I tried a used AV 5000 in place of a McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe, so that I could bi-amp my Apogee Slant 6 speakers with a single box, and use my McCormack for Celestion SL6S speakers. The result was a surprising improvement in sound from the Apogees, more than likely due to bi-amping. The treble seems smoother, and the dynamics seem better. The improvement was greater than the change from a 1973 era Marantz 250 to the McCormack, but not as great a change as an Adcom GFA-535 to the Marantz. If I were rating the performance only, I’d rate it a 5 out of 5.

Compared with the McCormack, the B&K’s fit and finish are not in the same league. While the front plate is sturdy, the metal case is too thin and flexible. Multiple case screws were broken during shipping. I agree with a previous reviewer who complained about the connectors. I recommend using banana plugs with this amp. Minus one star for this, and for the case.

The back panel design is the worst I have seen on any amp. or receiver.
It is virtually impossible to connect speaker wire without using banana plugs.

Price,small in size for 5 channel with 125 wpc,volume controls for each channel on back,easy hookup for banana plugs or bare wires.

runs hot

IMO this amp performs fine I have a B&K ST-140 also and think that in 2 channel the 140 is slightly better than the 5000.For movies the AV-5000 is at it's best.On music the soundstage isn't as good as my 140 and the bass isn't as well controlled.

Similar Products Used:

B&K ST-140,luxman,Yamaha and Pioneer amps.

Have the av5000 amp, sounds really good. Runs a little warm and basically quiet. The only time I hear any hum is when it is off since it is attached to the ref 20 & turns on that way with the cord connected. Really like it even though had some problems with the ref 20, I am on my 3rd one. Only advice to give about b&k buy from a good dealer who will exchange if defective, factory blames everything on shipping. quality control can be atrocious with them.

For those who on a budget, this 5 channel amp is impossible to beat. I bought one several months now and absolutely love it. If you are looking for a multi channel amp, you'll be making a big mistake not to check this one out.

The amp is a rock. It's a very smooth sounding amp, not quite tube sounding but much smoother than most theater amps you can find. 110 watts/channel is very modest and b&k now advertises it as 130 watts (which is what it probably was all along).
I purchased this amp at $700 dollars and it has been about the best purchase I've ever made. Since I'm only a stereo guy (not too into theater) this amp will run ANYTHING. Currently running two channels to each of my tukans (about 230 watts to each speaker(l/r)), it provides more power then you'll ever come close to using.

No frills, No thrills, and definately no lame clueless cult following. It's just a damn good amp.

I've had this amp for about a year now, and I couldn't be happier. It's a powerhouse, and like an earlier reviewer said, this baby probably has more watts than they're listing. I highly recommend this unit to anyone that's in the market for one. I could say it's a great amp for the money, but screw that, it's a great amp period, whatever the price!!

I've oned the AV-5000 seriesII for 2 months. It replaced an Adcom GFA-6000. What a difference! This amp is detailed yet smooth with clear airy highs and solid bass. The midrande is neutral, leaning toward clinical. At $1300, you can't find anything to match it. Highly recommended.

I am very happy with this amp for its clear, warm and smooth sound. All the music and movies become more enjoyable.

I own a older model, the AV 5000 (100w x 5) and I have to say that for the price, it is very hard to beat. From regular 2 channels listening until the deep explosions of Starship Troopers, it doesn't skip a beat. Is is distortion free, very detailled and absolutely rocks my Cabasse front speakers and Triangle Sat Line center and rear speakers. It runs hot to very hot, so be careful to insure proper ventilation ; otherwise, I thing I will still use it in 10 years from now, and may be I will give it to my chidren !!!