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Need Advise On Upgrading My System

My current sound system includes an ARCAM AVR 550 receiver, Paradigm Prestige 85F tower speakers, Paradigm Prestige center channel, two REL S2 subwoofers, OPPO Blue Ray player and a BlueSound Node 2i streamer.  I wanted a system that could play TV and Movies through a sound system as well as to listen to 2 channel.  

My question is to find out if I could achieve better sound quality by upgrading to an ARCAM 30 receiver.  This receiver has G amplification where the first 50 watts produces pure A Class amplification.  The ARCAM 30 sells for $6,000 vs my ARCAM AVR 550 which sold for $3,000.  Since the ARCAM 30 costs twice as much as the ARCAM AVR 550, would this be a worthwhile investment to take sound quality to the next level?  Also, will I be able to hear the sound difference?
larry5729

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
10,186 posts
 
Yeah the subs throw a wrinkle in the setup using a stereo integrated if you need to use subs both for HT and critical 2-channel listening.  You could use one sub for HT and one for stereo, which might be a worthwhile compromise to consider.  Always trade offs...
soix
10,186 posts
 
if I add a 2 channel amp to the ARCAM will I still be able to hear my TV when needed through my towers, center channel and 2 REL’s?
Absolutely yes.  When you select the input on the stereo integrated (optimally the HT Bypass input if it has one) that the front L/R preouts from the AVR are connected to and that’s it — HT as normal.  Simple!  But obviously you want to hook your better stereo sources to the integrated (which is also the only amp connected to your front L/R speakers), and by doing it this way the AVR is completely out of the chain when playing more critical 2-channel music.  
if I were to add a 2 channel amp what would you recommend?  I was looking at Moon.  Also, would the ARCAM produce too much noise.?
I couldn’t say without knowing what sound characteristics you’re looking for.  Moon could be great if it has enough power and matches with your sonic preferences/tastes.  As mentioned above, the Arcam is completely out of the loop for 2-channel in this setup so its noise is a non issue.  Hope this helps clarify. 


soix
10,186 posts
 
My question is to find out if I could achieve better sound quality by upgrading to an ARCAM 30 receiver.
NO!!! Frankly, I got to compare this AVR directly to a comparable Yamaha AVR, and the Yammy Aventage was better. That said, NO!!! Do the right thing by your nice speakers and just get a dedicated stereo integrated amp that mates well with your speakers. Route the front L/R preouts from your AVR into the integrated and you’ll be SO much better off (and likely for less $$$) than upgrading your AVR. AVRs are fatally compromised for 2-channel from the power supply on down, so going with a dedicated stereo preamp will be light years better than an AVR, and you won’t be sinking $$$ into better surround circuitry, etc. you probably aren’t looking for anyway. Just do it. Your speakers are too good to be compromised by an AVR. Just my $0.02 FWIW.

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