2. amps-preamps
  3. 183688-179481

Marantz pm8006 vs Denon PMA-1700NE for combined home theatre and music room

Hi everyone,

I am looking at how I can combine stereo and surround sound in one AV system so I can switch between music and movies.

I have a Denon x3800h driving a 5.1.4 Atmos setup. I also have another room with some ceiling speakers that I want to drive from this room and will be used only for music.

I was thinking of using the x3800h for my Center Speaker, Surrounds and 4 Height Speakers. I was then thinking of running the fronts via pre-out to another amplifier which has a main-in/HT-bypass to drive the fronts whilst watching movies. If connected via a main-in, it converts the stereo amplifier into a power amp only with the Denon x3800 having full control over volume etc...

When listening to music, I have a Wiim Pro that would connect either direct to the stereo amplifier or via an outboard DAC and drive the fronts and/or a second zone in the other room.

Based on the above requirements I was looking for a stereo amplifier with both a main-in/HT-bypass and supports 2 speakers zones.

Via this very useful site, http://audiophile.no/en/articles-tests-reviews/item/426-amplifiers-with-processor-input I have narrowed my options down to The Marantz PM8006 and the Denon PMA-1700NE. 

Does anyone have an opinion on which would be best to provide good sound to my fronts for home theatre as well as good sound for music?

Thanks

cainullah
cainullah OP
29 posts
 

Perhaps I could just use something like the Rotel RKB-D8100

https://www.rotel.com/en-gb/product/rkb-d8100

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Your front 3 speakers should all have the same amp to match as perfectly as possible. If you are using pre-outs to a separate amp use them for all 3 speakers (L-C-R). If you get a 3 channel amp you can use pre-outs for L-C-R. If you can biamp L-R speakers you can get a 5 channel amp which would be stellar and not a lot of money if you go with second hand.

Now, when you have speakers in a second room I would pivot and use a whole house audio system, it gives you more flexibility AND it can be run wireless.
I would connect the ceiling speakers in the second room to a Martin Logan Forte wireless amp (which also has ARC room correction.) It has a streamer built in so you can run it independently of your main system. If you want to have the same music in both room get a Martin Logan Unison preamp/streamer for your main system.
They are on sale at 50% off:

https://www.martinlogan.com/en/category/wireless-systems

cainullah OP
29 posts
 

@kota1 So something like this: https://www.rotel.com/en-gb/product/rmb-1506

If listening to stereo music meant for 2 channels and not movies, is it ok to have the center speaker connected too? 

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Yes, something like that. When you play two channel stereo its fine to have your center channel connected. Your Denon receiver will play back in stereo to just your L-R speakers when selected. What speakers are you using for L-C-R channels?

More to discover