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Wells Audio Majestic (no HT Bypass) vs. Integrated w/ HT Bypass - Help!

I'm looking to add a 2 channel amp to my AVR setup. I have a Cambridge Audio 651r. It has pre out for the L and R, so I can connect an external amp. Here is my dilemma. I can get a Wells Audio Majestic for 1700, and all of the reviews say it would be an amazing amp for 2 channel stereo.  However, it doesn't have HT bypass.  Would I be better off buying an integrated amp with HT bypass for a similar price but maybe compromise a little on 2 channel stereo?  Would there be a huge difference in sound between an integrated with HT bypass at 1500 dollars vs. the Wells Majestic that retails for 3600 or is it diminishing returns? The reviews I've read say the Wells is amazing sounding. Thanks in advance. 
128x128boneius
boneius's avatar
boneius OP
14 posts
 
@millercarbon , if I buy the Majestic, I'll be playing my vinyl through it directly, which is what I use my listening room for 80 percent of the time, no AVR, . This compromised AVR sound will only be used a fraction of the time when I watch a movie or TV.  I think I'll be pleased overall if I buy the Wells, which is to incorporate better 2-channel sound into my system. Thanks for your help.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Good. That's the way to do it.

If you ever want to find out you could use an HDMI to RCA adaptor to see how the Apple TV sounds direct to the integrated. Or run the phono stage through the AVR. 

Haven't heard that Majestic but just looking at it, to my eye it just looks like the kind of thing only some small seriously dedicated fanatics could make. So it probably sounds the business. Good luck.
kentamcolin's avatar
kentamcolin
6 posts
 
I just purchased a Wells Majestic a few weeks ago to replace a Rogue Sphinx. This is a terrific amp, period. The Rogue sounded very good driving my Salk speakers but this is just something else altogether, as it should be for the money. It's a serious big boy amp and I cannot imagine anyone not being thrilled.
downeaster
1 posts
 
Confused newbie here as to how to make connections.

I have a Denon AVR x4400h. I just got an NAD c658 (which will be ethernet connected).

I would like to put an external amp into the equation to drive the L and R front speakers.

I think I understand what millercarbon is saying, but if I do want to try hooking these all up together can I/do I go RCA from the Denon L/R preouts to the NAD line in and then from the NAD audio preouts to the external amp and then from external amp to speakers?

The NAD has fixed/variable volume which I assume I would set to fixed. Is this the same as HT bypass (or whatever other name it’s known by)? If so, would the external amp also have to have HT bypass?

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