RSSMulti-channel Home Theater Amplifiers Reviewed
Packing more power than most monoblock audiophile amps, today's multi-channel amps come in a variety of configurations, including three channel, five channel, and seven channel power amps. Top performing home theater multi-channel amps can be Class AB operation however its becoming more popular to use Class D switching chips in "digital" multi-channel amps. No matter what type of multi-channel amp you are looking for HomeTheaterReview.com has a comprehensive list of the absolute best of the best in amps for you just below.
Home Theater Review's 2011 Best Of Awards
For a third time, the editorial staff of Home Theater Review have examined the year's offerings in AV gear and decided what they deem to be the best in every category. Find out who is the best of the best.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Outlaw Audio Model 7075 Seven Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Outlaw Audio's Model 7075 seven channel amplifier claims to pack a lot of power and performance in a relatively small package. Andrew Robinson tests out the amp to see how it measures up against its claims.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Outlaw Audio Model 7125 Seven Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Outlaw Audio continues to offer a lot of power for a reasonable price with the Model 7125 seven channel amplifier. HomeTheaterReview.com managing editor Andrew Robinson tests out the amp to see how that power sounds.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Wyred 4 Sound Mini MC5 Multi-channel Amplifier Reviewed
HTR Reviewer Brian Kahn took the Wyred 4 Sound Mini MC5 multi-channel amplifier and integrated it into his system for this review. While the MC5 performed well, there are some characteristics that may be a hang up for some users.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Outlaw Model 7900 Seven Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Sean Killebrew hooked up the Outlaw Audio 7900 seven channel amplifier to his system for review. During the course of his tests, Sean Killebrew was surprised by what the 7900 had to offer. And was nearly blown away. Literally.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Krell Evolution 3250e Three Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Krell has taken many of the technological advancements from the Krell 402e amplifier and used them in the more budget friendly Krell 3250e three channel amplifier, which has been a very successful according to Andrew Robinson.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Integra DTA-70.1 Multi-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
With nine channels of amplification, the Integra DTA-70.1 multi-channel amplifier might seem like overkill but with the many ways that to utilize those channels that Integra has offered this amp can fit any system's purpose.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Classe CA-5300 Five Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Andrew Robinson tool the Classe CA-2300 five channel amplifier with a spin and was more than impressed with how the CA-2300 amplifier handled each of the tests that he threw its way.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Parasound Model 5250 v.2 Multi-channel Amplifier Reviewed
Andrew Robinson got the Parasound Model 5250 v.2 multi-channel amplifier in for review and put through its paces. What he found was an impressive multi-channel amp packaged in an affordable package that blows a few of its competitors away.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Onkyo PA-MC5500 Multi-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
A nine-channel amplifier is a rare thing, even in the multi-channel amplifier realm. The Onkyo PA-MC500 is such a thing. Reviewer Brian Kahn tests out the PA-MC500 and he definitely had a few issues to talk about... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Home Theater Review's 2010 Best of Home Theater Awards
The Editors of Home Theater Review have extensively searched, reviewed, and now chosen the best of the best home theater and audio gear, HDTVs and beyond. Click through for the winners in each category from the likes of Vizio, Samsung, Sharp and many others.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Mark Levinson No 533H Multi-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
A few years back I reviewed the Mark Levinson No 433 multi-channel amplifier and called it "...a reference point from which all other cost-no-object amps must be judged." High praise, but then again the No 433 warranted it for at...... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Lexicon RX-7 Multi-Channel Power Amplifier Reviewed
Packing 200 watts for each of its seven channels, the RX-7 from Lexicon is a beefcake of an amp. Stylish design makes it nearly criminal to hide in a rack. Slotting in below the ZX-7 and above the GX-7, the $5,999 RX-7 has a lot to live up to.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Outlaw Audio Model 7500 Multi-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Outlaw Audio makes some of the most affordable, yet great performing, audio products out there. The new 7500 5-channel amp is no exception, with 200 watts per channel, an understated design, and a great price. Andrew Robinson powers it up.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Cary Audio Design Model 7.125 Power Amplifier Reviewed
Packing seven channels of amplification into one chassis is no easy feat, and making them all sound good is even harder. The Model 7.125 has, as the name suggests, 125 watts for each of its seven channels. Sean Killebrew gives us an in-depth look.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Anthem PVA-8 Multi-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
With 125 watts for each of its eight channels, the big PVA-8 from Anthem should satisfy the power needs for even the largest home theater systems. At only $2,299, its even priced so that most people can afford it. ... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Home Theater Review 2009 Best of Awards
Home Theater Review Editors have searched high and low, near and far, for the best products of 2009, from HDTVs to receivers, speakers to Blu-ray players, and more. Check to read the best in LED and LCD HDTV reviews here on HomeTheaterReview.com.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Parasound 5250 Five Channel Power Amplifier Reviewed
The new Parasound 5250 five-channel power amp not only has 250 watts for each of its channels, but it is THX Ultra-2-Certified, ensuring it performs among the best in its class. We put the big amp through its paces. ... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Anthem Statement P5 Multi-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
It may look stylish, but that's not the only thing the P5 from Anthem has going for it. With a substantial 325 watts for each of its five channels, or an amazing 500 watts into four channels, the P5 will drive any speakers without breaking a sweat.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Krell Evolution 403 Amplifier Reviewed
Need power? How about 400 watts of it? The Evolution 403 from Krell is a three-channel amp for the high-end audiophile. It's also beautiful enough to leave out to admire. Dr. T, Ken Taraszka, tests it out for HTR.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Classe Audio CA-5200 Reviewed
If you're looking for an amp that combines smooth looks with lots of power, the CA-5200 from Classe fits the bill. With 200 watts for each of its five channels, the CA-5200 runs in Class A mode for the first few watts, then AB for the rest. ... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Roksan Five Channel Amp Reviewed
Roksan's Caspian model five channel amplifier is the first amplifier model from the company to truly aspire to be a home theater amp. Does it rise to those aspirations? Read on to find out.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Parasound Halo A52 Five Channel Power Amplifier Reviewed
Andrew Robinson reviews the five channel Parasound Halo A52 power amplifier. His thoughts? If you are in the market for a home theater on a budget, you will be happy with what Parasond offers.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Parasound A51 Five Channel Power Amplifier Reviewed
Parasound are masters of high-performance, high-value amplifiers. Andrew Robinson tries out the A51 five channel power amplifier and found the amplifier to live up to the company's reputation.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
NAD Masters Series M25 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
The big M25 from NAD is part of their Masters Series, and for $3,499 it offers seven channels at 160 watts each. It's THX Ultra2-certified, meaning it passes the most stringent of tests by THX. Jerry Del Colliano puts the big amp to the test.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
NAD Electronics T-975 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Speakers love power. Sometimes when you want to rock out, a receiver just can't handle it. NAD's new T-975 is a 7-channel amp with enough power to satisfy even the hardest to drive speakers. Jerry Del Colliano checks it out.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Rotel RMB-1575 Five Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Rotel has long made high-quality, decently priced audio gear, and their new RMB-1575 amp is no exception. Featuring Class D amplification and a beefy 250 watts per channel, Rotel has made a winner. Jerry Del Colliano tests it for HTR.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Krell Theater Amplifier Standard (TAS) Reviewed
Krell knows amps. Founder Dan D'agostino has designed some of the most revered amplifiers of recent memory. The TAS, for $7,500, has 200 watts for each of its five channels, and a massive 4,000 va toroidal power transformer. Jerry puts the spurs in it.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Halcro Logic MC70 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Halcro had some of the best reviewed amps in the audiophile world, and this Australian company looks to keep that going with the 7-channel MC70. It's got an impressive 350 watts per channel, and rings up at $7,000.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Theta Dreadnaught II Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
With a name like "Dreadnaught" you'd expect this beast from Theta to perform a certain way, and that it does. With 225 watts for each of its 7 channels, the Dreadnaught is powerful in sound as well as looks.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Adcom GFA-7605 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Looking for an amp that performs well without breaking the bank? How about the 7-channel GFA-7605 from Adcom? At only $888, the 7605 has 125 watts per channel and a chassis that is understated without looking cheap. ... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Anthem PVA7 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
The PVA7 from Anthem may not be the most powerful amp out there, with "only" 105 watts per channel, but at $1,500 it's priced extremely well for just about any budget. This high-value but still with great performance is what Anthem is all about.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Bryston 9B SST Five-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
You don't get much more of a storied brand in AV than Bryston. Their amps are well known to be fantastic sounding and very powerful. The 9B SST pumps out 140 watts for each of its five channels, and it even has a 20 year warranty.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Emotiva MPS-2 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
The slick looking MPS-2 from Emotiva is only $1,699, but has an impressive 200 watts of Class H power for each of its seven channels. What's even more impressive is it will put out 400 watts into 4 ohms as well. ... Click Here To Read The Full Review
ATI 3000 Series Amplifier Reviewed
ATI may not be as well known as Bryston or Crown, but in reality they make amplifiers for many, many companies in an OEM fashion. The huge, powerful, and modular 3000 series can be 2-to-7 channels, with 300 watts per channel.... Click Here To Read The Full Review
Everything You Need To Know About Multi-channel Amplifiers
1.0 What is a Multi-channel Amp?2.0 Types of Multi-channel Amps
2.1 Three Channel Amps
2.2 Five Channel Amps
2.3 Seven Channel Amps
2.4 Amps For Distributed Audio Systems
1.0 What is a Multi-Channel Amp?
A multi-channel power amplifier is an amp that has more than one channel of power amplification in the same chassis. Some amps on the high end have dedicated power supplies for each channel. Others share the same power supply, thereby lowering the overall cost of the amplifier.
Multi-channel amplifiers are popular in high-end home theater systems, as well as audiophile-grade music systems playing back audio in 5.1 surround.
2.0 Types of Multi-Channel Amps
There are numerous types of multi-channel amps, including solid state and tube-oriented designs. Increasingly, class D digital amps are made into multi-channel products that are very quiet, run cool and have lots of power compared to more traditional amplifiers.
2.1 Three-Channel Amps
Three-channel amps tend to be more audiophile-oriented, with price tags that are in line with what you would expect to see from an audiophile monoblock or stereo power amplifier. It is not uncommon to see three-channel amplifiers come with separate power supplies to retain the audiophile performance while still keeping all three channels inside of one chassis. Three-channel amps are often used for applications needing power for the three front channels (front left, front right and center), but are by no means limited to those roles.
2.2 Five-Channel Amps
The five-channel amplifier configuration is the most popular for multi-channel amplifiers, as they can accept a five-channel output from an AV preamp and supply power to everything but the often separately-powered "point 1" LFE or subwoofer channel.
2.3 Seven-Channel Amps
Seven-channel amplifiers are increasingly popular for systems that use the latest in surround sound technology, such as Dolby True HD and or DTS Master audio. Not only do the amps provide the dynamic range needed to make a better-than-theater audio experience, the seven channels allow for both side and rear speakers of a 7.1 surround speaker system. The "point 1" speaker goes normally to a powered or active subwoofer.
2.4 Amps For Distributed Audio Systems
Distributed audio systems that pipe music throughout an entire home use multi-channel amps that can have upwards of 24 to 26 channels of amplification. It is also not uncommon to see these amps be card-based, which means they are configurable as needed for each installation.
Heat is a big issue for these distributed audio system amplification systems, so digital amplifier (class D) technology is increasingly used in these amps.
Featured Audio-Video News
24-Tech: Ideas On How To Get Your Home Theater Working Like It's Installed At CTU -
24 was a great show that had some ridiculously impressive technology. So impressive, it defied the reality of the actual technology used. However, the ideas are great. Jerry Del Colliano thinks about how those ideas could be translated to home theaters.
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