2. amps-preamps
  3. 151973-137806

Advice on amp to pair with new Revel speakers

I'd like some input on purchasing a new preamp/amp or integrated amp to pair with my new pair of Revel Concerta2 F36
floorstanding speakers.  I'm moving away from home theater setup into a 2.0 or 2.1 stereo setup and would have a budget of around 5k.  I'm interested in streaming and something would need to be able to connect my PS4 and TV as well.  I generally listen to music fairly loud, so something with good power output.  I'd be replacing a Denon AVRX-2100W receiver....... which at higher volume levels just sounds "muddy" to me.  
88mclaren50

Showing 3 responses by mcreyn

mcreyn
293 posts
 
Budget?  The F36s are pretty easy to drive.  Any good separates or an integrated with more than 50 watts per channel should work well.  Personally, I would do a Schiit Saga or Freya preamp and Schiit Vidar amp.  The combo will set you back between $1000 and $1700 depending on the preamp.  You could also do a Schiit Ragnarok integrated for $1500 (or fully loaded with a phono preamp and dac for $1800 for a one box solution) or Freya with mono Aegirs for $2500.  

There are many other great choices, but to me Schiit is really at the peak of price v performance.  Enjoy the F36s, really a great speaker.  
mcreyn
293 posts
 
You can always return the Schiit and pay the restocking fee if you aren’t satisfied. Personally, I would not spend $5000 for an amp/preamp for the F36. Spend less and buy some room treatments and a pair of 12” rythmik subs.  If you want a DAC, the Schiit Bifrost has a remote and can handle multiple digital sources.  

There are a lot of other good choices at and below your pricepoint that you can order and return if not happy. There is no substitute for trying the components in your system. $3200 gets you a PS Audio preamp and S300 amp (call them and you will get them cheaper). For $2995 you can get the Parasound Hint 6 from Audioadvisor. Audioadvisor also stocks Rega, Musical Fidelity and Bryston integrated all at and below your budget. I would argue that all of these represent a better value than McIntosh, which IMHO are overpriced.
mcreyn
293 posts
 
From Schiit Audio:

https://www.schiit.com/guides/choosing-amps-preamps

Home Theater Integration, $0. Okay, all you "home theater bypass" guys. All of our preamps offer true home theater bypass. Just plug in your processor’s front channels to any input, select Passive mode, and turn the volume all the way up. Presto! 1:1 home theater bypass, with only a relay in the signal path.
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