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

Showing 6 responses by blindside07

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
This is all great info, I think I will be holding off on an AVR for now because we plan to move in a couple years and I would rather start fresh at that time with a new AV system based on the room I will have for it.  I do want to improve my music sound in the meantime.  Something like the AX60 still appeals to me and running it in conjunction with my 6200 should get me by for a while.  I have also considered getting a slightly older integrated amp like the Marantz PM8003 in the classifieds here, or something similar.  The only problem with that is all the inputs are analog so I would likeley need a DAC to play high quality FLAC files from my computer-then the price of the amp and the DAC are almost as much as getting a newer integrated amp that has a built in DAC.  I suppose I could run the MacBook Pro through the digital in of my 6200 since i would be using it as a pre-amp to the integrated amp but the sound may not be great.  Lots to consider here!
I will likely merge the systems when I move.  I am unsure of the age of the pm8003, but the CA cxa60 is new.
Thanks Mesch for the  HRT Music Streamer II USB DAC info, I will look into that as a possibility.  if I sold my NAD pp-1, it would almost balance out the DAC price.  There is a CA AX60 for sale for $650 on ebay from an authorized dealer, but I can get the PM8003 for $350.
A used Marantz PM8004 with HT bypass may be the best option. It's $600, but I would still need a DAC so I have to decide if it's a better option than the Cambridge Audio for me