Another strong vote for replacing the AVR with an integrated amplifier.
Many online audio stores allow return option if not satisfied. Check out Audio Advisor and Music Direct.
Enjoy the journey.
Bottleneck / Upgrade Recommendations - Yamaha RVX-475 Receiver, Pro-Ject Phono Box MM
Hey all, first post here. Apologies if I’m not following standards.
I have the upgrade itch but not sure where to start. Here’s an overview of my current setup:
Speakers:
Polk RTI A1 Bookshelf on Sanus Natural Foundations speaker stands
AV Receiver:
Yamaha RX-V475 AV Receiver
Turntable and Pre-Amp:
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO with Sumiko Rainier cartridge and acrylic platter
Pro-Ject Phonobox MM Preamp
Other:
Sony PS5 for media streaming
Samsung PN60F5300 Plasma TV
Hifman Edition XS Headphones
FiiO Q15 Headphone Amp/DAC
Room Layout:
Apartment living room in a mostly open floor plan on the first floor. Living room area with my gear has hardwood floors with a rug covering like 90% of the space. 9ft ceiling
Uses:
Moslty used to stream music and play records. I also game and watch movies with this setup but music is the focus.
Overall I’m fairly happy with my set up but would like to revamp it. I’m leaning towards replacing the receiver first with something like the Marantz STEREO 70s. I don’t see myself getting surround sound anytime soon and like the option to transmit bluetooth audio to my DAC. Also looking to get something that supports 4k so I can eventually replace my ancient plasma. Would you recommend I replace the receiver first? I’m not opposed to getting a modular setup either. I was thinking if I ever do get a dedicated speaker amp(s) I could still use a receiver as a preamp. Budget isn’t a huge concern. Trying to keep costs under $3k or so. I’d love to demo gear in person but there aren’t really any shops around me that I’m aware of besides big box stores.
I’ve also considered upgrading my turntable styles to the Sumiko Moonstone though I’m not sure how big of an improvement that would be. Audio is more of a priority for me so I’d also be ok hanging on to my receiver for a while if a new preamp or stylus would be the biggest improvement. I guess I don’t really know what I’m missing.
EDIT: To clarify what I’m asking, what seems to be the weakest link in this setup? Where would I see the biggest improvement by upgrading? I’d love a subwoofer but don’t want to drive my neighbors crazy.
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You guys rock. Thank you for the info.
I never considered that…I like the idea. The Cambridge Audio Minx X201 looks like it would be a good fit. If you have any recommendations I’m all ears. erik_squires
That’s another thing I overlooked. I have a sectional sofa and rug in the living room but that’s about it. I think the quickest/easiest thing I can do is get soundproof curtains for the sliding glass door in my living room. Would that be worthwhile? Sounds like the consensus is to replace the AVR with an integrated amp. If I don’t get a preamp or HT processor right away do I just run an optical cable from my TV to the integrated amp? |
No. Run that from your TV to your AVR and then the Audio RCA outputs on the AVR to the HT Bypass input on the integrated. As far as speaker placement, as an exercise pull them another foot into the room and toe them in so they fire just outside your shoulders at the listening position and see if the soundstage opens up at all and the speakers become more invisible as a sound source (be sure to use good jazz, blues, classical etc. recordings for this — no pop music crap). If that helps try pulling them out another foot and see if it gets better or worse. Hey, it’s free to do so why not, and it could be very educational. Also, definitely throw a blanket over the TV when doing serious listening because the reflections from the glass screen are not helpful. Just some free and effective things to try while you’re figuring out the other stuff. FWIW. |
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