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Separates for 2-channel & HT, or.....?

I posted this in the amp/preamp forum too - no responses as yet so I will try again here. I hope double posts are not frowned upon.

I am coming from the simple world of SS receiver and separate SS power amp - Rotel gear, as you can see from my Virtual System. I am trying to find a more musical system, but I still need to have a system that can be used for HT. Optimized 2-channel is more important to me, but I can't make two separate systems - no room. :-(

I am changing out my speakers to Cain & Cain Abbys - single drive (Fostex 166E) high efficiency speakers (95dB.) My Teres turntable is also a keeper, as is my phono stage. These are about the only decisions I have been able to firm up! So, I am building my system around these components.

I need either an integrated amp or separates - pre amp/power amp. I thought tubes would be best for the Abbys, but then again, maybe the pre should be solid state with a tube amp - or is the other way around better? You see how unknowing I am! An integrated amp might be a bit of a compromise, but might also fit my budget better. :-~

This is what I need the system to do: I need to be able to run my CD drive, a DVD drive, my phono stage and a subwoofer, as well as, of course, front speakers. If I end up getting rid of my receiver, an option for rear and center speakers would be a plus, though I may forgo surround sound (5.1) with my new system.

My budget is around $10,000 which is both limiting, I realize, and more than I wanted to spend. :rolleyes: I would like this budget to include a new CD-player - I am considering the Musical Fidelity A5 - so I guess my actual amp/preamp budget is around $8000.

So, should I keep the receiver - or get a better one - and get an integrated amp with an HT pass through, or go with separates, or????
oakiris
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
My system is designed around 2-channel first, then HT, altho it started the other way around. Tube pre and SS amp is definitely the way to go, IMO. Also, contrary to some of the posts above, a HT bypass isn't necessary on the pre, especially if you have a good pre and want to hear its contribution to movies.

I have a Sunfire TG4 which now is my HT processor, driving a Sunfire amp which feeds center and rear channels. Front end is an APL modded Denon 3910 into a VAC pre driven by a McCormack DNA-500 amp. I have great 2 channel as well as great HT. Yes, it cost lots more than $10K, but the point is, it can just as easily be done with more modest components.

And yes, power cords DO make a difference - the more revealing your system, the greater the difference, IMO.
Hope this helps.
avrij's avatar
avrij
70 posts
 
Sorry to be so basic, but tell me how to set up the tube pre between the denon and your processor. Do you just put it in between and run it thru the bypass option?
chadnliz's avatar
chadnliz
3,737 posts
 
yup, av thats how you do it, you can run it into any input you like, but only bypass allows the pre to push its most natural signal
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
IF you were talking to me, that NOT how I do it. The Denon 2 front channels feed the preamp; the remaining 4 channels feed the processor (2 rears, center and sub). For movies, just adjust the volume controls on the pre and processor so they match, and you're done. That way the pre still controls the left and right speakers, which was my goal (big price and quality difference between my Preamp and the movie Processor).

Hope that helps - there are obviously several ways to achieve multichannel from a 2 channel system.
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
Decisions, decisions, decisions. I guess I can't make any until I have a chance to actually audition some of the components recommended here.

Fplanner - you appear to have a really nice system, though too rich for my blood! I was considering the Simaudio Stargate receiver/processor. Is this comparable to the Sunfire? The difference for me being that there is a local Sunfire dealer, but no Simaudio dealer in the state, so I could actually hear and see the Sunfire components. I thought I could pair the processor with some sort of tube pre-amp and end up with very nice 2-channel system and decent HT in addition.

Time to make a list of places to visit for auditions!

Thank you again to everyone for your responses and recommendations.

Holly
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