Need a new three channel amp.

R

rwinaz

Audiophyte
I currently have a Linn Chakra c3200 3 channel amp driving a Linn Akurate 225 center channel and two Linn Katan rears. Recently, the amp started serious clipping when playing music in the surround mode at higher volumes. I want to replace the amp with something that will play music very well in addition to being the center channel for movies. There don't seem to be a lot of choices for three channel amps. Ones recommended are not familiar to me: Hegel C53-3 and Anthem MCA 325-3. Reviews are scarce for both. Would prefer not to spend more than $6,000. Any suggestions?
 
everettT

everettT

Audioholic Spartan
I currently have a Linn Chakra c3200 3 channel amp driving a Linn Akurate 225 center channel and two Linn Katan rears. Recently, the amp started serious clipping when playing music in the surround mode at higher volumes. I want to replace the amp with something that will play music very well in addition to being the center channel for movies. There don't seem to be a lot of choices for three channel amps. Ones recommended are not familiar to me: Hegel C53-3 and Anthem MCA 325-3. Reviews are scarce for both. Would prefer not to spend more than $6,000. Any suggestions?
Wow, you don't need to spend anywhere near that. Where are you located? Also, are 3 channels having issues?
 
H

Hobbit

Audioholic Chief
If it's a recent problem, why don't you look into having the amp repaired?

From a cost per channel standpoint, 5 channels is a far more economical option. You'll also get more choices and have 2 extra channels you could use in the future - adding Atmos for example.
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord

Here's an AH review of the same but older gen amp based on the same design:
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
How did you determine the amp was at fault rather than signal/pre-amp if it is only a surround sound mode that exhibits issues? No problem in other modes?

No need for reviews except maybe a bench test let alone spending that much in any case.
 
TLS Guy

TLS Guy

Audioholic Jedi
I currently have a Linn Chakra c3200 3 channel amp driving a Linn Akurate 225 center channel and two Linn Katan rears. Recently, the amp started serious clipping when playing music in the surround mode at higher volumes. I want to replace the amp with something that will play music very well in addition to being the center channel for movies. There don't seem to be a lot of choices for three channel amps. Ones recommended are not familiar to me: Hegel C53-3 and Anthem MCA 325-3. Reviews are scarce for both. Would prefer not to spend more than $6,000. Any suggestions?
You have no idea it is the power amp that is the cause of the clipping, You have a lot more testing and investigating to do, before you go out an buy another power amp. You are highly likely to have the same problem with the new amp.
 
G

Golfx

Senior Audioholic
Let me introduce you to class D amps from one of this website respected yoda EEs.
 
R

rwinaz

Audiophyte
You have no idea it is the power amp that is the cause of the clipping, You have a lot more testing and investigating to do, before you go out an buy another power amp. You are highly likely to have the same problem with the new amp.
 
R

rwinaz

Audiophyte
If it's a recent problem, why don't you look into having the amp repaired?

From a cost per channel standpoint, 5 channels is a far more economical option. You'll also get more choices and have 2 extra channels you could use in the future - adding Atmos for example.
 
R

rwinaz

Audiophyte
I don't want to send the Linn back to Ireland. Been there - done that. Would be lucky to have it back by Christmas. And I don't know of a competent repair shop in Phoenix that does high end audio.
 
everettT

everettT

Audioholic Spartan
Phoenix AZ area.
There are plenty of AMPs available in the US available for well below your max budget, AB, AB hybrids, G, H, and Class D.

You definitely want to make sure that your amp has failed and not another component or speaker so you can appropriate money correctly. If all 3 channels developed the same problem at the same time then you can most likely rule out you speakers (I'm not sure clipping would be the characteristic but let's see). Since surrounds don't pull much power at all, and just confirm so you can rule them out by running them as mains.

What are you currently driving your left and right speakers with, and what speakers are they?

Edit: what do you have the center speaker crossed over at?
 
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