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Getting great stereo sound from multi channel sys.

Here's the background:

I'm thinking about getting the GoldenEar Technology TritonCinema Two Speaker System. I'm primarily interested in maximizing stereo performance (i.e. music) and multi-channel performance (i.e. movies) is a secondary concern.

So here's my question: What's the best amplifier, preamp, and/or A/V receiver configuration for my needs? Here are the alternatives I've thought of:

1. Get two stereo power amps, a stereo preamp with HT bypass, and a surround processor
2. Get an A/V receiver
3. Get a surround processor and a multi-channel power amp

What are the benefits/tradeoffs with each alternative? Are there any other options I haven't considered that might be better? Thanks for your help!
cdxskier

Showing 3 responses by paraneer

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Option 1 without a doubt. Or a slight modification to option 1 - a high quality 2 channel integrated with HT bypass for your two channel listening. This will cut down the number of components by one. You can further cut down by using an AVR as your processor and amp to power the center and surrounds - Hey, its only movies right?

Whichever route you go, I agree with Zd and Akg - don't listen to 2 channel music through an AVR or a pre/pro.

After a 10 plus year affair with the HT mistress and always being left unsatisfied when it came to listening to music, this is the route I took. Now, I couldn't be happier.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
There are integrateds with HT bypass available from many manufacturers - Marantz, Musical Fidelity, Creek, Arcam, Krell, are a few that come to mind. There are 2 channel preamps from Musical Fidelity, Parasound, and even Rogue if you want to consider tube gear.

Any specific model recommendations would be based on your budget and the power demands of your L/R main speakers. Since you mention that your thinking about the Triton Twos, these are fairly efficient at 8 Ohms and 91 Dbw. That would further widen the range of models that you can consider.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
I find it a bit curious that those endorsing option 1 are not also commenting on the op's choice of speakers. The GoldenEars seem to me to be an odd choice for someone who wants to maximize 2 channel stereo performance.

As one who strongly endorses option 1, I will not comment on the OPs' choice of speakers. As we all know, speakers are highly subjective and since I never heard a pair, they might sound great for music.

I have heard flagship AVR's and pre/pros though, and these IMO do not sound great with music.
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