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Move From AVR to Integrated?

I know this topic gets thrown around a lot, but I recently bought a pair of Ascend Acoustic Sierra 1s I love and a Hsu VTF2 MK5 subwoofer. Right now, I'm using a Denon AVR-X2600H to power them. 

I hear a lot of chatter that I'm not getting the most out of my speakers using the AVR. The drawback is my room is not treated, and I like having the bass management. 

It seems difficult to find an integrated with 100wpc+, ability to stream things like Tidal, that also has ability to at least EQ the low bass, and have the ability to connect to digital sources like a PS4/5. I do like the idea of a better built power source, and I will never go past 2.1 or 2.2. Most of what I do is music and TV. 

Any suggestions? Ideally I'd like to stay under 1200. 
coolhandduke
guy-incognito's avatar
guy-incognito
169 posts
 
OP,

Since you are under budget with the Outlaw you might think about adding a separate streamer to handle your hi-res streaming. 

https://www.andoveraudio.com/products/songbird-hi-res-internet-audio-streaming-device

I dont have any experience with this Andover Songbird but it was mentioned favorably in another recent post regarding affordable streamers. $129, has analog or digital outs so you can still use the DAC in the Outlaw. Does Tidal, Qobuz and a handful of other streaming services and supports Airplay and dlna. I haven't dug deep into the specs or anything but thought I might point it out for your consideration. 
mesch
3,527 posts
 
Based on your requirements and the Outlaw's features I believe it to be a great option for you. 
coolhandduke OP
46 posts
 
@mesch I realize not all watts are created equal, and I imagine the Outlaw has clean power compared to my avr. I wonder if there will be a noticeable difference in headroom compared to my 95w Denon AVR-X2600H. Stereophiles measurements said Outlaw digital inputs weren't great. I'm sure there are going to be tradeoffs no matter which way I go. 
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
Marantz pm7000n is a true all-in-one with a built in streamer ready made for Tidal, Qobuz, etc., for $999 USD, as another option if you want an all in one box without having to get a separate streamer with the Outlaw. I own one and can strongly recommend. Replaced my Bluesound Powernode2 in my office system, and much better. One of the Brit hifi mags declared it the best all-in-one under $1k, but I forget which. Just check the reviews, very highly acclaimed.
delesh
1 posts
 
Last month I bought the Andover Songbird as I was searching for an affordable way to stream free internet radio from a browser on my Windows pc to my older stereo system via WiFi.  I did not want to use a streaming service such as Spotify or Tidal. It seemed easy.  I connected the Songbird to an aux input of the preamp, and, as indicated by the manual, a female voice announced its presence through my speakers.  It also appears as a device on my network.  I had no difficulty streaming from my iPhone but have not succeeded in getting any sound from the pc.  According to the "manual," the songbird should appear on pc's sound control panel.  It does not.  Two phone calls and an email to Andover support have not produced any response.  I would be interested to learn if anyone else has succeeded where I have not. 
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