Considering adding a dedicated 2 channel preamp in setup?


I wouldn’t say it’s just a home theater set up because my Marantz 8805 has a nice 2 channel feature and I’m overall very happy with the sound.
My setup consists of:

Marantz 8805 preamp
Parasound A21+ amp
Paradigm Founders 100F speakers
Bluesound Node (2021 model)
SVS SB3000 subwoofers (four of them)
Furman SPR-20
Dedicated 20amp outlets with Audioquest 20amp outlets
some other stuff

But I read a post the other day on here about adding a another preamp to a home theater preamp that HOME THEATER BYPASS. I’ve never heard of this until I read about it and became intrigued with adding this because I am an audiophile first but never thought I could add another preamp like this until the other day.
I’m digging the Parasound P6 but what do you think about recommendations and about how do you think I;l gain anything with using the Parasound P6 instead of the Marantz 8805 for 2 channel music?

Big improvement or minimal but still very good?

todd1010

Showing 4 responses by jdub39

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!
@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!
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.