Recommendation on High end high value Multichannel Amp

[rimmi2002]

Hi, I am looking to buy my first independent amplifier. Looking for something that can do 5 channels, maybe 7 for future-proofing, but 5 is ample. Based on my research, I have listed some contenders below in the $2–3K range max; Looking for something that give high level performance a resonable price. Basically looking for a high value proposition.

Wanted to see what people think about these? How would you rank these in terms of what I should pursue based on price and performance. Also please let me know if there are any other products I should consider.

For many of these, I am scouting local FB Marketplace and Audiomart listings to see if I can find something used at a reasonable price.

1. Monoprice Monolith 5+channel power amps (Class A/B). My top choice right now if I can find something good used. (**Curious—**they have the 200W/ch version (which is ATI hardware from what I hear) and 90W/ch version (Does this also include ATI material or just a completely different product?). I hear a lot of the people who designed these awesome Monolith products—which were great values—have left Monoprice, but I just wanted to make sure that has not had an impact on these amplifiers, which were released prior to their departure.
2. Anthem 525 (Class A/B) → I see this often around ~$2.5K used. I’m wondering if it’s worth it over the Monoprice one, considering I can find that used at a much lower price or even new for less than the Anthem used.
3. NAD CI8-150 (Class D) (Again, looking to see if I can get something used.)
4. MiniDSP New Amp 8 (Class D) (It’s new... I'll be waiting for reviews.) Curious how it does.

Overall, I’m wondering how you’d rate these choices. I hear McIntosh and Bryston make some end-game amplifiers—I’ll look out for those on Audiomart to see if I can score something used. Maybe I can splurge a little if I find something good, but curious are they worth it? How much difference will I notice over a Monoprice 200W/ch amp or Anthem?

Thanks for your help and advice!

 

[JSmith]

ATI

AT52X Series - Amplifier Technologies Inc.

www.ati-amp.com

JSmith

 

[DWPress]

Buckeye can make you one with Hypex modules. I have a 4ch one Dylan made with 2 NC252MP modules that's been humming along great for 4 years now.

 

[JSmith]

Buckeye Amps

Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!

www.buckeyeamp.com

Buckeye Amps

Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!

www.buckeyeamp.com

JSmith

 

[DVDdoug]

I can't make a recommendation, but what are you looking for that's "high end"? "High value" isn't usually considered high end even if it has good performance... Usually High-end means high price.

Since you'll probably need surround decoder anyway, an AVR should work without separate amps unless you need extra-high power.

How much difference will I notice over a Monoprice 200W/ch amp or Anthem?

A "high end" amp won't necessarily have better sound, but you might get more power, more reliability, better "build quality", nicer look-and feel, and possibly a better warranty. And most manufacturers aren't completely honest about their power ratings. A high-end manufacturer MIGHT be more honest but sometimes they fudge a bit too so it's best if you can get independent measurements.

McIntosh has had a good reputation for a long time but I feel like they are overpriced. And like a most companies and sports teams, the owners change, the employers (or players) change and it's probably not the same company. You'd have to decide it it's worth the premium price. In the 1970s I had a McIntosh tube amp that somebody gave me. I sounded "perfect" better than another tube amp they gave me, but it was mono and eventually gave both amps to someone else.

 

[rimmi2002]

I can't make a recommendation, but what are you looking for that's "high end"? "High value" isn't usually considered high end even if it has good performance... Usually High-end means high price.

Since you'll probably need surround decoder anyway, an AVR should work without separate amps unless you need extra-high power.


A "high end" amp won't necessarily have better sound, but you might get more power, more reliability, better "build quality", nicer look-and feel, and possibly a better warranty. And most manufacturers aren't completely honest about their power ratings. A high-end manufacturer MIGHT be more honest but sometimes they fudge a bit too so it's best if you can get independent measurements.

McIntosh has had a good reputation for a long time but I feel like they are overpriced. And like a most companies and sports teams, the owners change, the employers (or players) change and it's probably not the same company. You'd have to decide it it's worth the premium price. In the 1970s I had a McIntosh tube amp that somebody gave me. I sounded "perfect" better than another tube amp they gave me, but it was mono and eventually gave both amps to someone else.

Sorry, by high-end and high-value, I mean if that $10K McIntosh or Bryston amp is the gold standard, are there amps out there that get 90%+ of that performance at a much lower price point? Overall very subjective, but I’m just trying to learn from others’ experiences, as I’ve never owned an independent amp before.


For preamp processing, I’m planning to go with the MiniDSP Flex HT. It works for what I’m trying to accomplish — it’s really well-priced and seems to do its job really well as a DAC. For my needs, I can use it as a preamp (I guess that’s something I’d consider a high-end, high-value item). Or like how JTR subs at one point were a really good value (a new up and coming company making quality products at a much lower price points).


@JSmith and @DWPress, thanks for sharing recommendations on ATI and Buckeye. I’ve heard good things about both. I looked over their offerings — ATI doesn’t list prices, but Buckeye amps seem really well-priced if they perform as well as their numbers suggest. From what I hear, well-made Class D amps can perform similarly to well-made Class A/B. I’ll spend some time reading up on reviews about them. Thanks.

 

[JSmith]

Buckeye amps seem really well-priced if they perform as well as their numbers suggest.

They are well priced and perform very well. I only linked ATI as you mentioned them as OEM's on some Monoprice amps, so thought I'd link you to the source.

Buckeye NC502MP 8-Channel Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Buckeye Hypex NC502MP 8-channel class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $2,295. There is not a whole lot to look at here. Sheet metal is rather thin and fitment not that great. So put it in a cabinet and forget about...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Buckeye NC502MP 8-Ch Amplifier Teardown

I recently reviewed the Buckeye Hypex NC502MP based 8 channel amplifier. This is a follow up teardown. Let's start with the shot of the Hypex amplifier in situ: You see the vertically mounted amplifier module which provides the power supply and class D amplification for two channels. The...

www.audiosciencereview.com

$10K McIntosh or Bryston amp is the gold standard, are there amps out there that get 90%+

Nah, price doesn't equal more performance generally... with amps you want low noise, low distortion, flat FR, minimal/no load dependency and enough power to drive the speakers.


JSmith

 

[NTK]

McIntosh also uses Hypex amplifier modules (NC500 OEM, predecessor of the Hypex NCx500) in their class-D multi-channel power amplifiers.

McIntosh MI254 Power Amplifier Teardown

Greetings, fellow ASR readers. Long time lurker, first time poster here. This is a quick teardown of a McIntosh MI254 4-channel power amplifier. This amp is used as a supplement to the Marantz SR6014 AVR for home theater duty. It is powering two front channels and two surround channels. I...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[ScienceMajorSellout]

McIntosh also uses Hypex amplifier modules (NC500 OEM, predecessor of the Hypex NCx500) in their class-D multi-channel power amplifiers.

McIntosh MI254 Power Amplifier Teardown

Greetings, fellow ASR readers. Long time lurker, first time poster here. This is a quick teardown of a McIntosh MI254 4-channel power amplifier. This amp is used as a supplement to the Marantz SR6014 AVR for home theater duty. It is powering two front channels and two surround channels. I...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Really? So my Buckeye NCx500 is basically a McIntosh for $525 per channel? question though... You know how on Amir's tests we see a very small delta between RMS and peak wattage with class D compared to A or AB? If you have a class D with a lot of excess RMS wattage, there should be no worries about dynamic range right? I mean my Buckeye is 380/700wpc into 8Ω/4Ω. For anything under 80dB in a big livingroom that's gotta be enough even with my LRS+ maggies, right?

And to the OP's question: Buckeye will make as many channels as you can fit in the box. And as you can see from the NCx500's sterling results from the testing here, what else would you want to go with?

 

[l_lama]

For future-proof setup, I would personally consider a vendor with selection of power amplifiers with same gain and schematics.
For example Anthem has MCA series with 2, 3 and 5 channel, so you can add channels on-demand.

 

[dualazmak]

"High end high value Multichannel Amp" ?!

If you have enough budget and physical setup space, how about having multiple "ACCUPHASE stereo power amplifiers"?

I suggest you having Class-A (A-48S, A-80, or A300) for your midrange and tweeter (and super-tweeter) drivers, and Calss-AB (P-4600 or P7500) for woofers.

 

[xanalog]

Q1: Would any of the Rotel multi-channel PowerAmps be worthy of your consideration?
Q2: Would you consider very upmarket PowerAmp but in the used market?
Q3: Would you please come back and tell us what/why was purchased?

 

[BJL]

I have two Buckeye 8 channel amps (one for Atmos speakers, one for the ear level 7) and I think that they are terrific. I have the Hypex 252 versions, which produce 150 watts/channel into 8 ohms and cost around 1500 each.

2200 seems overpriced for what they offer, not to mention the tariff issue if you are in the U.S.

 

[alvigg]

Another happy buckeye user

 

[Mort]

There almost no reason not to go with buckeye. Looks maybe. Sinad chasing, ok.