erikt

Responses from erikt

Incorporating sub into my 2 channel / HT system
Does you sub have separate inputs for "LFE" (from an AVR or receiver sub output) and Line Level inputs for Left and Right?And does your Cary integrated amp have Left/Right preouts?If so, then run a sub cable from your Marantz to the LFE input on y... 
Remasters-who does the best.
I've found that there is no single reliable remaster source that will always 100% do a better job than others, or even be better than original releases.I see you are into 'classic' Sabbath - same here.The quality of remasters is all over the map.A... 
Review: Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated Amplifier
I went from separates (Adcom pre and Carver amp) to the MF A5 to consolidate my rig to build a hybrid HT/2-channel setup.One feature that I really like about the A5 is the HT Bypass which allows me to directly connect my 2-channel sources (Marantz... 
Great sounding CDs out there...
Couple more:All original label and release (no 'remasters' needed)* Supertramp - Crime of the Century* Bryan Ferry - Boys and Girls* Joe Jackson - Body and Soul* Roxy Music - Avalon* Larry Carlton - Collections* Jeff Lorber - Flip Side 
What is your favorite tv theme song/composition?
Johnny Quest 
replacing Patek integrated with more powerful amp?
There is a Musical Fidelity A5 int amp in the for sale section.Meets your budget too - nice amp.[no affiliation] 
SACD player
I run the Marantz SA-KI Pearl SACD player - 2channel only.Very musical. I think that it would be a nice match to your 11S1 pre.Used here is about $2K or lower. 
Rotel RC-1580List of Pre-Amps with HT Bypass
http://www.audiophile.no/articles-in-english/articles--tests/item/426-amplifiers-with-processor-input