Glad the MRX 510 works well. I have a Pioneer Elite VSX 51 class A/B 90W (since 2011) that I can’t seem to replace on my HT 2nd system. They now sell for $200 used. It sounds better in 2 channel Analog Direct mode than several amps and is as enjoyable as my 2 channel system just different. I tried several more expensive HT 90-120 watt amps from, Marantz, Integra, Anthem MRX510. None sounded as good. Most lacked low volume bass and sounded too solid state unlike the Pioneer. I even compared it to an LTA Z40 + with nos mullad el34’s an $8000 amp and low volume bass was much better with the Pioneer. LTA was better at high volume, soundstage, detail clarity but lacked warmer tones. Sold them all and I keep shaking my head in disbelief and given up replacing it for now. Crazy how this hobby makes no logical sense at times…🤯
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
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I have an Anthem MRX 520 that have the option to output L&R channels independently and they are connected to the HT bypass input on an Musical Fidelity M6si. Works great and the interconnect that connects them is the only connection between my home theatre and my two channel systems. The MF integrated serves as a hub for the cable box, Roku box, Bluray player, etc., but is somewhat of overkill as all it actually powers is my SVS centre channel. |
@tksteingraber i had a similar experience--for two channel music, my 15-year old pioneer elite avr is an overacheiver which trumped the denon, integra, etc. i’ve cycled through. its only downside is that it doesn’t have hdmi arc function, so my wife has to use two remotes to watch nature videos on youtube (a true greek tragedy). i just bought an anthem--i’m curious to see how much of an upgrade it is |
While I think the OP may have moved on, I'll place another vote for an integrated with HT bypass so future readers can benefit. @soix nailed it above with the noise comment, and all adding a power amp to a lesser quality preamp will give you is more mediocre sound. |
- 14 posts total