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Combining 2 channel audio and home theatre

Hi, i'm trying to find out ways to maximise audio quality from my system. So basically i'm running a 5.1 system connected to my Denon AVR. Even though i'm pretty satisfied with the overall movie experience, i'm still trying to find out if there's anything i could do to bring out the most out of my system within my budget to improve the quality of 2 channel music experience. All my sources are digital (TV, TIDAL via Nvidia Shield) and i have to do it in the same room.

My setup:
Triangle Borea BRO3 for my front left and right. ( 100W, 90db sensitivity )
Denon X3700
I've set it all up in my bedroom, pretty small space. (Roughly 2.5 m distance from the speakers.)


Alright, so here's a few things i'm considering .

1. Getting a separate Power Amp: Since these AVR's power ratings are not so reliable and i've read from several sources that it's good to separate the amplifying and pre processing to get a clean signal.If i do this i'll still have my Denon as a Preamp and i'm not sure if it'll have any impact for Music. If i do, how much of improvement will i get in terms of audio quality (Not loudness as my listening space is pretty small) and is it worth the extra expense?

2. Getting an Integrated Stereo AMP: Okay so this is a bit tricky for me. Since my music source is only TIDAL via NVidia Shield connected Straight to Denon, is there anyway to practically make both my AVR(For movies) and Stereo AMP(For Music) work together? I understand that i have to connect using the Preout from AVR to Stereo AMP, but it will basically make the Integrated Stereo AMP work like a regular Amplifier right? As in, the audio pre processing will still be done by my AVR since my music source is connected to the AVR. I wanna keep all my sources connected to the AVR and fully make use of the Stereo AMP(both it's preprocessing and amplifier) when listening to music, as well as switch to 5.1 while watching movies. is that possible? Even if it is possible, will it bring a big difference to the audio quality?

Among these 2 options, which is the best way to go? Or is there any other ways to get an even better result? My budget is around 700$ .


I have been trying to find this info everywhere to integrate hifi stereo with a 5.1 setup and all i could get is by connecting the audio source, ex Turn table, directly to the stereo amp and making the connection to AVR via Preout. I wanna keep my AVR as the main hub and listen to music via TIDAL. I'm pretty new to this and It'll be really helpful if you guys could help me out!

FYI, i don't wanna change any of the equipments i'm using as i just got them recently. I'm very satisfied with my Denon for movies and the sound signature i get from my Triangle BRO3's are really good too, it's just i wanna know if i'm missing out on anything to bring out the full potential of these speakers.

ananthvm11
hartf36's avatar
hartf36
206 posts
 
I was in a similar situation, wanting to double-duty my audio system for 2-channel listening and H/T. I also have a Denon AVR (X-4000). Because my main speakers are Magnepan MMGs that require more power than the Denon has to adequately drive them, I added a separate power amp (B&K EX-442 Sonata at 350 wpc/4 ohm) AND preamp with H/T bypass (Parasound P5). I also have a powered sub (Rythmik F12G).

The integrated setup you’re considering would combine my two separates (amp/preamp) into a single unit. Not sure of the ultimate sound of what you might end up with, but I’m exceedingly happy with the performance of the system I put together for the money that’s into it. The Key to the Kingdom for a sound system to do double duty is a H/T bypass feature.

On a strange side note, when I’m passing through my preamp with it powered on and the bypass engaged, the system sounds better than if I pass my signal through it when it’s powered off, as it will pass the signal either way. I get some measure of signal bump, so it’s always on - which is where you’d be with an integrated any way. I expect my next move might be an integrated, if I can find something that matches the B&K/Parasound output I’m getting now.
big_greg
6,646 posts
 
If you get a high quality preamp and amp(s) or a good integrated that has home theater bypass that allows you to skip the Denon, then you have an opportunity to experience a dramatic difference in sound quality.  Having said that, unless you get really lucky, you're probably not going to do that for $700.  If you like the sound of the Denon, stand pat.
hartf36's avatar
hartf36
206 posts
 
Having said that, unless you get really lucky, you're probably not going to do that for $700.
Agreed
soix
9,566 posts
 
I’ll take a good, used integrated stereo amp for $700 over a mid-fi AVR any day. 
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
A little over your budget, but the Parasound New Classic 200 Integrated with pass-thru may be a good candidate to consider.

I tried using my ‘very good’ AVR for 2 channel. All I can tell you is I am much happier once I took the AVR out of the 2 channel chain. Now my AVR is for TV Only in a 5.1 setup. All my 2 channel is separate, but with a HT pass through to make the switch easy.

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