HT Receiver or High end integrated for music??

Well...you need both! I agree that an integrated AMP or separates of quality is necessary for true Hi fidelity audio success in the 2 channel world. AN HT receiver doesnt quite get there.

The catch is on the HT side then...many movie soundtracks are mixed in 5.1 for example and made to be heard that way as well. So HT moves more to signal/channel processing and, frankly, software and less about quality power and signal path quality components.

Its great that folks love 2.1 for movies, but the soundtracks are mixed for 5.1 and should be heard that way. This can in fact be done with separates etc via analog outs-- assuming the audio decoding can be done at the DVD player level, but HT receivers can excel in surround processing and often do.

I arrived at this the other way 'round from others - I'd already had high end 2 channel audio for many years and wanted a second system for music & HT without spending megabucks and getting complicated. I disliked virtually every HT receiver I'd heard - in fact I hadn't had a receiver of any kind since my vintage gear 25 years ago. I was strictly a 2 channel, finicky kinda audiogal.

I've been very happy with my Arcam AVR300 (powering Nola Minis) and the AVR350 is even better - I'll be trading up some day.

I would not recommend this approach with most typical HT receivers (I've had a couple Denons and others that are very easy to live without) but Arcam makes truly fine sounding, musical receivers. Treat the Arcam like a serious piece of kit with an after market power cord and decent wire and you will have a very satisfying musical experience and great HT sound. The Arcams are versatile too, offering bi-amping options and much else for audiophile tastes. And honestly, I love the simplicity of it all.

The Plinius and Cary are excellent integrateds, ones I've recommended to friends for 2 channel only listening. But I'm very comfortable with the Arcam gear for my all-in-one system.

If I were doing HT separates I would consider going with the Cary pre/pro and multichannel amps, surely one of the best kept secrets in HT/audio. But for a double duty system the Arcam is an outstanding choice.

Does my Arcam/Nola music/HT system outperform my high end separates? No, but it sounds pretty darned nice - my main system was an $16K+ system, with full rnage speakers carefully matched and highly synergetic with my electronics, cabling etc.

BTW, my musical tastes run primarily to lareg scale orchestral and choral works. I don't like hardness in the treble, congestion, lack of transparency etc. The Arcams don't suffer from these issues.

Go give the AVR350 a listen, compare with some integrateds, think about the logistics, make your choice and be happy.

I have upgraded every speaker crossover network because almost all speaker crossover networks are made with the cheapest components. This impacts both the speakers performance/sound and the overall system performance/sound.

NO QUESTION, what it costs for me to upgrade speaker crossover networks is cheaper than 99% of upgrading IC's or PC's and the results ar FAR better too. If you're looking to improve soundstage, imaging, details, 3-dimensionality, blacker/quieter background, and musicality, upgrading speaker crossover networks is a MUST. Also, the beauty of this procedure is that you don't have to ship your speakers anywhere, just the small crossover networks.

Just my .02 cents from personal experience.

Good responses! My only other comment is that a new solution for Home Theater pre/pro and receivers should include coniseration for HDMI 1.3 connectivity and hi def vid and audio. I am unclear that many non-HT receivers have those capabilities at this time.

Vman71? I'd like to know your speakers that you've "upgraded crossovers" on. Any input would be appreciated. Any higher end speaker applications? I've got to figure any competent speaker designer would "specialize" in crossover networks (passive, that is). So, what exactly are you replacing, and on what models? Thx