2. amps-preamps
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Good options for monitor Audio sliver line

Hello I have the newer design monitor audio silver 8 speakers , and am currently using a marantz 7008 avr to push them . I bought a emotiva xpa amp to add some more sound to the speakers , but sold it the next day . The marantz avr sounded better . Any ways I’m looking into staying with marantz , and stepping up into the seperates realm with the 7702mkii or 8802 but need to find a good amp that matches with my gear . For now I would like to add a amp just to the receiver , then step up to the pre amp. I wanted to to try intergrated but I use subs in my setup and Sonos for audio . I realize my stuff is not super high end , but I do appreciate a great sound , and try to get by while still raising a young family . I was told to buy a lexicon , or b&k 200.7 amp , but would like stuff newer with a warranty , unless these two amps are the bees knees .. Thoughts???
nesto719
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 

Sorry, just a bit confused.

You have a Marantz AVR, bought an Emotiva XPA power amp but then sold it the next day because you thought the AVR sounded better.  So now you want to buy another amp?

You already tried one and didn't like it.  So why are you looking for another one to connect to your receiver? 

mesch
3,530 posts
 
Have you looked into the Marantz integrated amps?  The PM8005 ($1200 retail) might be a good choice for you. Has pre out for driving subs. Also 2 sets of speaker binding posts. The PM7005 ($1000 retail) has built in DAC. 

nesto719 OP
77 posts
 
Yes I have the monitor audios hooked up to the 7008 avr because I use it for music and movies . The room isn’t dedicated , so I need a multipurpose system (family room)) . I bought a emotiva xpa amp and didn’t like the emo house sound for music purposes , (bright , and a little harsh) for movies though it worked great . I want a power amp because I was thinking of moving into a pre amp . I thought about going intergrated , but how would this work still for movies , without having to switch speaker cables around from intergrated to receiver ?
nesto719 OP
77 posts
 
Also would a intergrated be powerful enough my speakers , They are 4 ohm 200 watt ?
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Your speakers also have a sensitivity of 90db making them pretty efficient.  Any 100 wpc integrated that is stable and rated into 4 ohms will drive your speakers to sound levels higher than you would be comfortable listening at.

Also it is not the amp that will give you the improvement with music you are looking for.   It's the preamp!  This is why you were not happy with the Emotiva power amp. It drove your speakers just fine but you were still held hostage by your AVR's poor stereo preamp, even in so called "pure direct" mode.  It's an afterthought with an AVR.

If your serious about music, look into a 2 channel integrated amp designed for music with an HT Bypass feature.  You can seamlessly incorporate this unit into your existing surround sound system and also have a true Hifi stereo in one installation.   Google HT bypass to learn more.


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