2. amps-preamps
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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

Showing 3 responses by paraneer

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
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.
Both are very good integrated amps and will do a far better job with music than any AVR could.

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?
No, it will not sound as good. AVR's are built primarily to decode, process and amplify signals from digital sources.  AVR's are all about features and not about hardcore audio performance.  The biggest reason being their preamp sections.  These are just a mere afterthought, even in so called pure direct mode, and usually comprised of a few op amp chips.  The preamp sections in a quality integrated amp uses far more discreet parts resulting in much higher level of musical performance before the signal is sent along to the power amp section.

And finally, speaking of the power amp sections - don't get misled by the power output figures that AVR's boast.  Either the PM 6006 or CA A60 will kick the SR5011 to the curb when it comes to driving a pair of speakers.  And this an amps first priority - driving speakers.  Everything else is just a feature.

If you don't need surround capability, and it doesn't sound like you do, stick with 2 channel stereo components.  Especially with vinyl.  Digital sources can still be enjoyed too.  That's why a DAC is for.





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.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
@bob_reynolds 
The goal of the HT Bypass is to provide unity gain; so for all practical purposes the signal is still passing through two amp stages.
Sorry but it doesn't and erikT is absolutely right.

The goal of HT Bypass is to effectively turn an integrated amp into a power amp to be used with an external preamp/processor.  In this case, an AVR.  The integrated amps preamp section is Bypassed and all sources connected to the AVR are controlled by the AVR's volume know.
So only one preamp stage - the AVR's.

When listening to any analog source connected directly to the integrated amp, the AVR is not even turned on so again, only one preamp stage - the integrated amps.

Unity gain is only a matter of concern when using an AVR with an integrated amp that does not have an HT Bypass feature.  Then your right, it goes through two preamp stages. 

This the beauty of the HT Bypass feature and why it is the absolute best solution to blending both a 2 channel stereo system with a surround sound system.
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