2. home-theater
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I want to change from 2 channel to HT but what....

I have a very good Karan KAi180 integrated amp, a diy cd player and Merlin VSM-m speakers. I would like to sell the Karan and purchase a used or new HT receiver or separates. I want to spend around $2500.00 (the used price of my Karan). I am looking at, in this order, B&K 507, Sunfire receiver or separates like the Lexicon MC-1 with a good amp. I have also read some good info on Yamaha, Denon and a new Samsung digital receiver. I have also read that Sony has a digital amp in a receiver as well. The Samsung is out of my price. My plans for the near future is to buy a new Panasonic 50" plasma. I would like the hdmi switching, 7.1 and THX Ultra. I don't think the B&K 507 or the Sunfire has these. I am not realy keen on Sony, Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo or Samsung etc. receivers for the only reason that I would not buy one for a 2 channel set-up, but I am willing to consider everything. I do want at least 170wpc, THX Ultra, DTS, DD, 7.1 and a good video switch hopefully with HDMI. I do believe a good receiver can sound as good as separates. Mybe not in my $2500.00 price range. My Karan integrated was an upgrade from $7500 Melos separates.
stereo
flrnlamb
508 posts
 
Rackon, thank you for the insight! I very much have NOT heard the AVM300. So, yes it's likely I'm off base here. This has just been my experiences over and over again. The AVM300 may indeed be "all that", and "separates-like" in performance. I think I shall look into this "thing" a bit further.
I appologize to the Arcam receiver if I offended it, or sold it short. I must give it a try to see what it can do. Let the auditioning begin. (and I really do hope it works up to it's hype. I may then recommend it thereafter as a subsitute at the price point)
rackon
301 posts
 
LOL, Flrnlamb, I don't think Meridian, Lexicon or BAT are shaking in their boots or anything, nor are the boys in Cambridge UK offended (they're too busy taking this one to the bank).

For demanding speakers or SOTA HT you still need separates. But for average folks in average sized rooms the AVR300 does a great job at a very good price point. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on it.

BTW, Stereo, the AVR300 sounds better with an after market power cord. I used a TG Audio SLVR - I think the dealer was using Audience cors (not sure about that). Give the Arcam some break-in time too.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
Thanks for the power cord info Rackon. It's a great receiver! I would like to bi-amp my Merlins, but don't want to spend $250.00 for another pair of cables.
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