2. home-theater
  3. 159699-7099

Need recommendations for better two-channel audio out of my Marantz SR-6005 and my B&W 683

I am currently running a Marantz SR-6005 in my home theater. It works great for movies, but I listen to music about half the time and find it lacking when it comes to two-channel audio. The sound stage just doesn't feel very deep and detailed. The room is carpeted and I have the speakers pulled away from the wall at least 18 inches, so I have pretty good placement.

My speakers are B&W 683 Left/Right with similar model B&W center/rear and a decent powered Klipsch sub. I am satisfied with how it sounds for home theater. I use a Samsung 65" smart TV as an audio source most of the time.

What are my best options for getting better two-channel sound out of my B&W and Marantz? My budget is max $1500 USD.

  • I could replace the Marantz with something like an Anthem MRX-520 for around $1400 USD.

  • I could get a dedicated two-channel amp just for the main speakers and keep the Marantz. Would I see much of an improvement if I got something like a Classe Audio CA-101 (going used for about $1500)?

  • I could also upgrade to a different source, either something like a new Roku or a network streamer like a Cambridge Audio CXN.
georgepv

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
8,826 posts
 
Get an integrated stereo amp and plug the L/R pre outs from the 6005 into it and you’ll cut the AVR completely out of the system for 2-channel.  There’s a Yamaha AS1200 at Accessories4less for $1899 that will significantly outperform the Marantz across the board.  Best of luck. 
soix
8,826 posts
 
Agree with @deep_333 that the Yammy Aventage AVRs, especially the upper models (1080 on up) that have a power transformer are very good. I worked for Magnolia for a spell and got to compare Denon, Marantz, and Arcam driving B&W 804d3s and thought the Yammy outperformed them all in 2-channel. Sound was detailed, transparent, refined, and imaged better than all others with a clearer background and a superior 3D soundstage. I was pretty surprised by this, especially regarding the Arcam. A customer who owned a Marantz AVR had me compare with an Aventage AVR, and let’s just say he was no longer happy he owned the Marantz.

That said, you can try subbing in your A23 and I’m sure you’ll hear an improvement, but you’re still stuck with a mediocre-at-best preamp section in the AVR that will continue to be a significant impediment to better 2-channel performance — hence why we were recommending using an integrated amp. If it’s me that’s what I’d do rather than switching AVRs. I’d think adding something like a NuPrime IDA-8 or the like would yield a huge improvement all around for not much $$$ (probably could use its DAC too). Anyway, hope this helps at least somewhat.
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