Considering adding a dedicated 2 channel preamp in setup?
I think I’d shoot a little higher than the P6 if I were you. Here’s a nice Bryston BP6 that’d certainly up your 2-channel game quite a bit (I used to own one) and is well under your $2k budget. It doesn’t have an HT Bypass, but you really don’t need one — just plug the front L/R preouts from the Marantz into the “Video” (or any other unused input) and balance the HT channels with the Marantz as usual with the Bryston’s volume at 12:00. When you want HT just switch the BP6 to the Video input and put the volume knob at 12:00 and you’re all set. This is being sold by a reputable seller who I think allows for returns, so if this doesn’t blow you away you can likely just send it back so very little risk. Anyhoo, here’s the link... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisacbia-bryston-bp6-stereo-preamplifier-bp-6-black-19-32990-solid-state |
I'm using the 8805 and a Jc5 and will curios as to what you find. The 8805 is just fine with 2/ch and find it hard to fault. I added the Jc5 (from an Halo A21) and a Gustard dac A18 last October and that really kicked things up a few notches. I'm saving now for perhaps the next Marantz pre/pro or Jc2 bypass. Each Marantz pre since the 8801 then 8802 has only gotten better with 2/ch which is why I'm still happy with the 8805! |
