2. amps-preamps
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Can you think of a reason not to?

Hello everyone,

I’ve loved audio (2-channel) since my teenage years and when home theater came out, well as expensive as it was I found a way to afford it. I traded in a beautiful 2-channel Onkyo Integra m-504 amplifier for an Integra 5-channel, I forget the model. Then I upgraded to an Anthem A5. Well I figured more power is always better so I sold the A5 and bought an Anthem P5.

Although an awesome piece of gear, I decided to scale down, sell my Paradigm Studio 20’s used for surround channels, the CC690 center, and two of my three REL 528 subwoofers.

What I have left is the Anthem P5, an AVM60, one REL R528, two Paradigm and two Sigature S2’s.

Im basically scaling down to a 2-channel system for simplicity and convenience. Here’s my thoughts and would love to get some opinions. I’m selling the P5 and possibly the AVM60 to make room for a P2 and a 2-channel pre amp. The P5 is a beast! If I keep it, I’ll always have three extra channels if one malfunctions and for trouble shooting. But on the other hand having this heavy amp is somewhat inconvenient and way overkill. If I found a P2 I’d even consider a trade.

How about some thoughts from the audio world?

oldschool1
phd
1,314 posts
 

Just one other thing. My home theater is made up of 4 small white speakers and a subwoofer and is completely independent of the two channel gear, they share nothing. Two channel is two large speakers, preamp and power amp.

Although there is a justifiable reason two channel should have its own dedicated room and that is because the home theater speakers and two channel speakers will interact with each other (acting like passive drivers). But by using small home theater speakers this effect is minimalized.

 

 

 

oldschool1 OP
45 posts
 

Thank you everyone for your input. Since I don't have the room nor budget for a proper home theater and quite honestly since I had reduced my system to two Paradigm S2 speakers and one REL R528, I felt the Anthem P5 was way overkill. Plus that thing was a BEAST at 135lbs. It was a monster to move around. It's been spoken for by someone who will appreciate it for sure.

Now my next step is to replace the P5 with a 2-channel amp and I'd like some thoughts on what I'm considering. I've almost decided on either an Anthem P2 or a McIntosh CM302. The few people I have spoken to favor the MC302. Albeit ~30% more cost, it's within my budget. Also it seems service and parts are easily obtained where as with the Anthem product, the best service I've experienced is shipping to the factory in Canada. There is a beautiful pre-owned P2 out there at seemingly reasonable price. The only obstacle with the MC302, they seem to be scarce on the pre-owned market.

I'm open to opinions.

joebi_wan
3 posts
 

A few years back, I went through a similar desire to simplify. I sold a bunch of home theater gear with an eye towards 2-channel and simplicity. As people have already mentioned, go with a quality integrated and a pair of quality stand mounts, and you’ll be set. We all have our preferences of gear, but I personally do not think you can go wrong with Belles Aria, the Rega line, or Sugden for your integrated amps. Simple set up, musically focused, and will work well with your Paradigms. 

oldschool1 OP
45 posts
 

Joebi_wan, you said it right, “We all have our preferences”. I’ve always preferred separates from not just a performance standpoint but for the looks.

I sold the Anthem P5 and now on a serious hunt for a McIntosh MC302. It’s a good bit lighter than the P5 and easier to get serviced. Also it should drive the Paradigm Signature S2’s with ease. Yup, they are bookshelf speakers and I’ll also have the REL R-528 sub base speaker. I’m looking for sources of where to look for a nice MC302 if anyone has any suggestions.

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