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Musical Sound Quality of AV Surround receiver vs. pure Stereo

Running Linn LP12 turntable, Bluepoint No2 stylus, with Jasmine phono pre-amp, Marantz sr5008 with B&W 685s2 on LR fronts with 686 S2 LR surround,  Paradigm CINEMASUB Cinema Sub 300W Speaker.

3 questions; 1) While I canceled out the center channel (using Marantz Audyssey setup), I am playing 99% from my turntable and CD player (Yamaha w/ DAC built in). The depth and spacial separation of the music is uncanny, but difficult to phase given it is being played in a digital (Music setting) format from one of the settings on the Marantz receiver. When I switch to pure stereo, the volume has to be turned up and the depth of the soundstage just isn't there. Would upgrading to a more powerful and musical integrated amplifier help (i.e. Anthem  Anthem MRX  720?) help with its killer room correction or 2) Do I look for a 2.1 integrated amp or tube amp to compliment my B&W 685S2's and sell the 686's or 3) do I just bite the bullet, look at a traditional good integrated amp or tube amp for around $3K with $3K Audio note AN-K speakers. Traditional sound....

Thanks, I am new to this group and have read a number of discussion threads. Obviously, a lot of you are infinitely more knowledgeable than I am, so any and all replies would be greatly appreciated. PS No man cave, this system is in my living room, so the wife is a little particular about too much gear ! Thanks everyone.
128x128phill55

Showing 2 responses by auxinput

auxinput
2,920 posts
 
@loomisjohnson - he is having a gain level problem when using his AVR for a normal 2-channel analog preamp.  An outboard external amplifier would not really help him.  And it would be better just to get an intregrated for 2-channel preamp/amp and use that as HT Bypass when he wants to watch movies.

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The Hegel is definitely a high resolution conventional Class AB "neutral" sound design.  Or you could look at something like Krell Digital Vangaurd integrated for a more creamy/liquid "Class A" sound.   These are very nice as well, but it really depends what kind of sound you're looking for. 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I would like to make a correction on my description of the Krell integrated.  The Krell integrated that I heard was the new K-300i, which uses the new iBias sliding bias full Class A amplifier module.  This is a very creamy, liquid and lush sound.  It would be excellent for the Revel speakers because it would help control that aluminum dome tweeter.  However, the K-300i is not released yet and will probably be out of your price range.
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The Krell Vanguard integrated amps use the previous generation Class AB amplifier and are very clean and crisp sounding.  The Krell Vanguard are selling "new-in-box" for about $2700 on ebay and other locations.  You can also get the "Krell Digital Vanguard", which include a very top-notch DAC for $3700 "new-in-box" from ebay sellers.   Or get a used Digital Vanguard for something like $2900. 

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The Hegel H160 can be had used for $1600-1900 and is a lot cheaper.  Ultimately, I think the Krell is a much better device and will "sing" better because of it fully discrete Class A preamp stage, but it is all about budget.
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