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2 channel amp sound VS. HT amp sound

I am getting back in the game and interested in getting a mid-range amp to replace an old Marantz SR6200 possibly. Well, actually I am torn between getting a new HT amp that would make things easier with HDMI inputs and wouldn’t cut-out every few minutes with my current cable tv setup, or getting a dedicated 2-ch integrated amp. I listen to a lot of vinyl and current listen to everything source direct on my amp. I have an MMF-5.1 and a set of Mordaunt short MS-908 floor standing speakers with a matching center channel and some polk rears. Music is my primary concern so I was thinking of using the pre-amp outs to hook up a 2-channel amp so I could have both options but getting a new HT amp instead is appealing if I am not losing much in the sound quality of my music.

For 2-channel systems I was thinking of a Marantz PM 6006 or Cambridge Audio CXA60 (I like this because of the bluetooth option for streaming). In this case I could take advantage of FLAC files (I dont have many but could grow this collection) with the built in DAC"s. Although the Marantz has a phono stage, so i could do away with my NAD pre-amp.

if I went with HT amp I was thinking of an SR5011 because I like the streaming options and easy remote app. My main concern is if I go source direct with this amp, will it sound as good as an integrated 2-ch amp around the same price level? I mainly use a fire box for entertainment and although I have a blueray player I rarely use it except for cd’s. Vinyl and spotify are my main music sources but I have considered going the FLAC/DAC route as well.

I know it’s apples to oranges comparisons, but if anyone has debated this before I’d love to hear your input.

Thanks


blindside07
Post removed 
stfoth
435 posts
 
I think you will find it difficult to get a new HT-receiver that sounds "as good" as a similarly-priced two-channel integrated on two-channel, generally, and in a vacuum.

The HT-receiver(s) will probably have loads more features and toys that might make the difference for you--bass management, room correction, etc.--especially on your digital stuff, and depending on what other gear you are using. 

If you don't need stuff like Atmos, DTS-X, 45 surround and subwoofer channels, 4k conversion or video processing, maybe take a look at a used HT-receiver that was several "levels" up in its day.  Maybe you will find a middle ground that gets you some of the flexibility and features you want but with "better" two-channel or at least "better" amplification.

Just a suggestion to think about.
blindside07 OP
6 posts
 
There's a lot of great info here, thanks!  Going by weight the SR6200 is over 32 lbs.  I am leaning towards using my SR6200 for a pre-amp as is, and upgrading to a 2ch integrated for my phono, digital music files and cd player but there's a lot to think about here
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Glad you found some of this helpful.
Two things to comment about regarding what your leaning towards.

The main gist of my post was to avoid the 2 channel preamp section of an AVR altogether. IMO, this is the biggest reason why they are a poor choice for music.

Next, would be the weight argument. Of course an AVR would weigh more - its a DAC, decoder, processor, tuner, and has anywhere from 5 to 9 little amplifiers inside much bigger casework and chassis. An integrated amp weighs almost as much and only has two amps and a preamp section. And a much bigger power supply. The integrated I have weighs 41 lbs - not too many AVR’s around that are that heavy.

But weight notwithstanding, just look at the specs to see which models are 4 ohm rated across the entire power band of 20-20kHz. A 4 ohm rating is the spec that will tell you the true power of an amp. Neither your current SR6200 or the new SR5011 are rated into 4 ohms. Most other AVR’s are not either.

The PM6006 is at 60 wpc into 4. The CXA60 is at 90 wpc into 4. That what I meant by these amps running rings around the SR5011.

But I hope you get more opinions on this matter as the this thread moves forward. Three opinions so far are not enough.
erikt
174 posts
 
Just my deflated 2cents worth, but I also got 'back in the game' about 2009 and started with an Audio Video Receiver (which you are calling an HT 'amp').

And you'll need an AVR if you want a simplified/consolidated system interconnection with HDMI features and surround sound processing - if you intend to build a multichannel setup.

You can get 'good' sound from an AVR - plenty of smiles and toe tapping.

But if the audio bug is still in your veins, you'll begin to wonder (don't we all?)...what if....

That's what happened to me - and I went down the rabbit hole with upgrading my modest entry level speakers, using an external amp, power conditioner, etc, et al.

And they all provided modest gains in my sonic enjoyment.

Then the next time the bug 'bit', I got an integrated amp with HT Bypass to build a hybrid HT/music setup.  And my experience was - 'oh, now I get it'.

The AVR preamp was holding back that next big step up in sonic quality for 2-channel listening with source components.

My point is - you gotta start somewhere and you need think that there are still places to 'go' - this ain't a one stop hobby.

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