B&k Av5000

[anton.chigurh]

Just picked up a B&K AV5000 amp...105w x 5. I've got a few questions & could use a little reassurance.

This is what it will be working with....for now. I
Onkyo 703 (100wpc)
Rti8s
CS400i
rt600

1) Is this a descent "foot in the door" amp in the ballpark of $300. I also has considered an Adcom 6000 and 6006. Should it work well with what I've got.

2) I planned on running it to all 5 speakers. Would anyone suggest bridging running it to just the 8s and running the rest of the AVR? If it matters, I'm 50/50 HT and music.

Thanks in advance.

[McLoki]

I would run all 5 channels. (not bridged)

Report back how it sounds compared to the amp in the Onkyo. We get many questions about budget amps compared to the ones built into midline avr's. I will certainly value your experience with it.

Michael

[tonyb]

And while your doing a comparison,listen for bass slam,clarity of notes,and sweeter highs.Also listen deeper into the soundstage for additional music you may miss with a AVR.

[Sami]

Excellent amp. Much better than many higher priced pieces.

[ben62670]

Your good. Run it not bridged at first all channels. Then try it bridged for left, and right + use the remaining channel for the center with the receiver for the rears. The latter setup will need to be level adjusted for sure, but is not very hard to do to see what you like best. Like mentioned above a report on your findings with that setup would be appreciated.
Enjoy
Ben

[dorokusai]

Yes. No.

[anton.chigurh]

I assume I'll need to set speaker levels back to zero on the AVR and then calibrate using the level adjustments on the amp. Correct?

Thanks for your input fellas. I'll definately report back once I'm rollin.

[dorokusai]

You amplifier levels should be at max or turned all the way up. Calibrate from the AVR.

[anton.chigurh]

Thanks again Doro.

[anton.chigurh]

Just thought it report back. Hooked my new used amp up yesterday (5 channel). I started off throwing in some multichannel DVD-A and SACDs from my small collection.

The detail and clarity was amazing...but I've always been fairly happy with that aspect of this setup. I was impressed with the new found punch and precision these speakers now have.

Most noticiable was the bass. The 8s are hitting with some added bass (which they needed), but I'm most amazed at the improvement in my old
rt600s I'm using as surrounds. I put in Harvest and I was getting bass I've never heard from these.

Tonight I'll see how it does with home theater. Sometime I'll get around to trying it bridged for the helluvit. Thanks all for the input.

[anton.chigurh]

Since my last post in this thread I've had chance to listen in two channel stereo mode. As I posted in another thread...when doing so, I ran into a faint crackle issues with my idle surrounds. As this that wasn't enough for me to want to send back where it came from....

After reading the manual I discovered my AV5000 is 100wx3 and 60x2...not the 105x5 advertised by the seller. In fact, the manual conflicted with a "B&K Spec Sheet for Older Models" not to mention the sellers listing...so I called B&K up and they confirmed them manual is correct. Apparently I've got an early version of this model.

The seller apologized and if he keeps his word I'll eventually get a refund. Hopefully I'm soon to be back in the market...and next time I aint messing around.