I am going to be upgrading from a Sunfire Cinema Grand that is currently running my four M&K 2525 Tripole Surrounds to a better amp and want some opinions from the group. The price range is 5k and the main issue is detailed performance and not brute horsepower. I want an amp that is very articulate and fully capable of running 4 ohm loads for long periods of time. I have powered monitors on the LCR with power ratings in the 225 watt range and am looking for the same range into 4 ohms for the new surround amp. The Sunfire isn't detailed enough for my taste but does have more then enough power to play very loud when needed. I would prefer less power if the sound was more detailed and articulate. What are your thoughts on the TAG 100x5R, Theta Intrepid, or AMP 5? I currently have a TAG AV32R as a pre-amp and am leaning toward the 100x5R due to its interactive connectivity and power ratings -- it is also available in a 4 channel version if needed which means I wont be wasting a channel I don't need. My only reservation about going with it is a lack of XLR connectors on the back. Not that this matters now but in a few months I will be upgrading to the AV192R which has fully balanced outputs -- (Buzz, any thoughts on this). The Intrepid, while not capable of supporting the TAG communication buss does seems to be in the same power league and has XLR connectors. Tha AMP 5 is in the same league as the Intrepid. So, if any of you would like to give some advice or suggest looking at other amps I would greatly appreciate it. Remember, this is for surround channels only.
Thanks,
MIKE
Thanks,
MIKE