Dbx BX-3 vs more modern multi channel power amps.

[toddundy]

I'm looking for a multi channel amplifier to appease my wife with regards to the stack of power amps in the living room because I refuse to use a home theater receiver amplifiers on my power-hungry vintage BMW matrix speakers (88db SPL). The system consists of two pairs of B&W series one matrix ones and one pair of series one matrix two speakers. After doing a bunch of research on multi channel Adcom amps and even a Harmon signature 2.1, I came across an old DBX BX-3 4 channel Power Amplifier. My question is has anybody had an experience to really listen to the DBX DX-3 in multi channel mode and does it compare to the previously mentioned amplifiers? I use DBX gear quite a bit in my recording studio so I know it's pedigree but never an amplifier by the company because they seem to be quite rare and I am curious if they are out of their element or not. On a slightly related subject I'm also looking to replace my old Sony ES receiver which is essentially doing preamp duty right now with a more modern surroundsound preamp and I'd like to keep it under $500 for a good used unit excellence around decoding. Any feedback would be much appreciated thank you.

 

[Uncle Paul]

No idea on the DBX amps, but I would at least give them a listen. For your pre look for a Sherbourn PT-7030. Outstanding 2 channel, HT, and video performance, also the built in DAC is as good as many outboard units I've used. Mine is here likely until I go to the great record bin in the sky. There is one on Canuk Audio Mart for $550 CDN. I've seen them on Craigslist at $500 USD as well. None on eBay at the moment.

Here is a picture of mine - the one with the two shiny knobs in the cabinet. The smaller PT-7020 I believe is the same performance wise but lacks the balanced inputs and outputs.

 

[whoaru99]

I'm looking for a multi channel amplifier to appease my wife with regards to the stack of power amps in the living room because I refuse to use a home theater receiver amplifiers on my power-hungry vintage BMW matrix speakers (88db SPL). The system consists of two pairs of B&W series one matrix ones and one pair of series one matrix two speakers. After doing a bunch of research on multi channel Adcom amps and even a Harmon signature 2.1, I came across an old DBX BX-3 4 channel Power Amplifier. My question is has anybody had an experience to really listen to the DBX DX-3 in multi channel mode and does it compare to the previously mentioned amplifiers? I use DBX gear quite a bit in my recording studio so I know it's pedigree but never an amplifier by the company because they seem to be quite rare and I am curious if they are out of their element or not. On a slightly related subject I'm also looking to replace my old Sony ES receiver which is essentially doing preamp duty right now with a more modern surroundsound preamp and I'd like to keep it under $500 for a good used unit excellence around decoding. Any feedback would be much appreciated thank you.

I use a stack of 2-ch QSC PLX-series amps so I can't comment on the DBX amp.

However, on the used processor, unless you need the very latest stuff like ATMOS, HDCP 2.2, etc., I don't have any problem recommending the Marantz AV7005, They typically sell for your budget or likely less now. I think one sold in Bartertown a while back for $400-something. It's what I'm using until I decide to pop for a newer unit.

 

[jhoyt]

I owned a DBX BX-3 some years ago, and enjoyed it very much. It's a fine sounding amp. But be aware that it will be showing its age in regard to component reliability, so be prepared for the possibility of a repair bill either to get it 100% functional, or to keep it that way.

 

[bimasta]

I remember a review when the BX-3 came out. It was in a "High End" audiophile magazine, not a professional-recording or mid-fi consumer magazine.

They loved it. Compared it to Krell, Levinsion, etc. Worth keeping. Wish I had one.