2. amps-preamps
  3. 170288-99507

Considering adding a dedicated 2 channel preamp in setup?

I wouldn’t say it’s just a home theater set up because my Marantz 8805 has a nice 2 channel feature and I’m overall very happy with the sound.
My setup consists of:

Marantz 8805 preamp
Parasound A21+ amp
Paradigm Founders 100F speakers
Bluesound Node (2021 model)
SVS SB3000 subwoofers (four of them)
Furman SPR-20
Dedicated 20amp outlets with Audioquest 20amp outlets
some other stuff

But I read a post the other day on here about adding a another preamp to a home theater preamp that HOME THEATER BYPASS. I’ve never heard of this until I read about it and became intrigued with adding this because I am an audiophile first but never thought I could add another preamp like this until the other day.
I’m digging the Parasound P6 but what do you think about recommendations and about how do you think I;l gain anything with using the Parasound P6 instead of the Marantz 8805 for 2 channel music?

Big improvement or minimal but still very good?

todd1010
soix
10,352 posts
 
I think I’d shoot a little higher than the P6 if I were you.  Here’s a nice Bryston BP6 that’d certainly up your 2-channel game quite a bit (I used to own one) and is well under your $2k budget.  It doesn’t have an HT Bypass, but you really don’t need one — just plug the front L/R preouts from the Marantz into the “Video” (or any other unused input) and balance the HT channels with the Marantz as usual with the Bryston’s volume at 12:00.  When you want HT just switch the BP6 to the Video input and put the volume knob at 12:00 and you’re all set.  This is being sold by a reputable seller who I think allows for returns, so if this doesn’t blow you away you can likely just send it back so very little risk.  Anyhoo, here’s the link...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisacbia-bryston-bp6-stereo-preamplifier-bp-6-black-19-32990-solid-state

jdub39
500 posts
 
I'm using the 8805 and a Jc5 and will curios as to what you find. The 8805 is just fine with 2/ch and find it hard to fault. I added the Jc5 (from an Halo A21) and a Gustard dac A18 last October and that really kicked things up a few notches. I'm saving now for perhaps the next Marantz pre/pro or Jc2 bypass. Each Marantz pre since the 8801 then 8802 has only gotten better with 2/ch which is why I'm still happy with the 8805!
soix
10,352 posts
 
I'm using the 8805 and a Jc5 and will curios as to what you find.
Try a JC2 and welcome to a whole new world.  Preamps matter...HUGE!!!

jdub39
500 posts
 
@soix 
Planning on it next year!
todd1010 OP
74 posts
 
jdub 

I agree I’m pretty happy with the 2 channel settings the 8805 has and that’s why I’m having a hard time figuring out whether the P6 would do anything better than it. 
The JC2 is a lot bigger step up but even then I’d have a hard time thinking it would larger improvement. 
I’m going to see if there’s a dealer near me that has  either the P6 or the JC2. 
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