Looking for a multichannel amp.

[Hdale85]

I'm somewhat planning out a series of purchases. Currently I'm building the Lineup Maxx speakers in the DIY section. My setup will be the MTMWWWW mains WTMW center and TMWW rears. I've been looking into some options for a DIY multichannel amp and the only thing that makes sense would be the Hypex UCD modules. So I figured I would see what kind of options there for multichannel amps in the 1500-2000 range. Used options are welcomed as well. I don't know how good of an amp I can get for this amount of money.

Oh yeah obviously 5 channels is a must but 7 would be nice if I decide to go 6.1 or 7.1 later.

[Hdale85]

Anyone have any experience with a Cary Audio Cinema 7B? Found some good deals on them and looking for reviews but not finding any.

[Hdale85]

Forgot to mention this is about 50/50 Music/Movies.

[ACap]

Amp

I crrently have a B&K 7250 amp for HT and music. Great amp, super clean, nice power. Driving Paradigm Studio 100's.

[Hdale85]

Well I looked into those. There was a 7 channel one I liked but it was like 2000+ I would really like to stick around 1500. The Cary one I found was an open box for 1300.

[Jed]

How about a used Aragon, Dougie?

[Hdale85]

Been looking...Don't see to much

[Jed]

Been looking...Don't see to much

Here's one:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1196005685

[Hdale85]

Yeah I just saw that one Other then that there are a few 3 channel ones. Which would work and I could add a 4 channel or 2 2channels later.

[Jed]

Yeah I just saw that one Other then that there are a few 3 channel ones. Which would work and I could add a 4 channel or 2 2channels later.

I love my 2-channel 8002. Sounds very neutral and detailed with awesome bass. It'll drive the Maxx's with no problems. I'd imagine the more powerful Aragon versions would be even better.

[Hdale85]

Yeah. Thats what your running the Maxx's on isn't it?

[Rbrockman]

Interesting... I'm also following the Lineup Maxx thread and about to build a set.

Here are a couple more amplifiers you may want to consider

Emotiva MPS-2 - 7 ch 200wpc

http://www.emotiva.com/amplifiers.html

One used to be able to order these as a chassis and then the number of amp modules needed. Not sure if this option is still available.

Word is that Emotiva has a new 5 channel 200wpc coming out next month.

I have been considering the Hypex UCD400 modules for some time as well. If you go this route, you might consider the ColdAmp SMPS80 instead of transformers and power supplies. http://www.coldamp.com/opencms/openc...ower_supplies/

[Hdale85]

So that Coldamp PSU you don't need a transformer? Intersting. I'm guessing it has a softstart and all that built in.

[Rbrockman]

Correct. The Coldamp SMPS is audiophile quality and has been getting a number of good reviews.

There are rumors that Hypex will release a SMPS, but it has been a long wait.

The SMPS eliminates the need for large transformers and the seperate PS. Because of the design less capacitance is required, all leading to smaller packing options. Last I checked the cost of a 800/1000VA transformer and a HG PS from Hypex was more $$ than the cost of the Coldamp SMPS.

AVS123 is also coming out with a line of x-electronics. Rumors are that they will also have a Phillips/Hypex class-D amp.

So many good choices these days....

[Hdale85]

I'm guessing you mean AV123 as I don't think I've heard of AVS123. I'm wondering how an SMPS compares to a traditional PSU though. A lot of that capacitance amounts to bass detail in the music you hear. I've heard of people adding more capacitance to their amps and noticeing improved bass response and detail in the lower end.

[Rbrockman]

Yes, AV123

Regarding you question about output capacitance - here's a thread which may be helpful to you:

UCD's with SMPS - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...5&pagenumber=1

Look for posts by ssanmore (he's with ColdAmp), and the last couple pages of the thread are best.

In a SMPS, the controller dynamically provides the power necessary in a feedback loop; it need not be all in storage. There is obviously some compromise between controller gain and how much output capacitance is necessary.

Either way, it's all about what sounds the best; and so far this is getting good reviews. I'm awaiting the Hypex SMPS as it may be even higher quality.

[Hdale85]

Do you know much about the HXR voltage regulators that Hypex is pushing on thier UCD modules? Wondering if its a real improvment as it adds about 100 bucks to each module.

[Jed]

Yeah. Thats what your running the Maxx's on isn't it?

Yeah, it was recommended to my by JonMarsh and he was spot on with his recommendation.

[eddiem67]

Earthquake Cinenova 5 2K, let me know if your interested

[Hdale85]

Won't be purchaseing/building for a few months probably. The pre/pro won't be bought until feb/march of next year so amp would be sometime before that.

[Fred333]

Well make sure you keep us posted when you do start your project.

[Hdale85]

Deffinately will. Right now I'm kind of leaning twards the UCD180 modules with the SMPS but it all depends. I'm finishing up my friends chipamp so that I can see how I like it. If I like it I could easily fit 5-7 of those in one chassis. He says its deffinately better then a Rotel amp but I'm sceptical Mostly because its such a simple design. If I do go that route though I could have a 7 channel amp for under a grand probably. If I go the UCD modules probably about 1500-1600 for a 7 channel. But I'm also still looking into buying an amp. I just like building things so I always go that direction if I can.

[Hdale85]

How about a Carver AV-705X? Any good? There's one going pretty cheap that I found. Less then 450 bucks. If I got this amp I could do some DIY upgrades to it. I read a review on it and although it wasn't an audiophile review it was mostly HT based and it seemed promiseing. It is a bit older though.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_4_2/av705.html

[Hdale85]

Anyone? I know carver used to be real popular amongst audiophiles.