totem/nad denon

I've had Totem ARROS with the predecessor NAD C370 integrated in a prior "B" system, so I do have hands-on insight into the performance characteristics of the two together ( and not just some anecdotal I read it in a prior post re-hash)

Simply put, the  DENON receiver (in fact,  just about any receiver other than the $6K ARCAM ....) ) will be a step down from the NAD integrated amp with your TOTEM speakers.

With the exception of the top ARCAM and perhaps a minuscule smattering,  receivers are cheaply built-to-the-lowest-price point possible  kit (usually chi-fi ....) that lack the quality build power  supplies  and high-current amps to generate the high current output necessary to drive the grunt-hungry Totems. WPC stats in isolation to the above are meaningless .

The difference(s) in performance and quality stepping down from the NAD integrated to the receiver will be noticeable and those differences will not be subtle.

Though I have never owned any Totem speakers, the NAD integrated will reign over the Denon AVR for stereo music, period.  Many AVR's, especially flagship models, try to be all things to all people but fall short in the 2-channel music department.  A few exceptions that come to mind are the NAD T773(which I have in a stereo rig) and NAD's newer offerings, Anthem AVR's, Cambridge Audio, and Arcam which has been mentioned in a previous post.

Do your best to objectively A-B the Denon vs the NAD and see(hear) the results.  I am in no way implying that the Denon will sound horrible in stereo but the NAD integrated is built for one main purpose, stereo music.  As mentioned, you "may" be able to use both the NAD(stereo) and Denon(HT) in the same rig.

Bill

I just looked at the rear of the Denon 2100 and it only has Zone 2 stereo preouts so combining it with the NAD 356BEE might not be possible.  I'll let others chime in on that subject.

Bill

Thank you all for the answer. The NAD stays!!!! It has been my dream to have a good dedicated music system....i am pro musician who has suffered hearing loss so i want to hear as much as i can. I was only willing to go backwards to make a little bread by selling the NAD. But i am convinced by your responses that I was on the right course to begin with. So now i have dedicated music system with totem and nad and dedicated home theater with Denon and gallo. By the way the Gallo setup is fantastic for movies and dreadful for music.
Thank you

brian