Better 2-channel music

Like you, I went from a Pioneer Elite AVR powered by separate amps and had OK 2-channel sound. When I replaced my Pioneer Elite AVR with a Marantz AV7702 home theater preamp, I was shocked at the difference. The sound was much more life-like with a better overall balance from the highs and lows. One thing I always felt I missed with my Pioneer Elite AVR was mid to low bass with my Magnepan IIIa speakers. Once the Marantz AV7702 was put into the chain, it was like my Magnepans were a completely different speaker. More mid and low bass with clearer mids and highs.

"06-11-15: Bob_reynolds
I think the standard advice of replacing an AV type of product with an analog preamp is overly simplistic. Maybe if your music has limited bass, then electronics and such may have a bigger impact on sound.

You need to get some listening experience. I know that you only go by specs to pick equipment. But what you're suggesting will do absolutely nothing to fix the problem. I know you don't like me, so forget what I have to say on the subject. But look at the other comments.

"06-10-15: Loomisjohnson
try using your oppo as a preamp (connect your amps to the oppo instead of the marantz) and see if it makes a difference"

"06-10-15: Pkelly1504
I would recommend a 2 channel preamp with home theater bypass."

"06-10-15: Akg_ca
Just about any quality build high-current 2 channel integrated amp will
handily best virtually any AVR for 2-channel audio performance.

As good as the the AVR can be, you cannot realistically expect it to fully
compete in a 2 channel arena ..... full stop."

"Keep that one in mind. I'm using the UMC200 with an Oppo 105. I let the Oppo do all of the processing. The only thing the Emotiva does is 7.1 volume control and occasionally radio or other analogue stuff. The sound is great. The one really strong point with the 105 over the 103 is audio. Better processors and dedicated 2 channel out."

Every single person who responded to this thread all made similar recommendations. That by itself doesn't make us right, but at some point you may want to look into why we make these types of recommendations in the first place. While there's always some risk when you buy a piece of gear, we're really not guessing. A 2 channel preamp is by far, the most likely solution to this problem.

"But, in general, the several dB variations in the bass region (300 Hz and below) caused by room modes seems to be a more logical cause of sound quality issues. So, I'd consider a Marantz AV8801 while you can save $2100."

There's nothing logical about that statement at all. The OP never said that he had a bass problem. Why single that one issue out, and ignore dozens of other possibilities as to what the problem may be.

I know we've been back and forth on this topic in other threads. Looking back on it all, there is one thing you can fault me on. And that is, I've really never given you the chance to prove me wrong. In all fairness, its something I regret. Why don't we do this. Instead of me just telling you your ideas are no good like I always do, maybe you can better explain the way you do things. If I were to give you specs on something like an amp or preamp, can you tell me what you would expect it to sound like? I'd really like to know if something like that is possible. If I turn out to be wrong, I have no problem admitting it.

If I replace my current Marantz SR7007 by the AV8801, will the AV8801 deliver quality stereo? Should I put a DAC such as the Oppo HA-1 between the AV8801 and a pair Emotiva XPA-1s?

"06-15-15: Philkoan
If I replace my current Marantz SR7007 by the AV8801, will the AV8801 deliver quality stereo? Should I put a DAC such as the Oppo HA-1 between the AV8801 and a pair Emotiva XPA-1s?"

There's too many variables in the equation to give an accurate answer. If I had to guess, I would say it will probably sound the same, or better by a small amount. My position is that if you want good 2 channel, then buy 2 channel equipment. If you read through our posts again, you'll see that we all offer similar advice. (Except for Bob Reynolds. He's a very nice guy that means well, but he just doesn't have the experience to make a recommendation like this.). Also, if you get another receiver, you really need to consider the money you're throwing away. A huge portion of a HT receivers cost goes to multichannel features. If you don't need them, why buy them?

I assume you live in the US. If so, why not give The Cable Company a call. They specialize in lending out high end audio components and accessories. Ask them to send you a couple of 2 channel preamps. The best way to judge any component is to try it your own system.

If I connect Oppo 103D --> Oppo HA-1 --> 2-channel power amp --> front speakers, would the Oppo HA-1 considered as a good 2 channel preamp? I can then bypass the stereo signal from the Marantz AV8801 through the Oppo HA-1 so it doesn't affect the performance of the 2 channel music when the Marantz is off.