Best multi channel amp and processor good for 2 channel listening.

Audiotroy, do the NAD or Audio Control down-sample 24bit/96 or 24/192kHz 5.1 or 7.1 to 48kHz when room equalization (Dirac Live?) is engaged? 

FYI, this response from Anthem.

["The STR has 2.2 output channels. With ARC enabled all of these channels will be at 32/192.

The MRX/AVM will process signals in the format that matches the input. A 24/192 will be 24/192, 24/96 will be 24/96 etc… this is inclusive of ARC being run and will work up to 7.1.4 channels. The second part of the processing is up-mixing, if you have a 2.0 24/192 and want to up-mix to 11-channels you’ll need to use either of the Anthem Logics or All Channel Stereo in order for it to stay 24/192. If you use either Dolby Surround or DTS Neural then the MRX/AVM may down-sample, however the amount that it will down-sample is dynamic based on processor load and will attempt to maintain the highest level possible."]

Am I understanding this correctly? The Anthem products will down sample Dolby or DTS media which is usually video / film audio while allowing multi-channel audio to pass through?

Hi Delancey,

I know this question has come up many times but with different opinions. In your opinion what do you think effects the sound quality the most, amp or pre?

Sorry maguiar, I haven't looked at this thread in a while.

That's a really tough question and I'm not sure there's any consensus on an answer. In my experience I would say it depends on weather we're talking about 2-CH or HT.

For 2 Channel I think they are equally important because the system is only as good as the weakest link. The source -> preamp -> amp -> speaker connection is all important to get right. For me what makes 2 channel great is how believable it can be relative to a live performance. For example, does a piano sound like a live piano, do the notes have the same musicality and tone? Can you connect with the performer's intent because your system isn't just playing the right note, but it's also conveying how forcefully or softly the performer is playing the keys. I've often found that simpler is better here, so two good speakers with amps that work well with them fed by a good source.

For HT I think the processor/preamp is critical. The reason is the goals here are different. When two cars crash into each other on the screen, you want the audio to match that in size, scale, dynamics and importantly location within the room. It's not so important the tonality or musicality of the crashing sounds etc. because if the image you're seeing and sounds you're hearing sync up then you're transported there. Here the amp and speakers are not that critical and often people use different amps, speakers and even speaker locations. What makes all this work correctly is the processor and equally importantly the room correction. A good processor can adjust frequency imperfections in speaker/amp/room interactions, or  adjust delay times for speakers that are further way, or adjust crossovers so subs can help smaller speakers, and some even adjust impulse response. This is all within reason of course which is why many people say to get the same speakers and amps for all the channels and put them in a well treated room. However, a good processor can fix a lot of stuff. The only downside to spending a lot on a processor is that unlike amps they lose value quickly because there's always something new coming out.

Anyway, this is a very controversial topic and my views are based on what I've learned in this hobby so far. I hope others will share their experiences especially if they're different.

Hi Delancey,

Thanks for your response...  Your explanation makes total sense even not being a technical person like myself. I am still torn on the hook setup that audiotroy mentioned on 02/15/19 and you pr input will be greatly appreciated. 

I have actually pushed the purchase date to June/July, so I have plenty of time to continue my research. What do you think about Vinnie Rossi, Audionet and Aavik?

My recommendation is spend on getting a good 2ch integrated, then get a decent a/v pre/pro and a decent multichannel amp.

Reasoning is for movies you don’t need the level of quality as 2ch music.  I have been trying to figure out an integrated 2ch / multichannel setup and have finally landed on a Luxman 509X + Marantz 8805 + McIntosh 7106 multichannel amp (had this one already and do not have that many speakers).  Just ordered the Luxman after demoing a bunch of different amps.  

The Luxman has a “separates” toggle which separates the amp from the preamp, so when watching movies you can switch it to amp mode and it is driven by the Marantz or other pre/pro  When listening to 2ch you you can switch to integrated mode.