Apollon Multichannel Power Amp – NCx500 vs Purifi 1ET6525SA for 7.2.4 System

[Descartes]

OR​

AVR Marantz Cinema 40 or 30 could be enough for this setup?​

As owner of a Cinema 30 and KEF 7.2.4 system, the Cinema 30 does an outstanding job in delivering quality cinema experience.
- L/R: KEF R3 Meta
- C: KEF C6 Meta
- 4 Surround & 4 ATMOS: KEF LS50
- 2 Subs
I am planning to get a three channel PURIFI 1ET9040BA for the LCR

 

[Jerry Sobel]

I would choose another brand of amp.

 

[Descartes]

Hi everyone! I'm currently deciding between two multichannel power amps from Apollon Audio:

• Apollon Hypex NCx500 (11 Channel)
• Apollon Purifi 1ET6525SA (11 Channel)

The price is essentially the same, and I'm torn between them. I’ve been researching for 3–4 days but would love your opinions. Movie-Focused Setup

My system setup (7.2.4):​

• Front L/R: KEF Q11 Meta (1 Pair)
• Center: KEF Q6 Meta
• Surround (Side): KEF Q8 Meta (2 pcs)
• Surround (Back): KEF Q4 Meta (2 pcs)
• Atmos (Ceiling): KEF Ci200RR-THX (4 pcs)
• Subwoofer: KEF Kube MIE15 (2 pcs)
• Processor / Preamp: Marantz AV10
• Power Amp: N/A yet (that’s why I’m here!)

• Room Size: 4m x 5.5m​

What I’m unsure about:​

• Should I choose NCx500 (more power, 137dB SNR) or Purifi 1ET6525SA (more refined, lower THD)?
• For op-amps:
  • Is OPA1656 good enough?
  • Or should I go for Sonic Imagery 994 or Sparkos Labs S2590 Pro?
• Or maybe... power amps are overkill and Marantz Cinema 40 or 30 could already be enough for this setup?

I'd greatly appreciate any advice, thoughts, or shared experiences — especially from anyone who has used either of these Apollon builds. Thanks in advance!

• And which Op-Amp should I choose between these 3 models?

OPA 1655 (Standard) for 11ch
Sonic Imagery 994 (+1100$) for 11ch
Sparkos Labs S2590 Pro (+2200$) for 11ch

OR​

AVR Marantz Cinema 40 or 30 could be enough for this setup?​

Cinema 30 will be completely fine! If you want you could use a three channel amplifier for the LCR and the rest of the speakers driven by the Marantz that’s what I did