2. amps-preamps
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Integrated Amp to bypass HT receiver?

Looking for a good integrated amp for music listening. At the time I own a Harman Kardon AVR520 receiver which works very well for HT and it is not that bad for music but I would like it to be better. I will be driving a pair of the new Silver 8 series Monitor Audio speakers. These speakers sound very good at the time but I think they can be optimized with a good tube or SS/hybrid integrated amp. I would like the amp to have a bypass loop so I can use my HK for home theater and the integrated for music. Not sure if this makes much sense. I am not interested in opinions about interconects so please limit the discussion to amps or other similar products. I would like to keep the price under 1500, preferably under 1K and used is fine. Any suggestions on what I should look for would be greatly appreciated.
mmajoril
3 responses Add your response
matt8268
92 posts
 
I'm in your same situation, and I decided to go with a Plinius 8200 integrated. It has a HT passthrough for movies, and by bypassing the pre section of your HK receiver for 2 channel, you'll get much better music. I bought it on Audiogon and haven't received it yet, so I can't tell you exactly how it sounds, but if you read reviews here, on AudioAsylum, and on AudioReview, I'm sure you'll see it's very highly recommended. I went with the mkii, but the mki can be had for as low as $1200 used - currently here on Audiogon (both are $3000 new).

Good luck.
mmajoril OP
21 posts
 
Matt:
Thanks for your help, the Plinius sounds interesting.
Mike
loose
239 posts
 
i am in the exact same boat as well. Let me know what you find out. I will also keep my eye on this post ...
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