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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 problem with using your sub crossover and sending the full range signal to the speakers is this.  Trying to blend the speakers manually can lead to nulls in the frequency as the sub’s output cancels the speakers low end.  
Bass management in the pre or integrated amp that crosses over the speakers as well as the sub is considered superior.
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,596 posts
 
@coolhandduke

That is a good deal. I would strongly consider that as a package. But it is a bid situation with 4 days left.

That particular Zphono goes for about $200 new, so keep that in mind.

Or, give him an offer and see if he accepts.



coolhandduke OP
46 posts
 
@213runnin Does the Outlaws bass management work both to limit low frequencies to sub and also so only those above go to mains? 
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,596 posts
 
There are many different thoughts on bass management. I’ve tried many, and have no issue leaving my Vandersteen 2CE Sigs run full range, and my two subs adjusted to supplement and augment them, not replace their bass.

Paul McGowan of PS Audio was the first I had heard believe in keeping their mains at full range while using subs. So, I tried it. It works, but simply works differently than the more ‘typical’ way or stripping out most the lows at your mains and replacing them with the subwooofer. You can use all of the subs. It just take a bit more time fine tuning. 

In the end, I prefer that method for music. Granted, in HT, it may not be as powerful, but that isn’t my primary goal, music is.

BTW, the ZPre also has a sub RCA/LFE connection. It just does not have the adjustments of the NewClassic 200, Which does allow you to manage your bass to the mains and subs.
213runnin
914 posts
 
213runnin Does the Outlaws bass management work both to limit low frequencies to sub and also so only those above go to mains?

Yes, it crosses over the mains as well as the sub.  Being that you've got bookshelf speakers(albeit very good bass response for a standmount), having a sub is essential to hearing anything below about 40 hz.  I happen to have a HSU sub in my 2 channel rig as well as one in the theater, they are superb at their price points.

To me the best thing about the P5 pre from Parasound was it had this sub crossover feature.  It was the best blending of my Totem Rainmakers that I'd heard.   

I don't mean to try to push the Outlaw on you, just that it's good to know all of the pros and cons of any option before you decide.  
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