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Move From AVR to Integrated?

I know this topic gets thrown around a lot, but I recently bought a pair of Ascend Acoustic Sierra 1s I love and a Hsu VTF2 MK5 subwoofer. Right now, I'm using a Denon AVR-X2600H to power them. 

I hear a lot of chatter that I'm not getting the most out of my speakers using the AVR. The drawback is my room is not treated, and I like having the bass management. 

It seems difficult to find an integrated with 100wpc+, ability to stream things like Tidal, that also has ability to at least EQ the low bass, and have the ability to connect to digital sources like a PS4/5. I do like the idea of a better built power source, and I will never go past 2.1 or 2.2. Most of what I do is music and TV. 

Any suggestions? Ideally I'd like to stay under 1200. 
coolhandduke
213runnin
914 posts
 
The Zpre3 is well thought of around here, the Erik poster thinks it's better sounding than the Parasound P5.  I had the P5 at one point and found it too compromised for the money.  

Those Outlaw monoblocks look like a great option.  You'll want to find out what their unity power requirements are, and if the Zpre puts out enough voltage drives them to full power.
coolhandduke OP
46 posts
 
@213runnin What I see on Outlaw is 1.6V sensitivity for 8ohm load. On Parasound, I show max output of 3.5V and for input sensitivity I see 250mV = 1V output. 
213runnin
914 posts
 
I just checked, and the Parasound Zpre puts out more voltage than unity power of the Outlaw, so you'd be fine there.

There question is, will the Zpre be a good match with the Outlaw amps.  Good vs poor synergy.  This is where an integrated option guarantees good synergy because it's all in one box.

Although I suspect that at this end of the budget spectrum, synergy is less of an issue.
coolhandduke OP
46 posts
 
@213runnin I'm certainly out of my depth when concerning synergy. It is nice knowing each component could be upgraded separately over time as opposed to replacing a while unit, but I don't know at what cost. 
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
The Parasound Zpre3 preamp is what I bought to separate my Belles amp from my AVR for dedicated 2 channel listening. Great little pre for the money. I got mine from Safe and Sound as an open box for $350.

As I already had a separate DAC, phono stage, and streamer, it’s all I needed. And to have the HT bypass makes it work great for TV/home theater/AVR integration. Easy. And very good sound, finally, for all my 2 channel listening.

Highly recommended for the value it brings.
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