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Best 2 channel music quality on a 5.1 home theater AVR

Hello,  

New to this forum.  Building a system over the years and time to upgrade my AVR.

Current gear… Onkyo TXNR 686 - rated at 100 W/CH - 2 channels driven

Front - PSB Image T-5 (Bi-amplified)

Center-PSB Image C-5

Surround - PSB Alpha  LRC

Sub- SVS  SB 2000 Pro

Ive collected everything on a budget, either second hand deals or deep discounts.  Im not too particular when it comes to Cinema sound, the Onkyo is just fine.  Where I do feel like the Onkyo is  lacking is with Music, in particular 2.0 and 2.1 listening both audio quality and power.  I’d like to upgrade my AVR as I feel that the front speakers are much more capable than what the current Onkyo can provide.   I can also see upgrading the speakers at some point.  I have a budget of $2,200 Max, would ideally like to keep it under $2,000.  My goal is high quality 2.0 or 2.1 music listening.  I do like to listen to 4.1 music in all channel stereo and studio mix setting from time to time.

 

My question is…   What would be the best, an upper tier AVR from Yamaha Aventage, Anthem or marantz? A mid tier AVR with front preout and run a higher power 2 channel or even a 5 channel amp?

I’ve toyed with the idea of middle to lower tier Yamaha AVR  with preouts along with the Peachtree Nova 300 with home theater bypass.  This would be a more complicated system for other people in the house to use.  

Thanks

eberg33
eberg33 OP
2 posts
 

Hello everyone,

Nope - not a bot.   Im just a guy like most where I would love to have a lucid, but own a Nissan leaf.   Thanks for the replies.  I like the idea of keeping my current AVR with a dedicated 2 channel amp. 

I think this is what you are referring too.

https://www.electronicshub.org/pre-out-vs-line-out/#:~:text=Pre%2DOut%20vs%20Line%2DOut%20–%20The%20Difference,-With%20Pre%2DOut&text=We%20can%20say%20that%20outputs,allows%20connecting%20to%20external%20speakers.

Not sure I quite fully understand how it works especially when it comes to adjusting volume.  I do have an integrated amp in  another room and could experiment.  

If only my Onkyo AVR just had 2 front pre-outs, there would not be an issue - I think.

I appreciate the comment about Anthem.  This might really be the most practical since what I really need is for my wife to be able to turn on the TV and everything else just work seamlessly.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

The enemy of SQ isn’t a lack of power, it’s a lack of noise. The primary benefit of a receiver in 2 channel music is:

A) Room correction software

B) The ease of integrating a sub for 2.1 system.

If you get the upgraded version of Audyssey ($199) and a calibrated mic you will be surprised how good the Marantz sounds. I own both a dedicated Anthem 2 channel preamp and a Marantz processor. I prefer the Marantz for both movies and music AFTER I got the Audyssey upgrade and treated my room. I don't think you will need to use the preouts and a separate amp, just get the room and the room correction dialed in.

soix
9,637 posts
 

Here ya go…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325700408777

If your current AVR doesn’t have front preouts just letter go. You don’t wanna use a stereo amp with your AVR because you’re still stuck with your Onkyo’s crap preamp section that will be a huge sonic bottleneck — preamps matter MUCHO. If your Onkyo had front preouts I’d highly recommend adding an integrated amp preferably with an HT bypass, but alas that’s not possible so just go with this Anthem and you’ll be very happy and a huge upgrade.  Plus, it’ll be very easy for your wife to use.

eberg33 OP
2 posts
 

Perfect.  Thanks.  

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,923 posts
 

So did you get an Anthem?   It’s the only AVR I would buy.  My Dad has had one since ‘15 and it’s on about 8 hours a day.   
 

I just integrated his MRX510 iwith a 2 channel Mac MA8950 through its front L and R outs via the Mac’s Passthrough input.   Sounds great even in a $$$ set up.   

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