RT5000 Amplifiers

72RR

Hi,
I'm not real sure if this is the right section to post or not, but here goes.
I'm running a full RT5000 setup right now. The wife wants me to replace the fx1000s with in-ceiling speakers (I'll be seeking advice on this later).
I have a B&K Ref 50 with a Sunfire TGP-5 on the way.
We're probably about a 70/30 split between stereo and movies.
I have a Carver AV-405 that I'm looking to replace.
It will be going into an enclosed cabinet, so running temerature may be a consideration here.
I've been thinking about a B&K, Carver, Sunfire, or Anthem 5.1 amp in the 200W/8ohm category, all used.
Your recomendations?

Joe08867

Any of the amps mentioned would work but the enclosed cabinet may be an issue. You could look into a separate cooling system for any amp you purchase. I am a huge fan of B&K myself and since you already have the Ref 50 I would suggest sticking with them.

On a side not the in ceiling idea will not have the same kind of impact as those fx1000's. Polk makes an in-wall that would be similar but not an in-ceiling

SDA1C

For a multi channel amp I would say Sunfire or Outlaw. The Sunfire is going to run coolest though.

72RR

Thank you guys
I have heard a lot of comments on the Sunfire running very cool.
I had considered adding fans to the cabinets but every one I've ever heard was so darn noisy.
I hadn't considered an Outlaw amp, I'll do a bit of review & price searching on them.

dpowell

When I moved, I ended up being forced to replace my FX1000's with in-ceiling speakers due to room configuration. I used TC265i's. They work very well, especially since the tweeters can be aimed. If I could pick, I would stick with the FX1000's but I'm pleased with the results of the in-ceilings. If cooling is an issue, you might consider one of the Pioneer SC series AVR's with ICE amps. They run cool and put out a lot of power. Some on the forum say they don't need external amplification. Since you're running powered towers, you're really only powering the top cabinets and letting the built-in subs do the bass work anyway. Just another option for you to consider. Good luck!

rtart

Sacrilege!! Sell the house!!

Just kidding. Well, kind of..

I have a RT5000 setup with a pair of RT3000p sats used as the rear surrounds and FX1000's as side surrounds. In your case I'd try to find a set of inwalls with the tri-lam tweeters. I have a pair in a different room with a pair of RT55's and a CS400. Seems like they were AB655's and sound fine to me. The rear surrounds are not nearly as critical as the fronts or centers, though.

As far as amps go, I've used them all. Emotiva makes a nice UPA-2 that would work well (actually kind of overkill) for the rears only but relatvely inexpensive and a 5 year warranty. They have a XPA-5 that is 200wpc x 5 that I've owned as well. They hold their value very well because of the transferable warranty. I actually sold my pair for 95% of what I paid for them (I bought on sale and price increases raised the price over time.) You may also want to consider an ATI 2007, and/or Sherbourn 7/2100. They are hard to find but come with great pedigrees and have gobs of clean power at a good price point. It's important to remember that the the RT5000 system doesn't need a lot of power to sound good. The mains and center have powered subs which reduce the load on the amp. 100wpc should be plenty for all but ear-bleeding levels.

72RR

Well I've just about settled on a Sunfire amp. I trust in the Bob Carver rep and the cooling issue has me concerned. There is one on Audiogon and one on eBay that look like they fit my pricepoint right now.
I did a search for the AB655 speakers and couldn't find anything, I'll do a more in depth search later. As I said, the speaker thing is sort of secondary.
Thanks again for all the input and I'll keep posting on the direction I go.