2. amps-preamps
  3. 128538-94770

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 2 responses by erikt

erikt
270 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.

erikt
270 posts
 
@bob_reynolds
A couple of things about an int or pre with true HT Bypass are:
1) When using the AVR to the Int Amp you are not passing a signal thru two preamp stages (AVR and Int Amp) as the HT Bypass will "bypass" the preamp stage in the int and it’s just an amp.
2) If you have a sub that has separate LFE and L/R line level inputs you can have the sub connected simultaneously to the AVR (LFE input) and the preouts of the int amp (L/R):
a) when using the AVR and the int amp selected for HT Bypass, the preouts are disabled on the int amp, so no doubling up on signals to the sub
b) when listening to 2-channel, your source components are connected to the int amp, the avr is turned off (or muted) and the int amp preouts send signals to the sub

I do this now with my setup -works slick and clean.

I’m just tossing this out as there are several ways to combine an AVR with dedicated 2-channel components when one is constrained to a single room for HT and music.


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