Better 2-channel music


My system consists of the Marantz SR7007, a pair of Emotiva XPA-1 mono blocks, Emotiva XPA-3 for center and surround, Rythmik 15HP sub, Oppo 103, Focal 1000 Be II series front and center, Infinity IL10 surround and back. I listen music from CD and different digital sources and movies from bluray DVD and Netflix, Amazon... My complaint is the Marantz doesn't deliver the quality of 2-channel audio as I expected. My plan is to upgrade either to Emotiva XMC-1 or Marantz AV8802. All suggestions and advices will be greatly appreciated.
128x128philkoan
I was using an Emotiva UMC-1 for my 2 channel and home theater.

When I added a Conrad Johnson ET3se with home theater bypass it was at the time the biggest improvement ever in my 2 channel sound. I was truly amazed at what a good 2 channel preamp could do. Really night and day when you went back and forth comparing the sound.

The only improvement that could compare was when I went analog and spent $11000 on a turntable, cartridge and phone pre amp.
Come to Pittsburgh and I'll run my 105 direct into Mac amps or monoblock tube amps. Virtually any pre-amp we put into the chain will change the sound, usually for the better. Any quality pre will have a better volume control and add some gain as well. The Oppo has a volume for convenience but isn't touted as a preamp dvd.
The Oppo is phenomenal as an everything player and eliminates a ton of clutter.
Final note: Paul McGowan of PS Audio did a personal study last year and appeared to surprise himself that adding a pre-amp into the mix usually helped the system.
Elevick, I have 2 offers from an audio-HT store: The Mac MX121 for $4800 or the Marantz AV8802 for $3200. I can also upgrage to the Marantz AV8801 and either Conrad Johnson ET3se (pair with my current Oppo 103) or Cambridge- Azur 851C (better CD player, not as good as Conrad Johnson preamp). I watch movies from bluray and Netflix and listen to music from all different sources.
Zd542,
I love music with pure sound, yet sound is complicate to me. That why I'm here to take advices and learn especially what high end equipment can improve the quality of sound. Different individuals have different ways of experiencing sound of music. you're right when saying we need to hear to know what we're looking for but not just read the specs of a certain piece of equipment. I think we need both. Learning the spec just like preparing homework, then go to a show room to do the first test, and if impossible, take the piece home and integrate into our own system to see if it fits our need.
I've realized that you and Bob have different views in experiencing the quality of sound, and the differences sometimes go from rich knowledge to subjective emotion that usually influences our judgments as well as reading other's point of view.
Again, I'm here to learn before investing more to improve my system. Therefor, all advices are greatly and truthfully appreciate.
Thank you.
Phil
A-What do you feel you are missing with the 7007?
B-What is your tv quality-will you see the difference?
C-Have you compared using the 103 as a transport versus using the 103 to handle all audio/video? What do you like and why?
D-I think that audio, video and features are all a huge upgrade going from the 103 to 105. This is a lot less money of an upgrade than buying a $3500 processor.
You may need to spend so much money. If you feel you are missing something with 2 channel (which may be the case), a nice DAC or the Cambridge 850/1 would be an upgrade. I've played with the 850 a lot and it sounds better than my 105 or Schitt Bifrost in 2 channel. I wouldn't even ad my emotiva into this mix.