Think your approach of a dedicated stereo amp/pre or integrated is an excellent one assuming your Marantz has preamp outs. I did that for years before I got a dedicated listening room. Best of both worlds and your Maggies will greatly reward you for it. BTW, no need to limit yourself to units with HT bypass. If you just set the 5.1 balance with the stereo pre at a known reference point (I used 12:00 to make it easy) it works fine and you'll have tons more options to choose from. Just need to remember to lower volume on stereo preamp when switching back to 2-channel listening. Best of luck.
System Upgrade Recommendations
Hello Everyone,
I'm looking for feedback for upgrading my system. I'm just getting into HiFi and wanted to get some feedback from audio enthusiasts. I think I'm basically done with my Home Theater setup, but would like to improve my 2 Channel listening experience. I listen to music about 50% of the time, watch 2-Channel TV 30% of the time, and watch 5.1 movies, TV about 20% of the time.
I have the following set-up and about $2k to update the system and will have another $2k in 6 months:
I'm debating on putting all $2k into a stereo amp, then $2k into a pre-amp with HT Bypass and music source in 6 months or splitting the $2k into an integrated amp with HT Bypass and a music source now.
I currently play my music via Spotify Connect through my receiver and don't have a music collection at all. If I move away from Spotify (which I want to) I need to re-allocate some of my equipment funds towards purchasing a music collection (CD, Vinyl, or Digital) or reallocate $250/year of my equipment funds to a Tidal Premium subscription. I plan on putting a Vinyl collection in the future (1+ years from now) but I don't feel that my current setup will benefit from Vinyl.
How would you spend $2k to improve my 2-Channel listening experience? Any recommendations on specific equipment that I should listen to?
I'm looking for feedback for upgrading my system. I'm just getting into HiFi and wanted to get some feedback from audio enthusiasts. I think I'm basically done with my Home Theater setup, but would like to improve my 2 Channel listening experience. I listen to music about 50% of the time, watch 2-Channel TV 30% of the time, and watch 5.1 movies, TV about 20% of the time.
I have the following set-up and about $2k to update the system and will have another $2k in 6 months:
- Magnepan 1.7i Speakers
- Marantz SR6010 Receiver
- Rel T-7 Sub
- MartinLogan Motion 4 Surrounds
I'm debating on putting all $2k into a stereo amp, then $2k into a pre-amp with HT Bypass and music source in 6 months or splitting the $2k into an integrated amp with HT Bypass and a music source now.
I currently play my music via Spotify Connect through my receiver and don't have a music collection at all. If I move away from Spotify (which I want to) I need to re-allocate some of my equipment funds towards purchasing a music collection (CD, Vinyl, or Digital) or reallocate $250/year of my equipment funds to a Tidal Premium subscription. I plan on putting a Vinyl collection in the future (1+ years from now) but I don't feel that my current setup will benefit from Vinyl.
How would you spend $2k to improve my 2-Channel listening experience? Any recommendations on specific equipment that I should listen to?
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- 28 posts total
Bryston SST amplifiers work beautifully with Magnepans. I used the combination for years before moving to Quad ESL's. You should be able to find something used within your budget - and the Bryston warrantee of 20 years or so (not transferrable any more, so I understand) gives you some measure of confidence in their robustness. |
check this out: new for 2017 https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2160_about.html S'phile seems to like it a lot too |
- 28 posts total