2. home-theater
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Amplification for Denon 3802 for 2-ch listening

I'm just getting started in the home theatre / mid-fi arena, so please bear with my ignorance... that's why I'm researching here.

Current Setup:
I recently purchased a Denon AVR-3802 for home theatre use, based on a friend's recommendation. I got a good deal on it, and I like the processing features for HT. That purchase has started a snowball effect. I then decided to upgrade my speakers, and I took a quantum leap up to B&W CDM 7NT's for the fronts, the CDM CNT Center, and a used set of CDM 1SE's for the rear surrounds. I also have a REL Q150E sub coming next week (I know it's a little small for the 7NT's, but space was an issue with my wife, and it seemed pretty powerful when I auditioned it at a local shop). My source components aren't that great, and I will be upgrading those along the way. I have a cheap DVD player, and an older Sony ES CD player. I did buy decent quality interconnects and Canare star-quad bi-wire speaker cables for the whole system.

Question:
I'm relatively satisfied with the sound of the system for home theatre (although it does seem like I have to crank up the volume to about -15db on the receiver to get the full effect), but I don't think I'm doing my speakers justice for music listening with the Denon powering them. I'd guess my usage of the system is about 65% music, 35% movies. I'm looking for recommendations on an amp or amp / pre amp combo to improve the performance of my speakers for music (and home theatre, if possible). Does it make sense to use the denon as a preamp for music, or should I take it completely out of the loop and only use it for HT. If the latter, how do I do this, and what features in the preamp should I look for? I have a budget of $1200 for this (I'll buy used gear).

Thanks, and sorry for the long winded question.

Scott
scottwebb
foreverhififc85
58 posts
 
Yes Scottweb, you will get better sonics all around by adding another amp to your existing Denon receiver, for sure! I would recommend doing EQUAL POWER all around for best results, ESPECIALLY KEEPING EQUAL AMPLIFICATION(QUALITY) TO THE CENTER ALONG WITH L/R!! If you just get a 2 channel amp, that's good for 2 channel. But you'll get shorted on the 5 channel side using the amps in the receiver(which are weaker, trust me...). But, it will be better than the amps in the receiver all around for sure.
THE DOWN SIDE TO KEEPING YOUR RECEIVER FOR BOTH 2 CHANNEL AND 5 CHANNEL, is that RECEIVERS PREAMP SECTIONS ARE WEAKER DYNAMICALLY than a good separates processor, and they sound softer....NOT TO MENTION LESS REFINED AND MUSICAL! Stil though, if you want to stay with the REceiver, you'll do better immediately with the added amp! Still, I would say you can easily get something around $600-800 used in a very nice sounding 5 channel amp, from the Acurus 125x5, ATI 1505,Parasound HCA1205(?..maybe), and have very nice sound from your B&W's(which I've sold for years).
Just some suggestions and feedback.
But remember, for FUTURE REFERENCE AT LEAST, the receiver THROUGHOUT DOES NOT HAVE THE DYNAMICS, REFINEMENT, OR CLAIRITY AND SEPARATION of a good prepro! So, you can upgrade that for better sonics if you ever decide. Receivers are fun and attractive in cheaper systems. But if you want to go foreward, the receiver will be holding your sound back, in all areas ultimatlely! good luck....
c123666
871 posts
 
I set up my friend, who purchased my Denon AVR 3801, with a used Parasound HCA 1206 amp. He uses his Adcom GFA 535 amplifier to drive the front mains (Linn tukans) and the Parasound for the center/rears and bridges channels 5/6 to mono for his McIntosh HT2 passive subwoofer. The Parasound at 800, or thereabouts, is Very Powerful, and a great deal on the used market when one considers it retailed for just under 2k when new and can be had for 800. I also have one and it has never failed me; bought it in 1997 or so.
scottwebb OP
3 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for the input. I think I'm going to look for a five channel amp right now, and keep the Denon as a pre-pro for the time being. I'll probably go to a pre/pro separate in a couple years.

Thanks,
Scott
c123666
871 posts
 
A six channel amp provides the ability to utilize a totally passive subwoofer and utilize the internal crossover for most processors. I set up a friend with an early 90's McIntosh HT2 subwoofer and it is powered by a channel from his Parasound HCA 1206 with excellent results. Would he like more power? Not yet; the Parasound does pretty darned well. Each channel has its own output/volume control and the amp is THX certified; bargain at around 850 on the used market imho.
viggen
838 posts
 
scott, i dont think you should get a 5 channel amp. i mean, spreading out your limited budget on 5 channel won't get you nearly as far as putting them into a 2 channel amp. I suggest you stick with the built in amps for theater purposes and get a 2 channel for music. furthmore, there are more 2 channel amps that will sound good with music than 5 channel amps. in other words, musical 2 channel amps are less cost prohibitive than musical 5 channel amps.
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