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Thoughts on Marantz AV8802a vs Rotel RSP 1582

OK so I love both 2 channel and HT and am building my little man cave and need a good pre/pro for both.  The two I have narrowed it down to are, as the title reads, the Rotel and the Marantz.  The Marantz has the definite edge with the latest HDMI, but according to Rotel they have, or will have the upgrade any moment.  Any strong opinions for either?  The rest of my system is listed below.  I have some inexpensive Klipsch surrounds I will probably hook up for ATMOS but 2 channel is REALLY important.  Thanks in advance........   

Front B&W N803 and a HTM1.  
Rear B&W N805 and a HTM2 
Sub Martin Logan Dynamo 700 x 2
Rotel 1095 bi-amped for front and center
Rotel 1075 bi-amped for 805 and center back
65" 4k Samsung 8000 series
Ordered Oppo UDP-203
reefmadness
mgreen27
147 posts
 

"My room is small and probably not ideal for acoustics. "

Few rooms are. We all have rooms that are not perfect. That said, I see nothing about your room that should pose any major issues. If a problem does arise, it can be fixed acoustically without spending a lot of money.

"I hadn't considered a separate 2 channel pre due to cost, but now I am intrigued. "

Here's a good article on the subject that goes into a bit more detail. It starts on page 4.



paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
To reinforce mgreen's position, serious 2 channel HiFi and HT stuff are two different worlds.  And the biggest difference is usually found in the stereo preamp section of a good HiFi system.  The preamp section in an AVR or a TOTL pre/pro like your considering is merely an afterthought even in so called "pure direct" mode.   

After a 12 year affair with the HT mistress always being left unsatisfied with music, I returned to 2 channel only and couldn't be happier.  And that was using a variety of flagship AVR's and HT separates. 

But these two worlds can be easily and elegantly be brought together by use a stereo preamp with an HT Bypass feature.  You can still use your Rotel HT amps in this configuration.  This is why I so quick to suggest one.  And you can now pick the pre/pro that you want without worry of which will be best for 2 channel as neither really will.

reefmadness OP
2 posts
 
OK  so it seems pretty clear a 2 channel pre is in my future.  Any recommendations on units with the HT bypass and a cost of less than 1500? I don't mind going used.

Again thanks for the great advise 
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