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Help out a Reviewer - Adding Home Theater to 2 Channel System

Posted by RGA (R) on September 20, 2017 at 19:50:59

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

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