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Best 2 channel music quality on a 5.1 home theater AVR

Hello,  

New to this forum.  Building a system over the years and time to upgrade my AVR.

Current gear… Onkyo TXNR 686 - rated at 100 W/CH - 2 channels driven

Front - PSB Image T-5 (Bi-amplified)

Center-PSB Image C-5

Surround - PSB Alpha  LRC

Sub- SVS  SB 2000 Pro

Ive collected everything on a budget, either second hand deals or deep discounts.  Im not too particular when it comes to Cinema sound, the Onkyo is just fine.  Where I do feel like the Onkyo is  lacking is with Music, in particular 2.0 and 2.1 listening both audio quality and power.  I’d like to upgrade my AVR as I feel that the front speakers are much more capable than what the current Onkyo can provide.   I can also see upgrading the speakers at some point.  I have a budget of $2,200 Max, would ideally like to keep it under $2,000.  My goal is high quality 2.0 or 2.1 music listening.  I do like to listen to 4.1 music in all channel stereo and studio mix setting from time to time.

 

My question is…   What would be the best, an upper tier AVR from Yamaha Aventage, Anthem or marantz? A mid tier AVR with front preout and run a higher power 2 channel or even a 5 channel amp?

I’ve toyed with the idea of middle to lower tier Yamaha AVR  with preouts along with the Peachtree Nova 300 with home theater bypass.  This would be a more complicated system for other people in the house to use.  

Thanks

eberg33
carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,379 posts
 

I'm thinking not a bot.  but would love to hear from the OP to defend himself.

there is no reason to compromise.  Buy a high quality 2 channel amp with more than one input.  On input A run the low level input from your 2 channel preamp, this will be your 2 channel sound set up.

On input B run the low level output from the front speaker from your 5 channel receiver.  

this allows you to upgrade your 2 channel system independent of your 5+ channel system.  I have had 5 different 2 channel amps in my system in the past 2 years, all ready to play movies when called upon.

I currently have a 100 wpc Denon surround sound system.  I run pre-out to my current amp which is a 2.3 wpc SET.   2 nights ago I watched Guardians of the Galaxy at theatre volume, shaking the house and the small amp was more than able to drive the front speakers.  

Afterwards I switched back to Input A and played some smooth jazz.

Jerry

secretguy
1,591 posts
 

Anthem. The end.

loomisjohnson
1,905 posts
 

i agree with carlsbad--i'd keep your onkyo (which is just fine  for movies) and add a two-channel amp for your fronts--i like parasound or acurus, but there's lots of choices. buy used and you can spend the savings on upgrading your speakers.

eberg33 OP
2 posts
 

Hello everyone,

Nope - not a bot.   Im just a guy like most where I would love to have a lucid, but own a Nissan leaf.   Thanks for the replies.  I like the idea of keeping my current AVR with a dedicated 2 channel amp. 

I think this is what you are referring too.

https://www.electronicshub.org/pre-out-vs-line-out/#:~:text=Pre%2DOut%20vs%20Line%2DOut%20–%20The%20Difference,-With%20Pre%2DOut&text=We%20can%20say%20that%20outputs,allows%20connecting%20to%20external%20speakers.

Not sure I quite fully understand how it works especially when it comes to adjusting volume.  I do have an integrated amp in  another room and could experiment.  

If only my Onkyo AVR just had 2 front pre-outs, there would not be an issue - I think.

I appreciate the comment about Anthem.  This might really be the most practical since what I really need is for my wife to be able to turn on the TV and everything else just work seamlessly.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

The enemy of SQ isn’t a lack of power, it’s a lack of noise. The primary benefit of a receiver in 2 channel music is:

A) Room correction software

B) The ease of integrating a sub for 2.1 system.

If you get the upgraded version of Audyssey ($199) and a calibrated mic you will be surprised how good the Marantz sounds. I own both a dedicated Anthem 2 channel preamp and a Marantz processor. I prefer the Marantz for both movies and music AFTER I got the Audyssey upgrade and treated my room. I don't think you will need to use the preouts and a separate amp, just get the room and the room correction dialed in.

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