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Component Recs

Am finally taking the big step of upgrading my old early-90s era stereo system (Adcom amp/pre-amp (GFA 555 and GTP 555II); Definitive BP8s; NAD CD/DVD player). The first step is completed with the purchase today of PSB Synchrony OneB's. The rest I really could use some advice with. Since I am a part of a family unit (one could say "King", I supppose, but that is purely self-delusion), I need something with the flexibility to do a good job with movies while at the same time satisfy my need to spend some quality time picking apart some favorite CDs. For the DVD piece, am leaning towards letting a PS3 do that work, freeing up some budget $ for the purchase of a good CD/SACD player. So here is what I am considering:

Total budget $: $6000

Speakers (done): PSB Synchonry OneB ($2300 out of the budget)

CD/SACD: Marantz SA8001 or similar. This has gotten good reviews, but I am not all that impressed with the esthetics.

Amplification: Frankly, no idea. Am considering an Arcam AVR350 or Adcom GTP-870HD, but a straight two channel is ont he table. I don't intend to do all the surround yet, but seems to make sense to spend the $ on a unit that can handle this piece when I get to it later this year/early next. The concern is whether or not I can get good quality two-channel musical reproduction with a receiver. Can a decent AV receiver do good audio?

Any suggestions, etc, would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance for comments...
Jon
jonsocal
5 responses Add your response
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
There are some AVRs that do good music and there are also many 2 channel pre-amp that have an HT pass thru input that allow you to integrate HT and 2 channel. If budget is tight, you may want to consider an all-in one unit like the Linn or Arcam DVD/CD/Rcvr combos, which have gotten very good reviews.
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cxintx
18 posts
 
Hi, maybe this is beside the point, but in my experience, there are no home theater receivers priced within reason, that will sound as good for 2 channel as your current Adcom setup. Well, maybe the used Krell HT separates. But you probably want a new receiver with HDMI and the new 1.3 for Blue Ray audio.

I used to have the same Adcom amp and preamp. The amp is still quite good sounding IMHO, but I think the Adcom preamp is terrible. I upgraded mine to a tubed Anthem Pre1 and was blown away. I agree with getting a preamp with the pass thru feature. A good preamp is the #1 thing I think for high fidelity. I think with a good 2-channel preamp you could get by with the power amp section of a decent receiver. But why not just buy a 5 channel amp? There is just no way to fit 5-7 channels of quality amplification (power supplies)and all the other hardware into a 40 pound 19" wide receiver. I suggest a 2 channel preamp with two outputs for sub flexibility as well. I think you are on the right track with playing cds through a high quality 2 channel player, and the excellent speakers. Sorry for the long post, but I myself am extremely disappointed with HT receiver sound for 2 channel. I would hate to see you spend so much to a take a step back. HT sound is just bump and sizzle to me.

jonsocal OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for the response - had not considered simply adding a preamp to replace my existing Adcom. One thing I am unclear on is what is a surround bypass. The rep at Sounds Unlimited here in San Diego suggested the same thing. How does this work when I eventually add the rear and center speakers?

Any ideas out there on CD players other than the Marantz?
jonsocal OP
9 posts
 
Following up on my last, and based on the good feedback above, I am now leaning towards replacing the Adcom pre with a good AV processor and bypassing the digital circuitry for music. Will run the processor through the 535ii amp (I had a typo in my original description).

So...any recommendations of a processor to run through the amp? Also, looked at the Naim CD5i as an alternative to the Marantz. Any opinions on this player?
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