[MikeK]

I Would like to ad a 3ch amp to my system for my front 3 and would appreciate some recommendations. I am new to amps and don't know which brands are available to us Canadians. Most of my online pals keep recommending Emotiva but I'm uneasy about ordering something like that over the border just in case I run into warranty issues.

For those who would ask if there is something lacking currently that makes me feel I need more power, my answer is not really. I have basically had a good season and am in a position where I have some "me" cash and this is what I would like to do.

System:
Pioneer VSX-32
Klipsch RF-82 L/R
Klipsch RC-62 C
Klipsch RS 42's Surround & Heights

Recommend away!

Thanks

 

[starchoice]

Just wanted to comment on Emotiva as I'm looking for a dedicated CD player. I've pretty well removed Emotiva from the list, firstly because while shipping in the U.S. is free, they add close to $100 to the price for duty, brokerage, etc. The five year warranty is good but if you are outside the U.S., they expect you to pay shipping BOTH ways.

I'm currently in the process of updating my 2 channel system so unfortunately can't give you any meaningful suggestions on that end.

 

[Tunksy31]

Look at Bryston, Classe, Rotel, Marantz, Krell and Anthem. I know some of them may not offer a 3 channel power amp but they do offer 2 and 5 channel as well as Mono blocks. Personally I would look into the Bryston Classe, or Marantz. A couple friends of mine have Rotels with B&W speakers and are disapointed with the sound and wish they had purchased a Bryston or Classe instead.

I know Bryston is Canadian and I am pretty sure Marantz is also Canadian. Rotel Classe and Krell are all european but are all very good products.

 

[MikeK]

Tunksy31, Beautiful! That's what I was looking for. Thanks for the info on the manufacturers.

 

[eimaj]

I know Bryston is Canadian and I am pretty sure Marantz is also Canadian. Rotel Classe and Krell are all european but are all very good products.

I would add NAD and Anthem to that list. I know Anthem has 3 ch amps.

Marantz was originally American, formed by Saul B. Marantz, but is now owned by Marantz Japan which is part of D&M Holdings (Denon and Marantz, who also own McIntosh and Boston Acoustics). As an owner of a Marantz receiver, I can say it is the best out of the 4 receivers (1 sony, 2 denon) I have owned over my HT years, but I do not think they have a 3 ch amp.

 

[starchoice]

Bryston is frightfully expensive. Do you have a price range?

 

[MikeK]

I'd like to stay in the $1000- $1500 range if possible.. I might have to go the used route.

 

[Tunksy31]

starchoice Bryston is frightfully expensive. Do you have a price range?

Yes this is true but there is no other company out there (that I know of) that is offering a 20yr warranty on their products, and in some cases lifetime. Although no one now a days keeps their equipment for 20 years, even if you have it for 10 and something goes wrong you are out the shipping costs to and from Peterborough and an amp for a couple weeks rather than out another $1500 for a new amp.

 

[ScaryBob]

A well made amp can last 20 years or more. For an amp, it's not a bad deal since (so far) the technology has not changed. It's still basically analog in, analog out, though digital amplifiers are starting to appear. The preamp is where the major changes take place. In the last 10 years we've seen DD5.1, DTS, component video, DVI, HDMI, HDCP and several lossless audio formats appear. New audio and video standards are already in the works so it isn't going to stop soon. Amplifier and speaker technologies are still basically the same as they were 50 years ago, though improvements in materials and design have made significant improvements in performance.

 

[JohnnyCanuck]

I would look at used as well.

I found a awesome Audio Refinement (YBA) Multi-3 on canuck audio mart for a great price. It's an fantastic piece of equipment and I'm using it in the exact same fashion you're thinking of (powering the front stage and letting my AVR (also the VSX-32) to amp the surrounds).

So I would obviously add the Audio Refinement Multi-3 to your search. As well, ATI makes a few of their products in three-channel versions. I think there's an 1800 series (AT1803) and a 2000 series version as well (AT2003).

 

[starchoice]

Yes this is true but there is no other company out there (that I know of) that is offering a 20yr warranty on their products, and in some cases lifetime. Although no one now a days keeps their equipment for 20 years, even if you have it for 10 and something goes wrong you are out the shipping costs to and from Peterborough and an amp for a couple weeks rather than out another $1500 for a new amp.

As someone pointed out to me, you are essentially paying for that warranty. It is also a limited warranty, not covering everything. The warranty is also not transferable.

 

[starchoice]

I'd like to stay in the $1000- $1500 range if possible.. I might have to go the used route.

Are you looking for separate power and pre or an integrated amp?

 

[TECHNOKID]

A well made amp can last 20 years or more. For an amp, it's not a bad deal since (so far) the technology has not changed. It's still basically analog in, analog out, though digital amplifiers are starting to appear. The preamp is where the major changes take place. In the last 10 years we've seen DD5.1, DTS, component video, DVI, HDMI, HDCP and several lossless audio formats appear. New audio and video standards are already in the works so it isn't going to stop soon. Amplifier and speaker technologies are still basically the same as they were 50 years ago, though improvements in materials and design have made significant improvements in performance.
__________________
-- Scary

Fully agree with the above, IMO used is the way to go for best bang of the buck.

 

[lex_rx]

I don't think that you'll be able to beat the value of this Emotiva amp.

I don't know how reliable over time the Emo amps will be. The oldest amp I have (UPA-7) has been in use for only about a year - Nov 2009 - when I sold the Anthem MCA-50.

I had to send back the Anthem for warranty repairs after 3 years. My dealer charged me $30 to split shipping with them.

It looks like there's a UPS store in Port Angeles, Washington close to the ferry. Even with HST, UPS store charge $5, exchange rate, credit card charges 2.5%, +$150 for ferry and a 24-pack, you'd "only" be out about C$823.98.

Never mind, I just saw this in CAM. I'd get this if I were you.

 

[starchoice]

Never mind, I just saw this in CAM. I'd get this if I were you.

Listed for 10 days so far with 252 views and no takers. Sometimes I think there is more hype on this equipment than anything else.

Warranty repairs would cost way more than $30 for shipping for this unit.

 

[JohnnyCanuck]

Emo units are excellent value. Performance wise, and most importantly sonically, I don't think they are in the league of the other stuff mentioned in this thread (Bryston, Classe, YBA, and Anthem), but the value proposition is hard to beat for a new amp.

However, used, I would look at much better products that can be had at places like CAM for what amount to better value for your purchase.

 

[MikeK]

I really appreciate everyone's participation in this topic. You've all given me a good head start.. Now comes the fun part of researching and comparing prices.

At the end of the day, unless I can find a good deal locally, I will probably seek the used market. I agree that is probably the best bang for my buck option.

 

[wantmorehd]

If you are in no hurry there might be some great deals after New Years. Just make a list of amps you would buy and then watch for the deals. Also ask the shops if they have any left over gear (that one piece that never sold). I've been able to find the odd piece of equipment marked down by 50% sometimes this way and it still comes with a full warranty.

Also echoing that finding a good 5 channel amp might be easier and then you can use the last 2 channels for a second zone if you wish.

Adding to the list of brands: Parasound/Halo

 

[pharsyde]

At the end of the day, unless I can find a good deal locally, I will probably seek the used market. I agree that is probably the best bang for my buck option.

yes ..as noted earlier, a well made amp will last for years. purchasing used amp would be a good option (depending on amp condition, in relation to price, usage environment ..etc.)

wouldn't hurt to have a look on CAM ..and Audiogon, if you didn't mind shipping across the border; or for that matter driving down to Seattle for example. your options, selection will rise. There's a couple of tricks to ship across border re: customs, some go for it .. others don't. Or just search, make contact ..and drive to reasonably close offerings (no one has to know..ha!)

that being said, there's a Classe CAV-75 for sale on CAM in your coordinates. (produced, admin'ed out of Lachine, Que .. FWIW) i don't know if it's a good (or great) deal...but you can check blue book ..condition/shape obviously ..etc.. (you know)

 

[TECHNOKID]

Listed for 10 days so far with 252 views and no takers. Sometimes I think there is more hype on this equipment than anything else.

Warranty repairs would cost way more than $30 for shipping for this unit.

I fully agree with your comments. IMO, the OP is better off with a good renowned brand in the used market pick-up locally than any emotiva products. Emotiva would be my last resort and it better be dirt cheap! I can not see sending one of them back under warranty, the cost of transport defeats the purpose of warranty no matter how good it is.

Emo units are excellent value.

Definitely NOT in CANADA!!!