Any recommendations for a multichannel amp?

[anodecathode]

I'm using a PT6.X HD2 rig on a G5 with Front, Center, Rear NS10M's (with sub) Any suggestions on a multichannel amplifier?
I've been looking into the QSC CX8
http://www.qscaudio.com/products/amps/cx/cx8/cx8.htm
and the RANE MA6
http://rane.com/ma6s.html
Any other ideas? Or has anyone used these amplifiers?

[Chris Cavell]

For multichannel amps there is also the Ashly Powerflex 6 and the Yamaha XM6150.

My personal recommendation however would be to instead use multiple Stewart Audio amplifiers...fanless, and pristine sound quality...maybe the PR-500 or if needed at a lower price, the half rack amps. www.stewartaudio.com

[dr sound]

The QSC. Very good amps especially when you consider cost.

[Matt Stutter]

Are all the QSC amps good - or are thier particular ranges which are better? (slightly OT, sorry).

[dr sound]

Poster: Matt Stutter
Subject: Re: Any recommendations for a multichannel amp?

Are all the QSC amps good - or are thier particular ranges which are better? (slightly OT, sorry).

dr.sound replies,
Matt ,
I have used these QSC amps and they work and sound great.
http://www.qscaudio.com/products/amps/dca/dca2/dca2.htm
I also hear that these are fine amps also:
http://www.qscaudio.com/products/amps/sra/sra.htm
It all depends on what your needs are. If it's for Post
(Movies or TV) then I'd go with the DCA. If it's for Music then
go for the SRA.
Hope this helps,

[Adamsound]

I have used a Rane MA6 for years as my headphone amp, and it has been great. I've never used it to power monitors, but it sounds great as an amp for 3 stereo cue systems, and I have run almost 200 sets of headphones with it!

[Howardk]

anodecathode

I do *not* know that QSC model (the 8 channel one you have a link to) but we have done comparisions with other QSC amps, Brystons, Crown DC300s, Crest, and the QSC faired well. Crown has a four channel amp(Crown) you may want to compare.

Hmmm. . . what about going with a set of sweeter powered monitors all around. . . I used NS10s since the early 80s and although they are great for mid-band monitoring, they do get tiring when using for long periods and not really the conventional sound of surround speakers. . . which is where your mixes will be going. Just a thought. It may also be of value for you to be THX approved at some point. . .if you decide this has merit to you, check out Blue Sky System One Monitors

[anodecathode]

Thanks for all of your help everyone..

Howardk, I've been considering Bluesky as a serious option.. Seems that many speak highly of them. How do they compare to the Genelec 1030a/192 setup.

[hitp]

Genelecs cost more than the Blue Sky esp in the US. Genelec will be launching their new line of powered monitors soon. See their website. http://www.genelec.com/news/8000_launch.php . . . looks interesting. Genelec seem to be the standard in the post industry in my country from the studios to the broadcast stations and dub stages, that is why we use them. Blue Sky has gotten positive reviews on this and other web sites. They are priced right as well.

I think either brand would work well for you. . . even the THX approved Mackies which a friend of mine uses with great results. I suggest you listen and see which ones you like, esp if you have a dealer who has a setup. IMO once you get used to whatever brand of speaker in your room and understand how they translate to the real world, then you should be able to turn out decent mixes regardless of speaker brand.

[Howardk]

anodecathode - You would probably find Genelecs to be on the other side of the line-up when compared to NS-10s (NS-10s almost boringly nuetral with limited bandwidth, and Genelecs very extended high-end, maybe a little too sweet). There are a bunch of monitors out there to choose from and you can drive yourself crazy. . . I suggest you pick a price point and then focus on the Monitors that meet your budget, are well known so clients are not too skeptical, and accessible so you can properly audition. Most dealers will let you take a set back to your studio to demo for a few days. I had 8 sets on monitors over a weekend (Mackies(2), KRKs (2), Dyna Audio, Yamaha, Tannoy, Blue Sky) and we spend hours comparing until we were convinced. The Genelecs did not make it home because they did not hit the budgeted price point.

Keep in mind when auditioning, do most of your listening in the 80-90 db range. . . which is where one should limit it to let the ears live thru the day as well as to avoid long term damage. . . and the volume the monitors are generally designed to have the right spectrum balance ( Fletcher - Munson ) for the ear around this volume.