Suggestions for a 3 Channel Amplifier Around $1000-1500 (2024)

Hey guys, my dad's putting me in charge of building a nice(r) home theater system and I'm needing some reccomendstions for a good solid 3 channel amp in the $1000-1500 price range. The system is as follows:

- 2 Definitive Technology BP 2000TL (fronts)
- 2 Definitive Technology BP 2002TL (backs)
- 1 Infinity IL 36c (Center)

- Audioquest cables/interconnects throughout

- Anthem AVM 50 Processor
- B&K ST-202 Sonata (This can be subject to change, depending on how it sounds with whatever 3 channel amp I'm getting)

I am currently looking at a Bryston 5BST for a 3 channel amp. Have any of you heard this amp and/or is there any recommendations that can beat this amp within my price range? Thanks!

Why 3 channel?

I've had a couple 3 channel amps, a couple 5 channel. Those don't show up much.

6 and bridgeable 12 channel seem more common.
I use a 6 or bridged 12 channel for HT, as long as the amps have gain controls, all is great.

My experience says the AV pre-amp is the key.
A nice AV pre-amp makes a world of difference.
One of the best I've had so far is a Proceed AVP

Infinity! said:

Hey guys, my dad's putting me in charge of building a nice(r) home theater system and I'm needing some reccomendstions for a good solid 3 channel amp in the $1000-1500 price range. The system is as follows:

- 2 Definitive Technology BP 2000TL (fronts)
- 2 Definitive Technology BP 2002TL (backs)
- 1 Infinity IL 36c (Center)

- Audioquest cables/interconnects throughout

See Also

3-zone Receivers - Crutchfield4-channel Amplifiers at Crutchfield.comBest multi-channel car amplifiers for 2024XPA-3 Gen3 3 Channel Audiophile Home Theater Power Amplifier

- Anthem AVM 50 Processor
- B&K ST-202 Sonata (This can be subject to change, depending on how it sounds with whatever 3 channel amp I'm getting)

I am currently looking at a Bryston 3BST for a 3 channel amp. Have any of you heard this amp and/or is there any recommendations that can beat this amp within my price range? Thanks!

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The Bryston you mention is what I use to drive JBL LSR32's and a Revel C32 center. I choose inexpensive HT receiver's, because for me the key element is the HDMI switching, and no matter how great the rest of it is, there's a big value hit when HDMI standards change; my preamp processor is a little Marantz SR5011. I have a separate music system for critical listening, and I have never plugged the Bryston into it, but I do use the HT setup for background music played from a server. Absent very high dollar equipment, I have to agree with the above poster who said the HT prepro will be the limiting factor when it comes to music SQ. My speakers are 4-ohm; the 5B ST is rated at about 200 watts into that load. I've been using it for about five years, and it has been very satisfactory. When watching movies I don't care about earthquakes and dinosaur footfalls. I use a three channel front so i can adjust the relative loudness of action noise and dialogue passages. Ergo, the one caveat in my recommendation is that, since your LF effects channel is essentially in your front LR, the 5B ST may run out of power, if you are going for low and loud. In that case you might be better off with a bigger stereo amp and a Marantz MA500 or 700 for the center.

Don't overlook ATI's offerings.

You can bide your time then nail a killer deal on one of Monoprice's Monolith 2- through 7-channel ATI-sourced amps. ATI also sells direct and through its own B-stock website (good way to save few bucks on ATI-branded gear).

I have a Marantz HT unit that works very well. Suggest you give them a look:

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-a3MrG...wdv=t&awkw=marantz&awmt=e&awnw=g&awug=9005678

Regards,
Jerry

Well I missed this party as usual.

I was going to say the Anthem
MCA-3.

Oh well, looks like you found a very good one that will meet your needs.

Enjoy!

Infinity! said:

Hey guys, my dad's putting me in charge of building a nice(r) home theater system and I'm needing some reccomendstions for a good solid 3 channel amp in the $1000-1500 price range. The system is as follows:

- 2 Definitive Technology BP 2000TL (fronts)
- 2 Definitive Technology BP 2002TL (backs)
- 1 Infinity IL 36c (Center)

Click to expand...

Maybe I'm misinterpreting but I believe you are describing 5 channels total.

McIntosh MC7106 is a 6-channel amplifier which should fit the bill nicely. Independent gain adjustments are provided for each channel which will be helpful in balancing the system out. Power Guard eliminates any fear of speaker damage from clipping.

MC7106 can be used in any of 4 configurations:

1. Six separate 100 watt channels into 8 ohms, (160 watts into 4 ohms).
2. Four 100/160 waft channels and one 320 watt channel, bridged (8 ohms).
3. Two 100/160 watt channels and two 320 watt channels, bridged (8 ohms).
4. Three 320 watt channels, bridged (8 ohms)

More detailed information:

http://www.mcintoshcompendium.com/Compendium Docs/Power Amplifiers/PDFs/MC7106.pdf

This MC7106 is currently being offered on the famous auction site.

It should sell for within your stated budget.

PanheadXR290 said:

I'm with 62Caddy on the Mcintosh Mc-7106 ,I've owned two of the same model amps and to this day they are in my top 5 Mcintosh amps I've used ,they are extremely flexible amps that can be driven hard ,they work with xtremely well with 4 ohm loads due to no autoformers ,I put the Mc-7106 performance as equal to my 3 decade owned Mc-300 I will never sell ,the Mc-7106 is a much better amp than the Mc-205 ,I've owned both & the 7106 is one of the best performing / sounding Multichamps ever made ,at the asking price on the big auction site it's a good deal .

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Given the capabilities, excellence, flexibility & sound quality of the MC7106, it's one of the greatest sleepers in the McIntosh market, maybe even the entire multichannel amplifier market.

PanheadXR290 said:

I'm with 62Caddy on the Mcintosh Mc-7106

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Apparently you guys missed in post #10 that he already purchased a Bryston 5BST.

awillia6 said:

Don't overlook ATI's offerings.

You can bide your time then nail a killer deal on one of Monoprice's Monolith 2- through 7-channel ATI-sourced amps. ATI also sells direct and through its own B-stock website (good way to save few bucks on ATI-branded gear).

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I have an ATI 1505

5-channel, 150 wpc 8 ohms, 225 wpc 4 ohm

It was well under your price range, used.

It's only drawback...it's a heavy SOB

62caddy said:

Given the capabilities, excellence, flexibility & sound quality of the MC7106, it's one of the greatest sleepers in the McIntosh market, maybe even the entire multichannel amplifier market.

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I absolutely agree ,I regret selling mine and the matching 7104 I had ,all 3 are overlooked sleepers ,I believe because people want/prefer the blue VU meters & Autoformers, but that's what keeps the price affordable on the amps ,I really liked the looks as well because the red VU',s weren't as overwhelming as having 3 amps with blue VU meters in the system ,they are fantastic amps for sure .