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Amp using a receiver as a pre or integrated?

I have a pair of Dynaudio 1.8 MK II's that I bought prior to the arrival of our baby boy. My wife has become a stay home mom, which has limited my potential for amplification upgrades.
I currently have a Denon AVR-85 that isn't designed to handle the 4 ohm loads of the Danes, but I could use the pre-outs and hook up an amplifier (e.g., Linn LK85), or I could tie in an integrated to the system (e.g., Audio Refinement Complete or NAD 370). I want to know which would sound better for 2-channel listening. I want to spend less than $700 if possible and will purchase good used equipment.
Room is about 12 x 16 with 8' ceilings. I don't listen loud, so I am looking for quality, not quantity of amplification. I listen to Jazz, classical, classic rock, and southern gospel music.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
shadowfax

Showing 2 responses by shadowfax

shadowfax OP
9 posts
 
I really want to keep the receiver for HT.
shadowfax OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for the responses and the advise on the equipment. I will make sure the room is childproof. I am thankful that the Lord blessed my wife and me with a son after 10 years of marriage. We couldn't be happier.

Dredster, we are in the market for a camcorder, just trying to decide which would be a better purchase, a VHS or digital (we do have a computer).

With regards to the amp, I was thinking strongly about an integrated (the AR complete is high on my list) because I did think that the pre on the integrated would outperform the Denon; however, responses on audioreview.com indicate otherwise. Some commentors suggested that I spend the money on a power amp as the pre of the Denon would be fine. Others suggested that I forget purchasing an amp at all since I listen at low volumes. I tend to agree with Dekay that the integrated would do wonders to my 2-channel, that is why I began looking in the first place. I saw an article in What Hi Fi? that recommended an integrated under the same circumstances and detailed how to set it up (unfortunately I didn't purcase a copy) to get 2-channel through the integrated and still keep the HT.

Anyway, I am a little confused, but I believe that an integrated still would probably provide the best 2-channel listening under my current budget constraints. Right??
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