2. amps-preamps
  3. 1036609915

Integrate 2-channel or go all 5 channel

I'm at a crossroad and could use some advice. I'm looking to integrate a 2-channel into my HT environment. I have ~ $4K to spend and cannot decide whether to drop all of it on a modest 5.1 pre/pro and amp combo and retire the receiver, or integrate a 2-channel into the mix. Would I get significantly better sound from a 2-channel setup integrated into my existing environment? If I went 2-channel, I think I could do it for about half my budget. Today, I'm leaning towards the 2-channel. My preferred amp would be a McCormack DNA ??. I'm looking for recommendations for a pre-amp. The requirements are, HT passthrough, and a remote. I have 2-way monitors and want to keep my sub in the 2-channel mix. Does anyone make a 2.1 pre-amp? I also need some way to set the frequency cutoff between to mains and the sub.
Based on the need to use my sub, next week I'll probably be leaning towards all 5 channel gear, amp there probably would be a Bryston.
There are a couple questions buried in the above diatribe. I sure could use some guidance.

Existing equip:
Yamaha RXV-995 receiver
Vienna Acoustics Haydn mains
Denon DVD-1600 DVD/CD/DVD-A player
M&K MX-150 sub.

My musical tastes are mainly rock & roll, if you think Pearl Jam, that should give you a good idea. and techno(house mainly).

Thanks in advance
snipes

Showing 4 responses by snipes

snipes OP
119 posts
 
To answer Gunbei's quesion...music is what I'm trying to improve the most with this upgrade. HT could use more tightness and dynamics though. Would the 2-channel amp help here? I'd like to go 2-channel, but I need some way to set the crossover between the mains and the sub. If I could find a 2-channel pre-amp that satisfies my criteria(HT passthrough, remote and .1 functionality) then I'd probably go with that. Otherwise it seems like I'm being forced into the 5 channel game. If anyone knows of a 2-channel pre that would work here, or another solution in my price range I'd love to hear about it.
snipes OP
119 posts
 
Ksales: For arguements sake, let's say I went with a Bryston 5.1 setup, Bryston 9st and Bryston SP1. I can pick up each for 2K used. I've heard many good things about the 9st and Bryston amps in general. The SP1 processor is supposedly based on their BP25 pre-amp. I've heard good things about this as well. At first blush, it seems I should get comparable 2-channel performance from this configuration as compared to a Bryston 2-channel rig. Assumption is the 2-channel rig would sound good. As for the second sub, well that isn't in the cards. My neighbor already comes over and complains about the bass...that's a sore subject with me right now. Being able to turn up my system loud is one of the main reasons I bought a house over a condo...
I'm curious about your thoughts on this scenario.
snipes OP
119 posts
 
Gunbei: I have the Theatro center, pretty nice and some old Boston Acoustics dipoles for the surrounds. I'll eventually upgrade the rear speaks as $$ and a good reason permit. The current selection of DVD-A leaves alot to be desired, I still pick them up as they come out though.
snipes OP
119 posts
 
Thanks for everyone's response. I think I'm going to add a 2-channel rig into the mix. It's audio I'm looking to upgrade. The receiver and the 2-channel amp should work fine considering I'll be focused on my 55" Mits. Now I just have to decide on a pre and amp combo. I'll start a new thread, but any ideas?

Thanks again.
More to discover