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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
 
You're welcome.
Take a look at the Marantz Pm8005, PM14s1, PM11s3 all reference series integrateds built in Japan with HT Bypass. 

You up can also look at the Parasound Halo Integrated and Krell S300i.  Any of these will drive your MA's effortlessly, smoke any AVR or HT separates and sound wonderful with music.  Good luck!
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
paraneer nailed it.  The new Yamaha integrateds ~$2K, might be worth checking out, some very positive vibe.  

nesto719 OP
77 posts
 
So if  I get a  intergrated amp do I still hook up the speakers and sub via my avr? I'm confused on the whole ordeal 
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
if you get an integrated with a HT pass through, your main speakers would be driven by the amp in the integrated when it was in pass-through mode, you would still use sub hook-up on the AVR and the pre-out from the AVR to the integrated for the front two channels, the other speakers would be driven by your amp in the avr. I am a fan of this because it lets you have a better two channel performance while also meshing in with the home theater application.  You can also effectively do the same thing with an integrated without HT pass through by setting the volume level on the integrated to the same spot when you are using the HT but this can be a little risky as if you forget the volume up on high and flip sources then it will be pretty loud.  I wouldn't trust myself, it would be a matter of time before I would make the mistake.  

I did the HT pass through for a long time but ended up with a pre-amp and amp that were not really compatible for this type of application so I go a second set of front speakers for my HT and run two independent systems. I know that the HT would perform better with the better speakers but you know, life if full of compromises.
nesto719 OP
77 posts
 
Would i still be able to use a sub with the intergrated via two channel music as well as HT ? I'm very limited in space and one set of speakers will have to work , but I see your point . Will I get just as good performance buying a two channel amp and using the avr as a pre out , or just buying a dedicated pre pro / amd with a good two channel analog section ?
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