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Amp/Preamp or AVR for home stereo and entertainment

Looking to get an AVR or amp/preamp setup to go with a possible combination of speakers, devices, and a television. What I have: a Samsung 55" 1080p LED smart tv, a Technics turntable of reasonable quality, and some speakers. The speakers are as follows: KEF Carmina II's (8ohm, recommended 80-150w), Spica TC-50's (4ohm), Fortura 12 Heil AMTs, and some powered 20w Yamahas that I could use for rear surrounds. Maybe Even some little Braun bookshelf speakers. The Forturas are unfortunately missing the tweeters, perhaps the only reason they were ever any good in the first place. No less, a 12" woofer has to be good for something, right? I don't have a subwoofer yet, so maybe they could take that role. I know that the Spica's are supposed to have great soundstaging but drop off a bit on the highs and fall apart low down so more or less require a subwoofer. Figure the KEF's are the best bet as the speakers of choice for a stereo set up. Maybe the Spica's. This stuff is all quite vintage but in seemingly decent condition.

I'm thinking I'd like the stereo (2 channels) to be the focus, with the television's audio secondary. Are there some all in one receivers of relative quality that can do this? Do AVRs exist that can drive a dedicated stereo set up and sound great to boot? Should I ditch these old speakers and buy a whole new setup? I'll need a CD player too, as my primary physical media collection is such. I have a blu-ray player which will in play and could in theory use it for the CDs but might prefer a dedicated unit.  I was looking at the Denon S930h for sub $600, but I noticed it doesn't have a phono input, and that it really is enhanced for various HD inputs, upscaling, and surround sound processing. I like film and tv, but I will need to get the most out of the cds and digital media. Blue tooth, USB, line in, wifi, even HDMI etc. These are all a plus, which is why this unit was attractive. Also, the power output seems adequate for the speakers I've got.

Oh, and is there any way I can get some use out of the 12" woofers in the Fortura towers? The tweeters are long gone and apparently very expensive/hard to find. Can I wire them in series to the KEFs? My knowledge of electricity is limited.

Budget, ideally, is less than $1000, including AVR or amp/preamp, cables and the CD player.

Naturally, I'm looking for quality on a relative budget. What else is new? Thanks in advance!


128x128samgoldenberg
erik_squires
16,118 posts
 
Complicated set of questions.

If you want to stay 2-channel focused, the Parasound Halo P7 is a great multi-channel pre. Paired with an Oppo 103/105 you would have all the decoding you need but no room correction.

Otherwise I also hear good recommendations for the Krell HTS processors.

Personally I haven't heard an AVR I really liked. I do like Arcam but I think they got out of the HT market? Not really sure.


Best,


E
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Right now I’d decide which is my aim. Music or home Theater. The latter is gonna be far more involved and lots more ‘spensive..

Some feel music is the end all be all and will say go with an Integrated amp first. And that path is fine enough.

Given you want to improve upon the home entertainment experience as you noted the nice TV and blue ray player I’d opt for a different theme or plan.

just starting out I have always gone with a multichannel receiver. always. But, that's just me. Were I doing it all over again, I’d try hard to get one of the top tier receivers and having had a few, Onkyo is a very solid option with very good support, in or out of warranty. Well built and very reliable. Sony is another decent choice. My Onkyo has out lasted my Sony though. Performances are pretty much a toss up.

Ensure whichever way, the multi ch reciver is capable enough for 4K video, either HDR or now, Dolby Vision, if possible. Or look for HDMI 2.0 on the video side. I’d never buy one with less than 110 – 120 wpc either. Mo’ is better.

having a multi ch receiver enables one to add many things, as you are able. or, when you are able.

Speakers were first. I’d opt in for a 4.0 aray. Then likely add a sub. HT just ain’t HT without a sub. I can live without a center channel long before I can do without a sub woofer. Subs are a must for HT.

Then, I’d upgrade the mains. Usually moving them to the surrounds. If possible.

Once I had all four ch, and a sub better off, I’d add an amp for the mains. Either a multi ch amp or a nice two ch amp. Use the reciver to do the processing and run the surrounds.

Then its off to upgrade heaven. The world is your play pen. Where ever, what ever, when ever you have the dough for the upgrades.

Ultimately, you wind up with a bed room outfit and a very nice main HT rig. If you don’t have to sell off stuff to do your upgrades everytime.

I’ve even bought older speakers and sent them back to their maker for upgrades, essentially then having brand new speakers for much less than buying brand new units..

This is the idea for all of us. Many even enjoy the process. I’m more of a “Are we there yet sort though” and don’t care a ton for the crap in the interim. But yeah, even still, it is fun when new stuff comes into the house and you find out exactly what is what by ‘experiencing your plan’.

Either way, getting a sub as soon as possible will really add to the AV experience.

Be well, J

randy-11
1,913 posts
 
besides Parasound you might look at Marantz recievers
mesch
3,503 posts
 
I would consider going with a 2 channel system for both music and video. Put your budget into a quality integrated and a pair of speakers. Integrated could have HT pass through should you wish to expand. 
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