2. amps-preamps
  3. 181038-178321

Basic Questions

I’m a long-time middle tier/value home theater consumer.   Recently I’ve moved toward trying to get more out of my 2 channel listening (vinyl, streaming, Hi-rez, etc).  I moved from my DefTech towers to Paradigm Persona 3F. Big 2 channel improvement, but not the level I heard while auditioning them (with a separate amp).    

My media room is 18’ wide x 24’ deep.   I listen at moderate volumes, only occasionally cranking it up.  Unfortunately, live about 4 hours from closest hi-end sound shop, so not easy to audition equipment.

Some basic questions:

1. Do I need a pre-amp and why?  I’m fairly happy with my AVR’s sound programs.

2. Will additional amp work solely with 2 front mains, or power to entire HT system?

3. Is it simple interconnect from AVR to Amp, then speaker cable to front speakers?

3. I have seen  strong recommendations for Anthem STR and Parasound A21.   Any affirmations or other recommendations (looking to keep things under $10K with interconnects.)

 

My Equipment:

7 speaker Home theater

- Paradigm Persona 3F mains (“suitable amp power range = 15-400 watts; “max input power 200 watts). Morrow Audio SP6 speaker cables

- Definitive Tech UIW RSS II sides (10-200 watts per channel)

- Definitive Tech UIW RLS III rears (10-325 watts per channel)

- Definitive Tech CS-9080 center (300w internal amp; “recommended input power” = 50-300 watts per channel). Morrow Audio Sp4 reference speaker cable. 

 

Yamaha RX-A3080 9.2 Channel AV Receiver

- Rated  output power 2-channel driven 20Hz-20kHz = 150 watts

-  Dynamic power = 175 watts

 

Marantz  turntable with Budgie pre-amp.  Morrow Audio PH5 interconnects

Oppo BDP-105

 

Thanks and be kind!

javaruke
javaruke OP
5 posts
 

Thank you all for sharing your considerable knowledge and experience.

Having playing around with speaker placement, AVR sound programs, and having to take the AVR to 90% volume to start to get a little life from my new Personas, I know I need to start building a (relatively) separate 2ch system.

I’m going to start with the Anthem STR integrated and build my knowledge and system from there.

Gratitude to all for your help! 🙏

 

 

soix
9,456 posts
 

Congrats!  I’m sure you’re gonna hear significant improvements with the stereo integrated.  By all means, please report back once the Anthem is burned in. 

fisher_400
71 posts
 

AV equipment normally does not have the audio quality of a 2 channel stereo system and many AV receivers do not have a phono amp. The Rega Brio R would outperform the best AV receivers and the Rega Elex R is the minimum quality SS amp I would use, Adcom.also makes great SS amps.

fisher_400
71 posts
 

BTW- the Anthem STR outperforms the Rega products I mentioned. My post is for everyone to read.

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