2. home-theater
  3. 1037308268

Amplification for Denon 3802 for 2-ch listening

I'm just getting started in the home theatre / mid-fi arena, so please bear with my ignorance... that's why I'm researching here.

Current Setup:
I recently purchased a Denon AVR-3802 for home theatre use, based on a friend's recommendation. I got a good deal on it, and I like the processing features for HT. That purchase has started a snowball effect. I then decided to upgrade my speakers, and I took a quantum leap up to B&W CDM 7NT's for the fronts, the CDM CNT Center, and a used set of CDM 1SE's for the rear surrounds. I also have a REL Q150E sub coming next week (I know it's a little small for the 7NT's, but space was an issue with my wife, and it seemed pretty powerful when I auditioned it at a local shop). My source components aren't that great, and I will be upgrading those along the way. I have a cheap DVD player, and an older Sony ES CD player. I did buy decent quality interconnects and Canare star-quad bi-wire speaker cables for the whole system.

Question:
I'm relatively satisfied with the sound of the system for home theatre (although it does seem like I have to crank up the volume to about -15db on the receiver to get the full effect), but I don't think I'm doing my speakers justice for music listening with the Denon powering them. I'd guess my usage of the system is about 65% music, 35% movies. I'm looking for recommendations on an amp or amp / pre amp combo to improve the performance of my speakers for music (and home theatre, if possible). Does it make sense to use the denon as a preamp for music, or should I take it completely out of the loop and only use it for HT. If the latter, how do I do this, and what features in the preamp should I look for? I have a budget of $1200 for this (I'll buy used gear).

Thanks, and sorry for the long winded question.

Scott
scottwebb
c123666
871 posts
 
I set up my friend, who purchased my Denon AVR 3801, with a used Parasound HCA 1206 amp. He uses his Adcom GFA 535 amplifier to drive the front mains (Linn tukans) and the Parasound for the center/rears and bridges channels 5/6 to mono for his McIntosh HT2 passive subwoofer. The Parasound at 800, or thereabouts, is Very Powerful, and a great deal on the used market when one considers it retailed for just under 2k when new and can be had for 800. I also have one and it has never failed me; bought it in 1997 or so.
scottwebb OP
3 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for the input. I think I'm going to look for a five channel amp right now, and keep the Denon as a pre-pro for the time being. I'll probably go to a pre/pro separate in a couple years.

Thanks,
Scott
c123666
871 posts
 
A six channel amp provides the ability to utilize a totally passive subwoofer and utilize the internal crossover for most processors. I set up a friend with an early 90's McIntosh HT2 subwoofer and it is powered by a channel from his Parasound HCA 1206 with excellent results. Would he like more power? Not yet; the Parasound does pretty darned well. Each channel has its own output/volume control and the amp is THX certified; bargain at around 850 on the used market imho.
viggen
838 posts
 
scott, i dont think you should get a 5 channel amp. i mean, spreading out your limited budget on 5 channel won't get you nearly as far as putting them into a 2 channel amp. I suggest you stick with the built in amps for theater purposes and get a 2 channel for music. furthmore, there are more 2 channel amps that will sound good with music than 5 channel amps. in other words, musical 2 channel amps are less cost prohibitive than musical 5 channel amps.
cmp
17 posts
 
I'm going through a similar process with my Denon AVR-3300. I similarly wanted a better amp that will be good for music as well. Your Denon should work well as a pre/pro. One amp that may work well for you is made by Classe, and is well regarded for its musicality. I'm thinking of the CAV-75, which is a six channel amp rated at 75wpc. If the 75wpc doesn't do it for you, each channel is bridgeable so you can go to 150wpc x 3 for the L/C/R. You can then have all the same power across the front, and drive the two surrounds with the Denon. Then down the road you can pick up another CAV-75 if you need and you'll be ready for 6.1 surround. THe CAV can be found listed on Audiogon used for about $1,100-1,200. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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