There is no question that an integrated will give you better sound than adding a separate amp.
Add an Amp or Integrated to AVR?
I recently went through my third set of HT separates and decided to quit chasing the one-thing-does-everything-great setup and simplify by getting a Denon 3806 AVR. I've had Sherbourn, Aragon, Gemstone, Proceed, etc amps and Parasound Halo, Outlaw pre/pros. I have ACI Jaguar/LFM main speakers and want to use the Denon for HT and then improve on my 2-channel sound. I'm not too concerned about driving the the other channels with the Denon....except maybe the center, but that is a lower priority.
What will deliver a bigger improvement in my sound: an integrated amp like a Mac 6500, Krell 400xi, etc. or a 2-channel amp added to the AVR, something like a Parasound A21, Bryston 4b-ST, etc. ?? Obviously with an integrated, the source would run direct to that whereas an amp with the Denon would use the Denon as the pre-amp.
I'd like to keep the cost to $1500, but would be willing to splurge up to $2500 if necessary.
An important point is that the speakers only see a signal from 100Hz and above because the internal crossover sends info below that to the self-powered LFMs. Therefore, deep bass control is less important than good mid-range and high-range performance. The Jags probably lean a bit toward the warm side of neutral...but not by much.
Any help or insight would really be appreciated.
What will deliver a bigger improvement in my sound: an integrated amp like a Mac 6500, Krell 400xi, etc. or a 2-channel amp added to the AVR, something like a Parasound A21, Bryston 4b-ST, etc. ?? Obviously with an integrated, the source would run direct to that whereas an amp with the Denon would use the Denon as the pre-amp.
I'd like to keep the cost to $1500, but would be willing to splurge up to $2500 if necessary.
An important point is that the speakers only see a signal from 100Hz and above because the internal crossover sends info below that to the self-powered LFMs. Therefore, deep bass control is less important than good mid-range and high-range performance. The Jags probably lean a bit toward the warm side of neutral...but not by much.
Any help or insight would really be appreciated.