2. amps-preamps
  3. 1035326703

Amps, preamps, and home theater

I decided I want to upgrade my amp/preamp, and am deciding what to get. I have a pair of Joseph Audio RM22si signatures currently driven by a Denon AVR2600 receiver (5x70 watts RMS). This gets really tricky with home theater, since I want to be able to use my setup for that.

I'm looking to buy only those products that I will leap out of my seat when I hear the difference from my old receiver. I'm hoping I can get giants leaps of sound improvement for around $1000 used. Maybe I'm optimistic.

What are people's opinions about whether to use the Denon as the preamp (it has pre-outs for all channels) and just buy a quality power amp? I'm afraid the Denon's preamp may taint the sound, though. Another option is to buy an integrated amp. I only need quality power to the front 3 speakers, but since I need to be able to decode Dolby Digital/DTS, maybe I'm stuck choosing a 5 channel integrated home theater amp (I have no need for a tuner).

I'm also interested in people's opinions about what brands would best drive the Josephs (which sound terrific in my small listening space).

Are home theater and good stereo sound as difficult as I'm fearing they are?
matt8268

Showing 1 response by tsrart

tsrart
79 posts
 
Upgrade the amplifiers . . . . I went from a Denon AVR-87 alone to a using the Denon as a pre to drive a Rotel 985 Mk II for the front three channels (the AVR-87 only had outputs for the three front channels)and it made an amazing difference.

The Denon's pre stage might not be ideal, but it will sound much better with good amplifiers. Also, once you have the power amps, it's a short step to a dedicated pre/pro down the line . . . .
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