2. amps-preamps
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Integrate 2-channel or go all 5 channel

I'm at a crossroad and could use some advice. I'm looking to integrate a 2-channel into my HT environment. I have ~ $4K to spend and cannot decide whether to drop all of it on a modest 5.1 pre/pro and amp combo and retire the receiver, or integrate a 2-channel into the mix. Would I get significantly better sound from a 2-channel setup integrated into my existing environment? If I went 2-channel, I think I could do it for about half my budget. Today, I'm leaning towards the 2-channel. My preferred amp would be a McCormack DNA ??. I'm looking for recommendations for a pre-amp. The requirements are, HT passthrough, and a remote. I have 2-way monitors and want to keep my sub in the 2-channel mix. Does anyone make a 2.1 pre-amp? I also need some way to set the frequency cutoff between to mains and the sub.
Based on the need to use my sub, next week I'll probably be leaning towards all 5 channel gear, amp there probably would be a Bryston.
There are a couple questions buried in the above diatribe. I sure could use some guidance.

Existing equip:
Yamaha RXV-995 receiver
Vienna Acoustics Haydn mains
Denon DVD-1600 DVD/CD/DVD-A player
M&K MX-150 sub.

My musical tastes are mainly rock & roll, if you think Pearl Jam, that should give you a good idea. and techno(house mainly).

Thanks in advance
snipes
rogue
7 posts
 
Look at a USed Anthem AVM-2 and the Anthem MCA-5
Great combo and you will have money left over.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I humbly suggest going 2-channel.
matt8268
92 posts
 
Well I don't have the experience of these other guys, but I'm in your same boat (except without the sub). Most audiophiles it seems will push the 2 channel system above all else, and I'm sort of leaning that way. A great point someone on here made to me was that you are not as picky with the sound in your home theater because you are also watching the screen, whereas for audio that's all you've got.

So I'm thinking (for me) get a separate amp/pre or integrated and bypass my receiver for music, and then passthru the same integrated for 2 channel during movies (powering center and rears through receiver). The other option I am considering is a 3 channel amp, which adds the difference that the center will get good power, even if the receiver's pre-amplification for the center isn't ideal.

Hope this helps somehow. Good luck.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Hello Mr. Snipes. I think much of this depends on which you feel is more important to you, HT or music. I tried getting decent music from my HT and was never happy, so started my journey through the audiophile sickness.

So it's no surprise I'm with Unsound on this one. The Haydns are good speakers [I had them in my home for a weekend], and I think a DNA.5 or DNA1 mated to a tube preamp like my Blue Circle BC21 [it doesn't come with HT pass-through, but it can be retrofitted] would help you get that big, smooth sound for blasting Pearl Jam and techno. For me mating a solid state preamp to a solid state amp for that type music might be a bit to strident, that's why I suggest a tube pre.

The Bryston amps you're considering are also very good. I'm using a 4B to drive my subwoofer and like it a lot.
snipes OP
119 posts
 
To answer Gunbei's quesion...music is what I'm trying to improve the most with this upgrade. HT could use more tightness and dynamics though. Would the 2-channel amp help here? I'd like to go 2-channel, but I need some way to set the crossover between the mains and the sub. If I could find a 2-channel pre-amp that satisfies my criteria(HT passthrough, remote and .1 functionality) then I'd probably go with that. Otherwise it seems like I'm being forced into the 5 channel game. If anyone knows of a 2-channel pre that would work here, or another solution in my price range I'd love to hear about it.
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