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Searching for better 2 channel performance?

Once again debating the upgrade options and need help. Hard to find anything 2 channel oriented around here to compare so I have to rely on advise here.

Recently upgraded surround processor to Marantz SR 6005 and am overall very happy with the sound quality. For 2 channel I run a squeezebox thru a Lite Audio dac 60 to the Marantz in pure direct mode to Gallo 3.1 and am happy with the sound but feel I am missing something. Imaging in particular seems lacking. This could be an issue with the material I listen to. Any suggestions on something to showcase imaging both left and right and front to back?

I am considering adding a seperate pre just for 2 channel. This would be used, most likely bought off this forum. Have read many post that seem to make it sound as though modern processors will out perform older equipment due to advancements in quality of parts. Many post on the other side also.

Need recommendations on used pre's or processors >$1000.00 that will outperform the marantz/Lite Audio in 2 channel. Need remote and 2 zone operation. Have considered Classe, Lexicon, Proceed, anc Cary.
Thanks for any guidance or suggestions.
Steve
scoly
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,879 posts
 
TO nail the imaging use most any recording on the Mapleshade or vintage Mercury Living Presence labels. Try some mono recordings also to get a sharp focused centrally located image which is usually a good omen then for stereo.

Usually, some distance from rear and side walls helps open up soundstage and imaging. Ideally you want the sound reflected from rear and side walls to traverse about twice the distance to reach your ears as the direct sound, and for the the sound to travel at least 5-6 extra feet for reflected sound. That means small rooms in general may have more limitations.

SOme speakers are designed to go in corners or up against walls which is a decent alternate approach to avoid early reflections but generally does not deliver as deep of a soundstage as placement into the room and away from walls.
scoly1
74 posts
 
Thanks Mapman. Based on your speaker placement description I have a problem. My room is a rectangle but positioning puts system on the long wall with the listening area about 3ft from the back wall which is almost all glass. Guess imaging will have to wait for a different configuration.

Any suggestions for a 2 channel pre. Tube or ss. Remote is essential for at least volume control. Would like ht passthrough but must have at least 2 inputs.
Thanks again,
Steve
loomisjohnson
1,905 posts
 
scoly, i'm surprised noone's recommended amping your front channels with a good 2ch amp--the amp section on most avrs is compromised and using a better quality amp can make a huge, night-and-day difference.
ths364
181 posts
 
Loomis Johnson is right! (Anybody remember Blazing Saddles?) I agree that the AVR's are indeed lacking compared to a dedicated strong 2 channel amp. In both of my rooms I am less than a foot from the back wall (no treatment at all) and imaging is quite good to amazing- and I'm an imaging freak. One of these rooms has a giant entertainment center with glass doors and a big tv between the speakers- I have them pulled out past the front edge of the Ent. ctr and only 4-6 inches on either side. Soundstage is great with Dahlquist DQ-10's or Dynaudio. You can do this!
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