Actually, the HT AVRs/prepros do not have any "bypass" inputs at all. They may have analog inputs which are not digitized but are volume-controlled to the analog outputs.OTOH, there are many analog preamplifiers that have an "HT-bypass" function. See link below.
The reason is that, generally, dedicated analog stereo buffs do not want to run their highest quality signals through an AVR/prepro at all. They do, however, often want to send the front L/R signals from their AVRs through the analog stereo preamp in order to maximize sound quality for the front channels and to minimize cable swapping operations.
Edits: 09/22/17
Hi Kal
Yes I realized after I posted that I got it reversed. So in my case I will be forced to switch the cables regardless as my Audio Note M3 does not have H/T bypass. Although instead of switching the cables at the speaker end as I have to do now - I will be able to switch cables at the amplifier end which is much easier As I'll only need to switch the main L/R speakers.
I looked into Ayre but they no longer make their zero feedback multi-channel power amp.
I probably won't find zero feedback so I will probably have to work a little harder to find something I like.
Still looking over at Parasound's site their A51 5 channel amp looks good. The fact that they have been selling for 15 years is more of an attraction of my attention than companies that sell and change every 3-5 years (to stay within the review/marketing cycles).
Anthem's AVM60 might be worth a look on the Pre/processor front. It is said to have the best room correction software in the business. And is said to be one of the simplest to use. And since I am simple ;) - this looks perfect if a bit overkill.
1. I can sort of recommend the A51 because I have an A31 (3channel version) that I use often.
2. Anthem's room correction ARC is quite good but I would not say it is one of the simplest to use and, also, it requires the use of a PC for setup. I do not consider that a criticism, btw.
Parasound amps are hard to beat in this category. Buy used and it's impossible to beat...IMO.
Not sure about the processors. Too many personal variables to recommend a brand or specific unit. Is used a possibility? Then, you could go way up the line on older models (heavily discounted) that don't have HDMI or the latest formats, etc..
Google up Double Pole Throw Switch (DPDT)
From what I have researched and from people I respect, Lynn Olson for one, a DPDT is the best way to integrate a 2 channel w a AV system and manage the grounding problems.
What's up RGA?
Probably not the space saver you need, ATI make No Feedback multichannel amps. If you go 3k series or up the sound quality is beyond it's range. They also require a 20v outlet which may or may not be an issue where you live.
Parasound will have a new higher power 5-channel amp soon but I doubt zero feedback.
My only audition of Wyred4Sound I thought they were neutral, not quite what you describe looking for, however, multichannel, Class D is worth exploring.
I still like the Marantz processors as a sweet spot, you get full featured as with mass market, yet better than mass market performance, IMO.
HT reviewers like Anthem but using a computer and software to set room EQ is a turn off to me, although it's said to be one of the best EQ's going.
Then you have your higher dollar less featured units like Bryston, with great sound, I should add.
I see Lexicon introduced some gear at CEDIA but I haven't had a chance to see what any of it is about.
ATI make No Feedback multichannel amps.
Which model(s) are you thinking of? Certainly not the AT6000 or Ncore based AT52XX series.
I thought the 3000 series was zero feedback, I auditioned one and was told that by the dealer who brought it over. He may have assumed that from the Theta amps though.
The 6000 series says, "2. The design uses current feedback instead of the more common voltage feedback. The reason: current feedback amplifiers are faster with virtually unlimited slew rate and are better able to reproduce today's best music and film sound. "
Isn't the voltage feedback the type called negative or global?
I hve to go now but will do some more chcking.
feedback, regardless of how you source it .
A difference component derived from source and output are mixed back into the output signal.
I didn't find a reference saying the ATI had zero feedback so I stand corrected.
Most companies who boast zero or no feedback seem to be referring to "global" or "negative" feedback. It would seem if current feedback was a negative in any way it wouldn't be listed as a positive in the feature set of ATI 6000 series.
The Dreadnaught was definitely zero feedback. So is Ayre and I believe they do have a 5-channel but I'm not sure if it's a current model. Coda is zero feedback but if they have a MC amp 'm not aware of it. It's a shame I really think RGA would like Coda.
I wish I had more time with the 3000 series amp, it had a brute force about it like no other amp I've had in my system. Not offensive, just a bass authority that really pumped the drivers.
I just reread what I wrote and I would have to change speaker cables regardless. Main speakers would be connected to the 2a3. So I would have to take the cables of the monoblocks and connect them to the SS amp. That's better than at the speaker end though.I looked up the Ayre - they claim no feedback - and modular - It's on their website so perhaps it is still in current production. Probably pretty expensive though.
Second hand might be ok as well since typically it doesn't hold value very well at all.
Edits: 09/21/17
I figured my request would be difficult - I looked up the Bryston pre/processor but it doesn't have a bypass for 2 channel. Bryston amps don't sound particularly good with Audio Note speakers - high negative feedback is not a match.ATI from what I read are all feedback amplifiers.
I have yet to like Class D but I will keep an open mind as I have not heard a lot of class D amplifiers so as they say - it just could be the implementations that I have heard have not been too my taste.
Thanks for trying - it seems like this could be difficult.
Edits: 09/21/17
"bypass for 2 channel"
Yuuk! I doubt your going to like that.
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