EXPERTS: Intg or better amp to improve 2 ch in HT?

I suppose it depends on your priorities and $3-4k budget. If 2-channel takes precedence over HT, then I would say go for either option 1 or 2. If you are mostly on movies, option 3 might be more appropriate.

There are lots of good integrateds around these days, and judging from your preferences for an upfront, detailed and vibrant sound, most of the integrated amps mentioned above are excellent choices except the Classe, if you were referring to the CAP-151(it's slightly warm but have great soundstaging). I would be careful though on the Bryston B100-SST at it may be slightly underpowered in driving your N803's.

If you are going for a 2-channel power amp, you would need a 2-channel preamp with HT bypass since the preamp section of the Pioneer receiver won't cut it. I believe you can still consider this option within your budget.

I have heard many good things about the Arcam AVR-350 receiver but I would suggest that you listen to it first if possible. I have owned the Arcam Alpha 10 integrated amp and am quite familiar with their line of integrateds although I do not have experience with their receivers. The Arcam house sound, to my ears has always been clean and detailed but a little sterile to my tastes. If you are looking for punchy, upfront and dynamics, I believe there are other units that do better. Well, to each his own.

The Krell KAV-400xi is a good choice for a robust-sounding & powerful Integrated Amp. with "Theater Throughput" for HT use. The KAV-280p/-2250 would be even better with the N803s, delivering lots of power which the B&Ws love. Your budget should cover either option.

If auto calibration made it sound better I'd understand the point but I'd rather have the $ spent in the sonics. A simple PN meter will do the job, once set up, it's done. That is where the 350 choose sound over function. I wouldn't change a thing.

Yes, I was suprised too but the Arcam does compete and then some. There is some good print out there on the technology used to keep it as clean as it is in 2CH, pretty neat stuff. It's a stone cold bargain. I have the option to do just what you are doing but found the 350 does both jobs better than the combo options which cost more. Just sold my Unico and the 350 is a good notch above it in sonics, no question. It's quieter, has more bass definition, more focus and a sweeter top end. The B100SST was more resolving but at the expense of musicality which makes no sense at all as it has to be about the music first.

Interesting. Integrated option leading the charge so far. look forward to more opinions.

McFavre4: I'm shocked that the Arcam can compete with the Bryston, Plinius, and the Unison Unico on 2 channel. I looked into Arcam unit briefly online and noticed it didn't have auto calibration, which is one thing I love about the Pioneer. If and when I change out the Pioneer as a processor, I may stick with something like a Classe ssp300 or 600, or an Anthem with room correction, or others like that.

Robr45: Which MF do you recommend? Heard the older TriVista M3 or M5 was a good one.

Integrated for sure. I would add Musical Fidelity to your list, they mate well with the 800 series.

My suggestion is to try a used Arcam AVR-350 first. I have owned several integrated amps at around the prices you are looking and the AVR-350 is right up there with the best of them sonically on 2CH, seriously. I was skeptical and the reviews seem a bit over the top but one listen and I knew it really was something special despite my reservations. I used to run a Rotel 1055 as a pre with several integrateds to bring up the 2CH performance. Now, to have a truly great pre-processor, multi channel amp and DAC along with the superb 2CH sonics is just simply icing. The ease of use and the savings on cables is also notable. Put the money saved in to a great source and you'll be in musical bliss. Remember, ANY amp is only as good as the source. So many of us try to get a great speaker and amp and run them from a good budget cd player or DVD player. Don't do that, get a great source if you really want top 2CH performance. BTW, the integrateds I have owned are the Bryston B100SST, Unison Unico, Plinius 8200, Nait 5i, Exposure 2010S. All have merits, don't get me wrong but with the ability to bi-amp at 125w for the fronts alone, plus a balanced open and clean presentation, you will have all the power you need but also with that, open, solid sound that only mid to higher end units provide. It really is as good as stated in my opinion and I would own it for the price just for the 2CH sonics. Buy it used, compare it to the Pioneer all around, if you don't like it, sell it for what you paid as it's current and in demand. I think you'd be suprised at the difference. Good luck with whatever with you decide.

IMO, that new McIntosh MA7000 integrated with 250 watts p/c is the ticket for those B&W's. The MA7000 is fast, detailed & plays louder cleaner & can control the bass for those speakers. From what I hear, it blows the MA6900 out of the water (all new circuitry than the MA6900).