Best 2 channel music quality on a 5.1 home theater AVR

While I think the OP may have moved on, I'll place another vote for an integrated with HT bypass so future readers can benefit.  @soix nailed it above with the noise comment, and all adding a power amp to a lesser quality preamp will give you is more mediocre sound.  

your best bet a two channel integrated with or without bypass

@tksteingraber i had a similar experience--for two channel music, my 15-year old pioneer elite avr is an overacheiver which trumped the denon, integra, etc. i’ve cycled through. its only downside is that it doesn’t have hdmi arc function, so my wife has to use two remotes to watch nature videos on youtube (a true greek tragedy). i just bought an anthem--i’m curious to see how much of an upgrade it is

I have an Anthem MRX 520 that have the option to output  L&R channels independently and they are connected to the HT bypass input on an Musical Fidelity M6si. Works great and the interconnect that connects them is the only connection between my home theatre and my two channel systems.

The MF integrated serves as a hub for the cable box, Roku box, Bluray player, etc., but is somewhat of overkill as all it actually powers is my SVS centre channel.

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…🤯

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.   

Perfect.  Thanks.  

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.

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.

Hello everyone,

Nope - not a bot.   Im just a guy like most where I would love to have a lucid, but own a Nissan leaf.   Thanks for the replies.  I like the idea of keeping my current AVR with a dedicated 2 channel amp. 

I think this is what you are referring too.

https://www.electronicshub.org/pre-out-vs-line-out/#:~:text=Pre%2DOut%20vs%20Line%2DOut%20–%20The%20Difference,-With%20Pre%2DOut&text=We%20can%20say%20that%20outputs,allows%20connecting%20to%20external%20speakers.

Not sure I quite fully understand how it works especially when it comes to adjusting volume.  I do have an integrated amp in  another room and could experiment.  

If only my Onkyo AVR just had 2 front pre-outs, there would not be an issue - I think.

I appreciate the comment about Anthem.  This might really be the most practical since what I really need is for my wife to be able to turn on the TV and everything else just work seamlessly.

i agree with carlsbad--i'd keep your onkyo (which is just fine  for movies) and add a two-channel amp for your fronts--i like parasound or acurus, but there's lots of choices. buy used and you can spend the savings on upgrading your speakers.

Anthem. The end.

I'm thinking not a bot.  but would love to hear from the OP to defend himself.

there is no reason to compromise.  Buy a high quality 2 channel amp with more than one input.  On input A run the low level input from your 2 channel preamp, this will be your 2 channel sound set up.

On input B run the low level output from the front speaker from your 5 channel receiver.  

this allows you to upgrade your 2 channel system independent of your 5+ channel system.  I have had 5 different 2 channel amps in my system in the past 2 years, all ready to play movies when called upon.

I currently have a 100 wpc Denon surround sound system.  I run pre-out to my current amp which is a 2.3 wpc SET.   2 nights ago I watched Guardians of the Galaxy at theatre volume, shaking the house and the small amp was more than able to drive the front speakers.  

Afterwards I switched back to Input A and played some smooth jazz.

Jerry