The true test of any amplifier is its sonic performance, and there is no doubt that this unit indeed delivers as expected. The dynamic response from the speakers was like nothing I have heard with any other amplifier in this price range. The bass reproduced by this amp was enough to shake my brother's home and cause the neighbors dogs to bark. What made this amplifier even more appetizing is the fact that all 5-channels are equally matched so that when listening to DTS music, for example, every speaker is alive with equal dynamics. Listening to DVD movies was equally impressive as such was the case with the U-571 DTS DVD. The depth charges rattled our heads so much that they nearly caused multiple concussions. You just cannot obtain these type of dynamics on flagship $3500 home theater receivers.

There was little or no audible coloration or distortion detectable in the balanced, flat responding sound characteristics produced by this unit. Tonality was accurately reproduced and delivered to the speakers with more than ample power reserves. Soundstage was well focused with little to none of the congested feel that many lesser solid-state amplifiers often exhibit. The 5/1500A managed to do a great job at keeping control when pushed very hard without excessively adding any harshness to the program material.

Conclusion

When choosing a multi channel power amp for your surround sound system, I recommend defining budgetary and performance expectations. Be weary of specifications as they are not always what they are cracked up to be. Be certain that the amplifier(s) you are evaluating rate power in a comparable fashion. $2K is a highly competitive price point for multi-channel power amplifier manufacturers. There are countless options to choose from, but they are not all necessarily equal in performance and build quality From our experience, the Sherbourn 5/1500A is perhaps the best value in five (5) channel power amplifiers to date. It is a dynamic solution that is capable of driving difficult speaker loads with poise and refined control, and leaves little to be desired.