Ok, so I had this huge DIY project in mind for building amps, but as funds don't seem to be heading in that direction, I am re-evaluating the situation. I am considering a different route. I currently have a Sunfire TGA-7200 that I scored on eBay. My speakers require 6 channels, so basically I either use an amp like that, or buy 3 stereo amps. I have a few options, such as buying 3 Emotiva XPA-200's. One of the things that makes this appeal to me (other than the warranty, and it would look cool, etc.) is that generally a stereo amp performs better than an amp with 7 channels in it. Also, the Emotivas have less THD. Another angle I'm looking into are pro-audio reference amps. I plan on using this setup for working on movies and music, so flat response is ideal. Ironically, I know the ins and outs of digital audio, but pro reference amps aren't my wheelhouse, so anyone with knowledge of that, feel free to chime in (unless your solution for that is Behringer). Obviously, I'm searching for what everyone else is searching for: clean sound. I'm going to need at least 150w/4ohms per channel in order to get a good volume comfortably. This is based on the fact that the subwoofer of the speakers is a 6.5" JL 6w3v3-4.
So, to shorten things...
6 channels = one 6-7 channel amp (since 7 is more common), 3 stereo amps, or 6 monoblocks... something tells me monoblocks are out of the question.
150 watts at 4 ohms
rackmountable is definitely a plus
used for pro work; so i guess reference amps maybe?
as for reference amps, it seems like Crown and QSC are the bees knees out there; i'd like to see something other than those (besides behringer, which might be the lowest quality amplifier i have ever heard, and samson, who might be a close second to behringer).
thanks in advance guys; i realize this is a pretty broad question, but it should make for an interesting thread to see what you guys like