[dschave]

I'm looking to add an amp to my DA4ES. The models I'm looking at are as follows:


B&K AV5000 Series 2

B&K ST125.3


The 5000 is a 5 channel amp rated at 125 watts.

The 125 is a 3 channel amp rated at 125 watts.


Suspiciously they both weigh the same and seem to be built on the same chassis.


My front speakers are Paradigm Monitor 7's. My center channel is a CC370. My surrounds are ADP170's. ( 5.1 for now )


My question is, should I buy the 3 channel amp and power the front with it or buy the 5 channel and push it all.


My goal here is to add dynamics and I'm worried that the 5 channel amp will not give me as big of a sound improvement on the front speakers as the 3 channel would.


Does anyone have experience with either of these amps or B&K amps in general?

 

[dsmith901]

If you are using a sub and have all speakers set to small either amp will do the job. Their power ratings are so close you will likely never hear any difference because you have to double the power to increase SPL by a factor of 3dB. If you run your mains as large you might consider getting a 250-300 watt amp for them and the 3 channel for the center/surrounds, or the 5 channel for center/surrounds/rear in a 7 channel mode.


Dsmith

 

[loopy]

check out Anthem too if your speakers are efficient.