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Advice on upgrade of a 2.1 audio setup

I have a system that I’m using both for HT and 2.1 audio. Currently I use a low end receiver (yama HTR-5860). I would like to upgrade my 2.1 path. I don’t care about audio quality for HT/5.1 and I will continue to use the receiver for this.

My speakers are Onix Ref 1 monitors and ACI Force XL subwoofer. I want to stay with these for now. My source is a stock Squeezebox3 streaming FLAC files.

I listen to all kinds of music, but primarily alternative rock, jazz, punk, rock. I like female vocals (e.g. Stina Nordenstam, Patti Smith, Nico, Feist). I listen at moderate volumes but in a large, open room.

I know that I’m missing a lot with my receiver, but in particular I’m looking for two improvements: less fatiguing, easier to listen sound and more clarity, especially for “larger” compositions.

The budget is about $1000 for used equipment. I’m considering are 2 ch amp (SS only - I will use it for HT as well), preamp and a DAC. I know about SB3 mods but I don’t want to go this route.

Which component should I upgrade? Whole budget on amp and continue to use receiver as pre-pro? Divide budget between power amp and preamp and use analog out from SB3? Divide budget between amp, preamp and DAC? I have been reading about tube preamp with a SS amp and I’m very interested in this idea. Is this advisable at this budget? If not, what budget would be required to get the benefits?

Some amps I’m considering: Mccormack DNA 0.5 or 1, Odyssey Stratos, CI D-100, Bel Canto, Parasound, Ps audio HCA-2. I don’t know about preamps yet (I think I need HT bypass and second output to feed my Force XL) or DACs.

Thanks,
Adam
sapek
sapek OP
9 posts
 
Elevick, I have considered the 5ch amp + AV preproc route but decided against it. I'm fine with the receiver as AV preproc and amplifier for surround. I wanted to put all the money into the 2ch part of the system.

What b&k preamp would you recommend?
55dok
162 posts
 
Regarding Threshold amps and tube preamps:
I use an old threshold 4000 with a lector zoe tube amp and find the synergy just fine. If you want an inexpensive ss pre amp for your threshold s/200 try a forte 44. It was designed by Nelson Pass or his design team at forte and should match well with threshold ss amps. It is soley for 2 channel as I don't think it has HT bypass.
elevick
2,439 posts
 
Something as simple and cheap as the pro-3 would work. They are very clean and simple.
However, I'd really stress doing it right. What you are planning will kill the theater end of things. A B&K 505/507 receiver even will greatly improve everything all around.
sapek OP
9 posts
 
Elevick, thanks for the follow up.

Could you elaborate on killing the theater end of things? I realize that my setup won't improve my 4.1 HT setup much from what I have now. I'm fine with that; I want to improve my 2.1 side. Will it degrade HT? How?
elevick
2,439 posts
 
Sorry to be slow. If you are sticking with 2.1, it's really hard to call that theater. In my opinion, you really need an equal quality center channel speaker with a matching amp to your L&R speakers to get any quality listening. You will never get a good balance across the soundstage and will be adding extra electronics to the signal path.
I would push you to scrap the receiver and just go with a nice pre/pro and amp. With a good pre/pro you can add amps and speakers as you go. Something like and Anthem or Sunfire will have great DACs, nice bass control and will rival most 2 channel rigs while producing great theater results.
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