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  3. 1365465833

Need multi-channel that's great on 2 channel

Gang,
I'm looking for a multi-channel receiver that's GREAT for two-channel listening. I'm thinking of upgrading what I have, given the space I have to play with. Most of the time I listen to music, not watch movies.

Arcam's AVR600 keeps getting mentioned; are there others that are very good musically?

Any input would be most welcome,
Jeff
arcamguy
bacardi's avatar
bacardi
663 posts
 
I run a Dared DV-6C multichannel analogue integrated amp. It is a Hybrid Integrated tube pre/ solid state 65x6. It's quality way surpassed my Parasound HCA 2205AT 220x5 power amp and my Onkyo Pro SC-885 prep processor priced at $4500 list. The Dared was $425 shipped to my door. A no-brainer...Sounds excellent for movies and music. ..Check it out.....
drew60613
2 posts
 
Another vote here for using a 2 channel preamp with HT bypass connected to the AVR pre-outs. Here's a thread with a list of preamps with a HT bypass:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?90594-Preamp-with-HT-bypass
arcamguy OP
84 posts
 
Hello everyone,
Again, I've really appreciated everyone's feedback; it's been most helpful.

What I've decided to do is go with two separate systems: my home theater system, based around my Marantz SR 7005; and then my two-channel system, based around my old Arcam Alpha 9 integrated and power amps, which I will bi-amp with my B&W 805's.

The Arcams returned from a trip to Audio Doctor in Phoenix, which is an authorized Arcam service center (Cornell Smith was most helpful); he replaced the capacitors, but otherwise found the units in perfect shape. He also cleaned/checked-up my Arcam Alpha 9 CD and Arcam MCD players; both are in great shape.

This is a work in progress; I will be upgrading the amplifiers...but in the meantime, I am buying a Furman reference 15i power conditioner; I've also purchased some beautiful racks from Timbernation; I plan to buy a better interconnect for the Alpha's; I have Kimber 8tc speaker wire....and Kimber PBJ interconnects for my CD sources.

I also have a Marantz 6300 turntable,which is my restoration project.

As for my home theater, the Marantz has been wonderful. My speakers are Mirage Nanosats; I plan to upgrade them, too....but for what I use that system for...they're perfectly fine for now. My main source will be a Marantz UD/7006 BD/SACD.

So...mid-fi, with some high-end flourishes. Both systems will improve with time.

Please feel free with chime-in with suggestions; always open to that, and thanks, again, for taking the time to read my thread.

Jeff
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
Sounds like you have a good solution in the works. Even without the pre-amp having a HT bypass you can use it in that mode by connecting the L/R pre-outs of the receiver as a input to the pre-amp and setting the volume levels on the pre at a reproducible level. That would allow you to use your B&Ws for movies also. If you want to match the front 3 speakers you could then upgrade the center to a B&W center and continue to drive it with the receiver.
arcamguy OP
84 posts
 
Dtc,
Thanks for the feedback; looking forward to getting everything up-and-running. Again...it's a work-in-progess; saving up for a McIntosh.
Jeff
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