Building best amp for the buck

nedh84

Where do I start? Right now I don't have a good receiver that I can really count on. First thing I'll do is buy a 5.1 or 7.1 AV receiver most likely but in the meantime I want to learn how to build a high quality amp with a lot of channels to power at least 5 speakers and possibly bi-amp two fronts.

What are your thoughts on the different amps out there? Better to buy or build? I'm thinking this is going to be at least a 6 month project where I will be doing research and asking some of the electrical engineers at work a lot of questions. I'm open to both tube and SS (hope this doesn't spark tension haha). Both seem to have their bonuses. I loved my tube guitar amp and I could have sworn on the warmth that came out of that amp. It seems that SS can compete with that though? You guys are the audiophiles so I'm sure you know what great sound is.

I'll start with this and see where it goes. Appreciate anyones input

P.S. My main goal is high quality music. 5.1 HT comes as a big second. 2channel or 5channel music? (Thoughts here too please)

renowilliams

Well it sounds like you have a ambitious project ahead of you to build your own multichanel amp. I am currently doing my own research on amps trying to decide what to try out. I am leaning towards getting a good used McIntosh if I can locate one. That said, I don't think with a team of electrical engineers at my disposal that I could build an amp as good as theirs, but hey thats me and I am inherently lazy.
Anyway as far as what you should should get for an avr,I suggest you go and listen to Pioneer, Denon etc.... and decide what sound you like. Then make sure what you get has preouts for later. I also strongly suggest that you look on Audiogon and Craigslist as some great recievers can be found, on the cheap. IE: some good used Pioneer Elite avrs. I found mine there.

Good Luck