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Best 2 channel music quality on a 5.1 home theater AVR

Hello,  

New to this forum.  Building a system over the years and time to upgrade my AVR.

Current gear… Onkyo TXNR 686 - rated at 100 W/CH - 2 channels driven

Front - PSB Image T-5 (Bi-amplified)

Center-PSB Image C-5

Surround - PSB Alpha  LRC

Sub- SVS  SB 2000 Pro

Ive collected everything on a budget, either second hand deals or deep discounts.  Im not too particular when it comes to Cinema sound, the Onkyo is just fine.  Where I do feel like the Onkyo is  lacking is with Music, in particular 2.0 and 2.1 listening both audio quality and power.  I’d like to upgrade my AVR as I feel that the front speakers are much more capable than what the current Onkyo can provide.   I can also see upgrading the speakers at some point.  I have a budget of $2,200 Max, would ideally like to keep it under $2,000.  My goal is high quality 2.0 or 2.1 music listening.  I do like to listen to 4.1 music in all channel stereo and studio mix setting from time to time.

 

My question is…   What would be the best, an upper tier AVR from Yamaha Aventage, Anthem or marantz? A mid tier AVR with front preout and run a higher power 2 channel or even a 5 channel amp?

I’ve toyed with the idea of middle to lower tier Yamaha AVR  with preouts along with the Peachtree Nova 300 with home theater bypass.  This would be a more complicated system for other people in the house to use.  

Thanks

eberg33
kota1
2,706 posts
 

The enemy of SQ isn’t a lack of power, it’s a lack of noise. The primary benefit of a receiver in 2 channel music is:

A) Room correction software

B) The ease of integrating a sub for 2.1 system.

If you get the upgraded version of Audyssey ($199) and a calibrated mic you will be surprised how good the Marantz sounds. I own both a dedicated Anthem 2 channel preamp and a Marantz processor. I prefer the Marantz for both movies and music AFTER I got the Audyssey upgrade and treated my room. I don't think you will need to use the preouts and a separate amp, just get the room and the room correction dialed in.

soix
8,919 posts
 

Here ya go…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325700408777

If your current AVR doesn’t have front preouts just letter go. You don’t wanna use a stereo amp with your AVR because you’re still stuck with your Onkyo’s crap preamp section that will be a huge sonic bottleneck — preamps matter MUCHO. If your Onkyo had front preouts I’d highly recommend adding an integrated amp preferably with an HT bypass, but alas that’s not possible so just go with this Anthem and you’ll be very happy and a huge upgrade.  Plus, it’ll be very easy for your wife to use.

eberg33 OP
2 posts
 

Perfect.  Thanks.  

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,498 posts
 

So did you get an Anthem?   It’s the only AVR I would buy.  My Dad has had one since ‘15 and it’s on about 8 hours a day.   
 

I just integrated his MRX510 iwith a 2 channel Mac MA8950 through its front L and R outs via the Mac’s Passthrough input.   Sounds great even in a $$$ set up.   

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
538 posts
 

Glad the MRX 510 works well.  I have a Pioneer Elite VSX 51 class A/B 90W (since 2011) that I can’t seem to replace on my HT 2nd system.   They now sell for $200 used.  It sounds better in 2 channel Analog Direct mode than several amps and is as enjoyable as my 2 channel system just different.  I tried several more expensive HT 90-120 watt amps from, Marantz, Integra, Anthem MRX510. None sounded as good.  Most lacked low volume bass and sounded too solid state unlike the Pioneer. I even compared it to an LTA Z40 + with nos mullad el34’s an $8000 amp  and low volume bass was much better with the Pioneer.  LTA was better at high volume, soundstage, detail clarity but lacked warmer tones. Sold them all and I keep shaking my head in disbelief and given up replacing it for now.  Crazy how this hobby makes no logical sense at times…🤯

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