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Upgrade Path - Integrated or Power Amp????

I have a dilemma I have been struggling with for a while. Hope to get some clues here - any suggestions welcome and thank you for sharing your know-how.

I have had a home theatre system for some time, which I also use for 2 channel music, altho I don't like it's performance. Main complaints are:

- when music gets complicated, it sounds confused, as if everything is collapsed in, cannot identify each instrument clearly as being distinct
- does not place instruments very well
- narrow sonic image

I've saved up some money and want to get a 2 channel audio system. This needs to mesh with my HT system i.e. same speakers, due to lack of space. I am not one for upgrades every year or two, want to build a system I will keep for years to come.

My problem is I am not an audiophile, I just like music and willing to pay for it, and I don't understand where the problem lies.

Which part of the AV receiver is causing the problems? Pre part? Power part? Both?

I only want to buy one component (budget around $5k) - do I get a power amp and connect to AV receiver, or do I get an integrated?

My system:

Marantz 9200 av receiver
JMLab Mini Utopia fronts
NHTs center sub
Mirage backs
Musical Fidelity A3 CD
715018

Showing 3 responses by 715018

715018 OP
3 posts
 
Thank you for all your help guys. Looks like this problem is not unique to me!

Decided to borrow a pre-amp from friend to test out, see how much of an improvement that brings. If it gives me what I want then may go pre-pow combo and buy the pre first.

Lkdog - re budget, I guess I don't need to spend it all and in fact would be a bonus not to. You are right re diminishing returns. I'm not ruling out cheaper products but I just don't want to get into a regular upgrade every few years etc cos that would cost even more. Hopefully I will get something I am satisfied with and that will be my "audiophile" life over.
715018 OP
3 posts
 
Lkdog - you are absolutely right re product upgrade and imbalances in quality. I fully expected it when i bought my Mini Utopias (they don't sound as amazing as they did in the shop by a long way). hopefully i will realise some of that quality when i get the integrated or pre/pow!
715018 OP
3 posts
 
Thanks guys for the advice.

I am totaly happy with home theatre at the moment so getting 5 channels of amplification might be overkill. i am very interested in this pass-through feature, so had a look for myself, seems the more expensive integrateds all have this feature.

however, so do lots of high end 2 channel pre-amps it seems.

so now the new question is, do i get a pre amp now and then power amps later, or just an integrated and be done with it?

i'm going to go to the shops to audition this weekend, but i don't get the chance very often due to work so want to be able to test as much as i can when i am there and don't want to waste time. your advice would help alot in that respect.

thanks
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