Price Paid:  $950.00

Summary:
I agree with the first reviewer that this is amp is a hidden gem. I got it in a package deal with the P-965 AV processor, expecting to keep the processor and sell the amp, but would up doing just the opposite. I have used many amps over the years, including amps from Carver, Bryston, Citation, Chiro, Marsh, Threshold, and H/K (PA-5800 and Signature 2.1) and my current reference, the Innersound ESL. In comparision to the Innersound, the A-965 was slightly out of its league, but it impressed me nonetheless. To my ears it sounded very smooth and transparent with little if anything lost in detail, yet with outstanding dynamics. This amp has plenty of power for any reasonably efficient speaker. But what really sold me on it was how quiet and well-behaved it is - no hum, pops or other odd noises at turn-on, which I cannot say for many of the other amps I have owned. It just comes on, does its job and never lets you know its there. I'm not saying I would not trade it for a Plinius Odeon or a Cary Cinema 5 (duh) but for the street price you can get it for I really don't think you can do better.

Strengths:
Sound quality, build quality, quietness, 5 year warranty.

Weaknesses:
None really.

Similar Products Used:
H/K Signature 2.1; Chiro C-500; Carver 705X; H/K PA-5800; Bryston 4BST; Citation 7.1; Marsh A-200; Threshold S1500e; Innersound ESLII

Price Paid:  $1499.00 from Sherwood Newcastle

Summary:
Just like pre/pro I had alot of Amplifiers over the last year, everything from Adcom,Rotel & B&K. Not only does this Sherwood outweigh them, tipping the scales at almost 90 pounds, but it performed wonderfully in 2 channel stereo, which is a rarity for multichannel amps. This amp is built on seven monoblock amplifiers and has two power supplies, which virtually eliminates cross talk. Right before this amp for stereo purposes I was using a B&K Reference 2220 amp, the sherwood is clear more defined in the mid to upper frequencies. The bass is very lifelike and clearly defined. This is a great performer and the build quality is grade A, hats off to Sherwood for this amazing piece. Many people write things off without even trying them, give this baby a test run and witness sonic freedom. You can also check out my review on the Sherwood P965 pre/pro as a set they will out perform systems costing twice as much (easily).

Strengths:
Seperate monoblock design
2 power supply
Wonderful clean two channel sound

Weaknesses:
NONE!!!

Similar Products Used:
Rotel RMB1095
Adcom GFA7700
B&K Reference 2220