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Musical Sound Quality of AV Surround receiver vs. pure Stereo

Running Linn LP12 turntable, Bluepoint No2 stylus, with Jasmine phono pre-amp, Marantz sr5008 with B&W 685s2 on LR fronts with 686 S2 LR surround,  Paradigm CINEMASUB Cinema Sub 300W Speaker.

3 questions; 1) While I canceled out the center channel (using Marantz Audyssey setup), I am playing 99% from my turntable and CD player (Yamaha w/ DAC built in). The depth and spacial separation of the music is uncanny, but difficult to phase given it is being played in a digital (Music setting) format from one of the settings on the Marantz receiver. When I switch to pure stereo, the volume has to be turned up and the depth of the soundstage just isn't there. Would upgrading to a more powerful and musical integrated amplifier help (i.e. Anthem  Anthem MRX  720?) help with its killer room correction or 2) Do I look for a 2.1 integrated amp or tube amp to compliment my B&W 685S2's and sell the 686's or 3) do I just bite the bullet, look at a traditional good integrated amp or tube amp for around $3K with $3K Audio note AN-K speakers. Traditional sound....

Thanks, I am new to this group and have read a number of discussion threads. Obviously, a lot of you are infinitely more knowledgeable than I am, so any and all replies would be greatly appreciated. PS No man cave, this system is in my living room, so the wife is a little particular about too much gear ! Thanks everyone.
128x128phill55
soix
9,540 posts
 
@phill55 -- The Hegel has line-level outputs, which is all you'd need to connect your subwoofer.

The difference in amps, contrary to what some say, is quite minimal.

I'm just going to flat out disagree with @secretguy here.  If you at all care about 2-channel sound reproduction, you'll hear a big and meaningful difference between a $3500 highly-regarded, dedicated stereo integrated amp like the Hegel and a $900 mass market audio/video receiver with your speakers.  And if you do decide to upgrade speakers in the future, the H160 is good enough that it will let you get more out of them as well.  Oh, and no switching cables required to change between multichannel and stereo -- just push one button.  Nice. 
secretguy
1,711 posts
 
I didn't say there was no difference. But people who claim there are worlds of difference in electronics are delusional. IMO, of course.
phill55's avatar
phill55 OP
142 posts
 
I am taking the plunge - solid amp Hegal H160 or KRell with Revel M106 Bookshelf Speakers . I think the combination is strong between amp and speaker. Any thoughts? Also, will be selling my AV amp and 4 speakers :-)
richardausten's avatar
richardausten
3 posts
 
I left B&W and Solid State for Audio Note.  But it still depends on what you are after - the B&Ws are nowhere near the same musical goodness as Audio Note IMO.  The AN K /lx is the copper wired version and all AN copper wired speakers will play much nicer with solid state equipment and push pull amplifiers in general.  Plus they are significantly less expensive.  Around $2400US and you havee over 20 finish options + high gloss so 40.  It is a sealed acoustic suspension design with 90dB sensitivity and from a corner reaches 36hz.  Not bad.  I owned the speakers for 6 months before moving to the Audio Note J/Spe which I had for 13 years.  Now have the AN E/Spx Alnico Hemp.
OOps - didn't see you bought the Revels - But doesn't look like you have heard them yet - well congrats and I hope you enjoy the Revels.  If not then the above is there because I already typed it. 


auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I would like to make a correction on my description of the Krell integrated.  The Krell integrated that I heard was the new K-300i, which uses the new iBias sliding bias full Class A amplifier module.  This is a very creamy, liquid and lush sound.  It would be excellent for the Revel speakers because it would help control that aluminum dome tweeter.  However, the K-300i is not released yet and will probably be out of your price range.
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The Krell Vanguard integrated amps use the previous generation Class AB amplifier and are very clean and crisp sounding.  The Krell Vanguard are selling "new-in-box" for about $2700 on ebay and other locations.  You can also get the "Krell Digital Vanguard", which include a very top-notch DAC for $3700 "new-in-box" from ebay sellers.   Or get a used Digital Vanguard for something like $2900. 

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The Hegel H160 can be had used for $1600-1900 and is a lot cheaper.  Ultimately, I think the Krell is a much better device and will "sing" better because of it fully discrete Class A preamp stage, but it is all about budget.
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