Considering adding a dedicated 2 channel preamp in setup?
This has been discussed in many threads. Many threads. The consensus, I believe, has been that if audio is your first priority, then yes, adding a pre with HT bypass is a good idea. Check out <http://www.audiophile.no/en/articles-tests-reviews/item/426-amplifiers-with-processor-input> for a list of available units. |
I think I’d shoot a little higher than the P6 if I were you. Here’s a nice Bryston BP6 that’d certainly up your 2-channel game quite a bit (I used to own one) and is well under your $2k budget. It doesn’t have an HT Bypass, but you really don’t need one — just plug the front L/R preouts from the Marantz into the “Video” (or any other unused input) and balance the HT channels with the Marantz as usual with the Bryston’s volume at 12:00. When you want HT just switch the BP6 to the Video input and put the volume knob at 12:00 and you’re all set. This is being sold by a reputable seller who I think allows for returns, so if this doesn’t blow you away you can likely just send it back so very little risk. Anyhoo, here’s the link... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisacbia-bryston-bp6-stereo-preamplifier-bp-6-black-19-32990-solid-state |
I'm using the 8805 and a Jc5 and will curios as to what you find. The 8805 is just fine with 2/ch and find it hard to fault. I added the Jc5 (from an Halo A21) and a Gustard dac A18 last October and that really kicked things up a few notches. I'm saving now for perhaps the next Marantz pre/pro or Jc2 bypass. Each Marantz pre since the 8801 then 8802 has only gotten better with 2/ch which is why I'm still happy with the 8805! |
jdub I agree I’m pretty happy with the 2 channel settings the 8805 has and that’s why I’m having a hard time figuring out whether the P6 would do anything better than it. The JC2 is a lot bigger step up but even then I’d have a hard time thinking it would larger improvement. I’m going to see if there’s a dealer near me that has either the P6 or the JC2. |
@todd1010 Most don’t believe that’s possible and someone will think that it’s Marantz "house sound " of yesteryear but that’s far from the case! It has some serious transparent to source 2/ch chops. The only way to know if how much better is to be had is to get the P6 or JC2 in there to compare! I’m waiting to see what you find with great anticipation! |
jdub , I’ve had plenty of home theater pre amps and AV receivers but this thing is dialed in for 2 channel listening and agree with you. It was one of the main reasons I purchased it. Hell, I don’t even use near;t any of the channels which I think it’s like thirteen or something crazy. I’m using only a 5.1 setup as I said my main thing is two channel music. I have a local dealer and will see about auditioning one or both of them. |
Can anyone tell me how adding a preamp like the one being discussed will affect my four subwoofers? Will my 8805 still handle the lower end like it have now? Currently for music I run the crossover for the mains at 60hz. This has got me thinking about this setup and as you guys know…you change one thing there’s always something else you have to address. |
Think something like the Hint 6 would be the best option with subs, I plan just a 2/ch preamp (w/HT bypass) option as I run my mains fullrange. For when I do use 2/ch playback with my subs I plan to still let the Marantz 8805 handle that as I like what the Audyssey app does on the bass limited to 500hz on the mains. |
Can anyone tell me how adding a preamp like the one being discussed will affect my four subwoofers?If you insert a stereo preamp with HT bypass to your setup and want to keep the bass management setting for HT, check out the Anthem STR preamplifier https://www.crutchfield.com/S-bQCqu5VCYKx/p_973STRPRES/Anthem-STR-Preamplifier-Silver.html |
