Need a new three channel amp.

[rwinaz]

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]

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?

 

[Hobbit]

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]

Buckeye Amps

Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!

www.buckeyeamp.com

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

NAD M23 Stereo Amplifier Review

The NAD M23 is a 200wpc stereo amplifier utilizing the SOTA Class D Purifi 1ET400A to push the envelope of performance and efficiency. Is this the best amplifier we’ve reviewed in our 25 year history?

www.audioholics.com

 

[lovinthehd]

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]

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.

 

[Golfx]

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

Class D power amplifiers

Last time I shopped for the most transparent speakers I could find in the below $10,000 range I found them in a store in Toronto that powered the speakers with, surprisingly, class D amplifiers. In the end I bought the speakers without requesting them to try driving the speakers with my kind of...

forums.audioholics.com

 

[rwinaz]

Wow, you don't need to spend anywhere near that. Where are you located? Also, are 3 channels having issues?

Phoenix AZ area.

 

[rwinaz]

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.

 

[rwinaz]

I switched cables around and confirmed it is the amp.

 

[rwinaz]

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.

 

[rwinaz]

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.

 

[rwinaz]

I'm open to 5 channels.

 

[lovinthehd]

I switched cables around and confirmed it is the amp.

You swapped cables to the amps or just to the speakers?

 

[TLS Guy]

I switched cables around and confirmed it is the amp.

That does not confirm it is the amp. It could just as easily be what is driving the amp. You have not done nearly enough thorough investigation.

 

[everettT]

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?

 

[DigitalDawn]

I recommend ATI. The company has built amps for many high-end companies - including Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Cary Audio, Earthquake. ATI also owns Theta Digital, B&K, and DataSat.

They have both A/B and Class D amps, and they come with a 7-year warranty.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

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?

Did you buy the Linn C3200 3Ch amp new for ~ $5,400?

S&V measured the amp power to be about 144 Watts x 2Ch into 8-ohm at 1% THD.

Linn Chakra C2200 and C3200 Amplifiers HT Labs Measures

HT Labs Measures: Linn Chakra C2200 Amplifier Both channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads: 0.1% distortion at 105.8 watts 1% distortion at 125.6 watts Frequency response: –0.10 dB at 10 Hz; –0.01 dB at 20 Hz –0.78 dB at 20 kHz; –3.55 dB at 50 kHz This graph shows that the C2200's left...

www.soundandvision.com

The Akurate 225's listening-window response measures +1.78/–5.51 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. An average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal responses measures +1.43/–8.16 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3dB point is at 89 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 68 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 3.71 ohms at 8.6 kHz and a phase angle of –63.96 degrees at 64 Hz.

Linn Akurate Speaker System HT Labs Measures

HT Labs Measures: Linn Akurate Speaker System Akurate 242 L/R Sensitivity: 86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Akurate 225 Center Sensitivity: 86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Akurate 212 Surround Sensitivity: 86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

www.soundandvision.com

If you need or want another amp, there are many options. Already mentioned are Buckeye, Anthem, and the excellent ATI’s 7YR warranty amps. ATI has a few 3CH options.

Also look at Bryston’s BD325-3 (325W x 3Ch 8 ohm, 650W x 3Ch 4 ohm) and BD-225-3 (225W x 3Ch 8 ohm, 450W x 3 4 ohm) which are well under $6K for 20YR warranty.

 

[Golfx]

I have found dealing with this company to be splendid.

Nord One NCx500 3CH STD Standard 3 Channel Power Amplifier - Nord Acoustics Ltd

The Nord One 3CH 3 Channel NCx500 amplifier. Consisting of separate amp module's, PSU's and Nord connection input/output boards Designed for high end LCR

nordacoustics.co.uk

They are based in England but have a $10 option that handles import fees and gives you a US based repair facility.
I like their cases and mine has been flawless.