Three channel amps

[stevefl]

Does anybody have any experience with three channel amps, AKA Home theater amps by some manufacturers?

A quick google search turns up
Emotiva XPA-3
Anthem MCA 325
Monolith 3x200
Parasound Halo A31

Of course, none of these has any measurements on their websites. I’ve been searching the database but to the best of my ability it doesn’t look like Amir has reviewed these, or any others. Maybe somebody knows if I missed some?

I’ve always been a skeptic of subjective reviews and seeing the number of very expensive bits of kit that suck I’m reluctant to buy without seeing some measurements.

Anyway even if no one has any info, just sayin’ Hi. I’m a new member and this is my first post. I hope I didn’t screw it up.

 

[LTig]

AFAIR @amirm has measured a 5 channel power amp not long ago.

EDIT: it was 6 channel amp: Buckeye NC502mp
EDIT: a 5 channel amp: Classé Sigma AMP5
EDIT: a 5 channel amp: Linn AV5125
EDIT: a 7 channel amp: NAD M28
EDIT: a 8 channel amp: Lexicon DD8

 

[Matias]

Below a list with many brands, so that you can get a ballpark where their amplifiers are in terms of SINAD.

In my opinion, get a 4 channel NC502MP based Buckeye amp and you are done.

Amplifier SINAD list ASR + 3rd parties

List Name,THD+N (5W, 4 ohms),SINAD (dB) (5W, 4 ohms),Power (W) (1% THD+N, 4 ohms),Price (USD),Source Topping LA90 (stereo, bypass, low gain),0.00009%,121,90,800,<a href="https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/topping-la90/">L7 Audio Lab</a>,Suggestions, corrections and more info here: Topping LA90 Discre...

docs.google.com

 

[BDWoody]

Does anybody have any experience with three channel amps, AKA Home theater amps by some manufacturers?

I have an older Krell KAV 250a/3 that has been happily doing its job for many years.

I used it for the front LCR speakers until I got powered monitors, so now it is on subwoofer duty.

I don't know what I'd look into if I needed another one...probably Buckeye, but I might just get another old Krell.

 

[tifune]

Monolith 3x200

Audioholics did a decent review of the 7ch In addition to attached

 

[stevefl]

AFAIR @amirm has measured a 5 channel power amp not long ago.

EDIT: it was 6 channel amp: Buckeye NC502mp
EDIT: a 5 channel amp: Classé Sigma AMP5
EDIT: a 5 channel amp: Linn AV5125
EDIT: a 7 channel amp: NAD M28
EDIT: a 8 channel amp: Lexicon DD8

Yeah I saw those. A little overkill for what I have in mind

 

[Shanman]

I own the 3 channel Monolith, zero complaints. Has been running a pair of Snell towers for almost a year now without any issues whatsoever. Made by ATI.
You could also run 3 monoblocks like the Outlaw 2220s. Those have been reviewed here and did well.

 

[DonH56]

Most if not all multichannel amplifiers use the same modules/circuits for each channel. Fewer channels may stress the power supply and cooling capacity less, providing a hair more output, and potentially lower crosstalk, but otherwise specs should be similar for things like THD and SNR. I'd also expect build quality and "look and feel" to be similar among different amps in a product line, so if I saw a 5- or 7-channel amp that looks good, I'd have no problem purchasing the 3-channel version.

FWIWFM - Don

 

[rubley00]

Audiophonics does a 3 channel Purifi amp.

AUDIOPHONICS HPA-T400ET Power Amplifier Class D 3 Channels Purifi 1ET400A 3x400W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

We are proud to offer you the AUDIOPHONICS HPA-T400ET, a 3 way class D power amplifier based on three PURIFI 1ET400A modules. This ready-to-use version is aimed at audiophiles who want to equip themselves with a foolproof amplification solution.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[djtetei]

Alternatively, you can use an audio video receiver / audio video processor with multichannel line level pre-outputs connected to 2-3 amplifiers with passive speakers or to 3 active speakers.

 

[stevefl]

Audiophonics does a 3 channel Purifi amp.

AUDIOPHONICS HPA-T400ET Power Amplifier Class D 3 Channels Purifi 1ET400A 3x400W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

We are proud to offer you the AUDIOPHONICS HPA-T400ET, a 3 way class D power amplifier based on three PURIFI 1ET400A modules. This ready-to-use version is aimed at audiophiles who want to equip themselves with a foolproof amplification solution.

www.audiophonics.fr

I was looking for that because of how well the stereo measured. Thanks.

 

[stevefl]

Below a list with many brands, so that you can get a ballpark where their amplifiers are in terms of SINAD.

In my opinion, get a 4 channel NC502MP based Buckeye amp and you are done.

Amplifier SINAD list ASR + 3rd parties

List Name,THD+N (5W, 4 ohms),SINAD (dB) (5W, 4 ohms),Power (W) (1% THD+N, 4 ohms),Price (USD),Source Topping LA90 (stereo, bypass, low gain),0.00009%,121,90,800,<a href="https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/topping-la90/">L7 Audio Lab</a>,Suggestions, corrections and more info here: Topping LA90 Discre...

docs.google.com

I went to their site and they also make a three channel amp.

 

[DonR]

As an alternative, I run a pair of Samson Servo amps, A Servo 600 for the LR and a Servo 300 in bridged mode for the center. If you find a decent stereo amp that runs bridged and measures well you can buy 2 and have 3 channels.

 

[Astrozombie]

I expect Emo to be a tad overrated, would go with Monolith if i had to choose even if it is on the expensive side.

 

[RammisFrammis]

Please include the Emotiva XPA-DR3 Differential Reference™ Three-Channel Power Amplifier in your review.

The real Bob Carver?

 

[Chrispy]

FWIW was curious and I found these
Emo XPA3 review with bench tests
Parasound A31 review with bench tests

 

[Chrispy]

this is not the differential variant (true balance topology modules)

That's the amp you suggested, not the one OP is asking about. If they measure better, who knows.

 

[Rottmannash]

Are you in the US? If so I'd consider a 3 channel Purifi from Buckeye Amps.

 

[Chrispy]

XPA-DR3 Differential Reference™ Three-Channel Power Amplifier

The XPA-DR3, a high-powered three-channel audiophile power amplifier that combines a balanced design with the power you need for your audio. Shop today!

emotiva.com

And, if you did buy this amp, then do send it in to Amir for a test. That's how it happens....

 

[Chrispy]

Why would I do that?

Because you requested a test, the testing here is largely driven by folk who buy a piece of gear and send it in to Amir for measurement.....some manufacturers have offered up directly but not in great numbers (nor do I think Emotiva has volunteered but not keeping track particularly, just haven't seen any evidence of such). So...if you really want to see a test on this particular amp, that's the best way to go.