Running a similar type setup. Started upgrading a couple years ago to bring up the sound quality after a downsizing move created the need to compromise from a dedicated room which had 2 Bryston 4B SST amps and ML speakers. I run a Denon x4300h in 7.1, Magnepan MMG, REL sub, NHT super 0 surrounds. The Maggies needed more power so I built the Hypex NC400 amps. Immediate improvement- dark, controlled, no heat in cabinet. When I use HT mode all is great. When I switch to vinyl (Rega P3 with Nag 110 cartridge and Parks Puffin pre), Spotify or CD's I put the receiver in pure direct mode and call it a day. In my little world I couldn't be happier.
Amp/Preamps vs. High end AV Receivers
Hi,
I am sure this topic had been discussed exhaustively. I am new to this arena looking for some help to upgrade my Onkyo AV Receiver (135 w/channel). I am debating whether to the AV route or the AMP/Preamp combo. Naturally, I understand that I get what I pay for.
Would appreciate some inputs and suggestions regarding:
1. AMP/PREAMP combo route -
2. AV route
I am not looking at a huge budget but a decent one.
Thanks in advance
I am sure this topic had been discussed exhaustively. I am new to this arena looking for some help to upgrade my Onkyo AV Receiver (135 w/channel). I am debating whether to the AV route or the AMP/Preamp combo. Naturally, I understand that I get what I pay for.
Would appreciate some inputs and suggestions regarding:
1. AMP/PREAMP combo route -
2. AV route
I am not looking at a huge budget but a decent one.
Thanks in advance
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- 46 posts total
I had an AVR but then went the separates route. The overall sound is much better, but I don't need to rehash what others have said. I got a used 5 channel amp, and added it as an outboard amplifier. The AVR has line level outputs, and I connected those to the amp. The advantage of this type of setup is that you can use a cheaper AVR without much power, and you can use the separate amp to power your speakers. Then, in my case, I later wanted to upgrade to support 4K video, and I was able to score a $1k Denon AVR on clearance for less than $600. It has all the software support I could need for up to 9 channels, including Atmos. And, I can use the built in amps for the Atmos speakers if I decide later to go that way. In your shoes, if your AVR has line output, then I would just get a separate amp. If it does not, and doesn't meet your codec requirements, then you can get a nice amp for under $1k (I paid $600 for an older 150 wpc Adcom 5 channel amp), and a nice (lower power) AVR under $1k. In the future, you can meet any software changes with a low cost AVR, and connect it to your nice power amp. This option is way better to me than upgrading to a $2k AVR because when you want to update the AVR, you also have to pay the cost of the amps... meaning another $2k investment. |
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis969ff-b-k-components-reference-200-7-200-watt-x-7-powerhouse-mu...= Any thoughts on the B&K Amp? |
- 46 posts total