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Getting great stereo sound from multi channel sys.

Here's the background:

I'm thinking about getting the GoldenEar Technology TritonCinema Two Speaker System. I'm primarily interested in maximizing stereo performance (i.e. music) and multi-channel performance (i.e. movies) is a secondary concern.

So here's my question: What's the best amplifier, preamp, and/or A/V receiver configuration for my needs? Here are the alternatives I've thought of:

1. Get two stereo power amps, a stereo preamp with HT bypass, and a surround processor
2. Get an A/V receiver
3. Get a surround processor and a multi-channel power amp

What are the benefits/tradeoffs with each alternative? Are there any other options I haven't considered that might be better? Thanks for your help!
cdxskier
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Option 1, and consider the 2 channel preamp as the most important component.
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,242 posts
 
ZD542 nailed it.... Option 1 is strongly preferred if possible. The others are compromises.

There isn't any multi-channel AVR ( or any receiver per se ....) out there that can match the 2 channel audio performance of hi-end quality build separates.
raks
468 posts
 
Space and the WAF are what drove me to take the processor and multi-channel amp route... Theta Casablanca III and a 5 channel Theta Intrepid amp. Last year I home demoed an Ayre pre-amp against my Casablanca to see if I was missing anything. IMHO the Theta trumped the Ayre.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Option 1 without a doubt. Or a slight modification to option 1 - a high quality 2 channel integrated with HT bypass for your two channel listening. This will cut down the number of components by one. You can further cut down by using an AVR as your processor and amp to power the center and surrounds - Hey, its only movies right?

Whichever route you go, I agree with Zd and Akg - don't listen to 2 channel music through an AVR or a pre/pro.

After a 10 plus year affair with the HT mistress and always being left unsatisfied when it came to listening to music, this is the route I took. Now, I couldn't be happier.
soix
9,456 posts
 
Agree with others on option 1. Personally I'd get a good stereo pre and amp and a decent AVR (I've read budget Yamahas do relatively well for audio) to handle processing and powering center/surrounds so you can put the most money where it matters most. As Paraneer mentioned, a good integrated could work too if space is a concern and may save a little $$$. Best of luck.
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