AV Pre/Processor vs 2 Channel Pre-Amp - Sound Quality

Perhaps I am wrong not the first time but I assumed the OP was looking for better 2 channel audio for music to use with his 2.1 video system. In this case I would run the video to the TV let the TV do the video not bother with switching through the pre and run the audio to the pre or integrated. You still get good movie sound in that mode and better audio for music which is why I thought Parasound would be a viable option to get better music playback trying to stay close to  his $2000 budget. There are other options besides Parasound I only used it as an example of a way to go about it. 

Correct, I would prefer to replace the receiver with something like the Classe or Parasound Hint6 which have hdmi inputs for video as well. The previous version of the Parasound integrated does not have hdmi inputs, so I would have to use it with my receiver.

From what I have read, Classe is really good at setting up their equipment with 2 channel listeners in mind. They also seem to get it that some people like a 2.1 system. It looks like Parasound is catching on with the HINT.

The only DAC I have right now is in my receiver. 

The only negative I see for me with the Classe is the class D. Don’t they sound a bit closed like my current receiver?

Finally, I think I missed a response, maybe from Soix, about connecting something to my subwoofer. I have ditched the subwoofer as bass management Idea in light of what Aux told me I think. 

@craigert 

The Classe Sigma 2200i class D amp does not sound like your Pioneer receiver at all. They did not sound closed in. In fact it puts out big soundstage with very good separations between instruments and vocals etc. To be honest, I myself not a big fan of class D amp either and this won't be my choice for music. But it will sound much better than any receivers or entry level integrateds or separates. 

Oops I was mixing up the Parasound with the Lyngdorf. It looks like Parasound doesn’t have an HDMI AV solution. 

Thats good to know about the Classe sound character!

They are super hard to locate, especially used.

Maybe I will just have to wait.

@craigert

Sorry I did not realize that the Lyngdorf TDAI 2170 & 3400 stereo integrated amps come equipped with HDMI 4k switchings. Then this will be your perfect solution as the Lyngdorf has superior Room Perfect calibration. You can get rid of your Pioneer receiver and just get either the TDAI 2170 or 3400 since they will switch video as well as audio.

I personally have never heard these TDAI 2170/3400 integrateds but they received glowing reviews from different hifi reviewers from different hifi magazines.

The only Lyngdorf piece that I’ve ever heard was their MP-50 AV surround processor when I demoed it recently and have ordered one for my dedicated HT room to replace my somewhat obsolete Classe SSP 800 AV processor. I was impressed with the Lyngdorf MP-50 performance for surround movies (HT) with the Room Perfect calibration. It is a clear step up from the SSP 800 with its manual PEQ. The Lyngdorf MP-50 takes immersive surround sound from your favorite blockbuster movies to a whole new level with its Room Perfect engaged and when properly calibrated. Not to mention that the MP-50 supports Dolby Atmos & DTS-X which the SSP 800 lacks supports of.
These new surround formats brings a whole new different immersive surround sound experiences for movies.

I’m still waiting for my new MP-50 to arrive and can’t wait for it. That’s the only thing I swapped out in my dedicated HT room and the rest of the equipments remain the same.