Nero HTA4200 Multi Channel (4X) 200W/Ch Home Theater Amplifier, Bridgeable 300W/Ch

If you're looking for a powerful 2-channel amplifier or need a 4-channel amp with sufficient power for surround and/or height speakers, I highly recommend the HTA4200. I normally use a Lexicon LX-5 (5 channels with 200watts/channel @8ohms) to power my front, center, and surround speakers. Unfortunately, it needs service, and I don't want to burden my Marantz 7011 receiver with another 5 speakers. The HTA4200's big brother, the 7-channel HTA7200, received a glowing review in (now defunct) Sound and Vision magazine for both its build and audio qualities. The HTA4200 has the same per-channel power rating as the HTA7200 but offers something the 7200 does not: the ability to bridge channels. Right now, I have the 4200 set up as a stereo (300watts/8ohms per channel) amplifier. Everything is clearly marked on the back panel and only requires flicking a couple toggle switches. Just be aware that the (+) and (-) speaker terminals are now about 4 inches apart. So far, this amp sounds almost identical to my Lexicon which cost close to 10 times the HTA4200 (and that was 20 years ago!). This amp came double boxed with handholds on the outer one, something all heavy electronics should employ. I intend to return the HTA4200 to 4-channel duty when I get the Lexicon back. This amp is a fantastic buy compared to what you'll pay for a similar "name-brand" model. One thing that drove me nuts, and it's not explained well in the online manual. If you want to use the trigger function you must set the associated toggle switch to OFF. Note: I don't know if Amazon is aware of this but I'm sure manufacturers are, new FCC rules state that power ratings for amplifiers and receivers must be given at 8-ohms (not 4 or 6) with all channels driven at multiple points in the frequency range, not just the usual 1kHz. These rules have been in effect for almost a year now but there seems to be little compliance. Update: After using this amplifier in bridged mode for over a week, I have a better feel for its characteristics. First let me say that regardless of how loud I pushed this amp, it was never hot to the touch and the sound never harsh or distorted. As with most Class-AB amps, bridging two channels increases volume by ~6dB. While the amp produces detailed music with a wide soundstage, it appears to emphasis the lower frequencies. The bass is distinct, never boomy, but definitely more pronounced than the Lexicon or Marantz. I had to reduce the bass level for my front speakers because they have powered 8-inch woofers and are rated down to 34 Hz. I followed up with the surrounds which have passive 8" woofers with similar results. Next up were the surround backs (bookshelf speakers) with 5.5" mid-bass drivers. In this case, these speakers never sounded better, with a richer bottom end than either the Lexicon or Marantz ever produced. I then took the HTA 4200 out of bridged mode and used it to power 4 ceiling speakers with 6.5" drivers with similar results. I verified my subjective listening using Audessey room correction. Normally it puts the cut-off on the surround back and ceiling speakers at 80 Hz. With the HTA 4200 the cut-off was now 60 Hz (these speakers are rated at 45 and 47 Hz, respectively). In my opinion, while the HTA 4200 might not be a great match for floor-standing speakers with large woofers, it can really make smaller speakers come alive with its clean, powerful bottom end. Some may actually prefer its sound with large speakers. It's all a matter of taste. One thing for sure, you get a great-sounding amplifier with plenty of power for your money.

It's a good amp for the price charged. The rated (2-Channel) power level seems about right. I use it paired with a 7.1 Marantz pre-amp. It's quite, and runs my JBL - Polk - Bose Front/Surround/Rear speakers with volume to spare. It is quiet when no sound is input. Compared to my last home theater amp, an 11-year-old Outlaw amp, this Nero is a tank. Think the Outlaw weighed close to fifty pounds but this monster is closer to 70. Amazon delivered in in a truck with a power lift (!). I'm running it with balanced connectors instead of RCA jacks. Would buy again.

This amplifier delivers great sound quality, fits perfectly with my Denon AVR-X6700H and polk audio xt speakers. I appreciate its functionality and build quality seems robust. The amplifier is easy to set up, via rca or xlp cables and never gets hot to the touch. Power can be either 120v/220v supply with a flick of a switch. I would just perfer that the item be more affordable I did stretch abit to be able to make this purchase.

Great price, Amazing amplifier. I'm using it to power my Polk Reserve R700 speakers and it's incredible! I'm using the bridging option which pumps 400 watts into 8 Ohms and it really improved my system. I love OSD. If they keep making amps like this, I'll be a customer for life.

No power chord included. 12v trigger chord included, but only about 12 inches long. All hookups done with power off. Tried rca hookups first (KImber pbj interconnects). One channel had mild hum but no music. Second channel had music and a LOUD hum. Channels 3,4,&5 played music with a mild hum. Was ready to send back, but decided to try xlr cables which arrived the next day (Mogami/Neutric). First, covered the rca’s with Cardas rfi caps to block the hum. Music now comes from all 5 channels, no hum, and integrates well with my Vincent SA-500 integrated powering my front Klipsch Heresy main speakers and RSL-12 sub (7.1 system). It seems OSD has perfected the class H amp for home theater use when utilizing xlr hook-up only. The rca hookups are as useless as tits on a boar hog. I’ve decided to keep this unit anyway.

So far my experience with this amp has been slowly driving me a bit nuts. It has some power to it and makes the audio come alive but the power filtration or whatever they use (or dont use) is making all sorts of noises come through my speakers. Unfortunately I'm probably going to start thinking about going through the hassle of sending my amp back. Pros: -great sounding amp -good power for the price -xlr and rca inputs Cons: -reliability is definitely questionable -very noisy amp (hum, buzzing and squealing)

Bought this due to Youthman's youtube channel $799 special code that day. Was on the fence on getting the monoprice 7x200 $1850 amp, but at these prices its hard to beat. Paired this unit with Onkyo RZ50 at$999 so was able to get receiver and amp for same price as just monoprice amp by itself. Sound is clean and strong. Pushing a pair of old school ADS 1590's for right and left and polk lsiM706c for centers and ADS 1290s in rear. Thought the 145 watt per channel vs monoprice 200 watt per channel wouldn't be enough but its good enough for me. Sound details in Ready Player One was phenomenal. Cranked it up loud and still had room to go before I had to turn it down. If your audiophile on a budget definitely i say go for this power amp.

I also bought this due to Youthman's youtube channel special code that day. This is replacing a 25 year old (still working) Anthem Statement A5, 5 channel power amp. Thinking it's just a matter of time before the Anthem gives up the ghost, I've have been pondering replacing it before that happens. When I saw this on YouTube, it was a no brainer and I went for it. This thing is so well built and is actually heavier than the much more expensive Anthem. It sounds amazing but only time will tell whether it will have the long-term reliability of the Anthem. Again, the build quality is simply amazing for the price, even without the early adopter discount.