2. amps-preamps
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Advice on upgrade of a 2.1 audio setup

I have a system that I’m using both for HT and 2.1 audio. Currently I use a low end receiver (yama HTR-5860). I would like to upgrade my 2.1 path. I don’t care about audio quality for HT/5.1 and I will continue to use the receiver for this.

My speakers are Onix Ref 1 monitors and ACI Force XL subwoofer. I want to stay with these for now. My source is a stock Squeezebox3 streaming FLAC files.

I listen to all kinds of music, but primarily alternative rock, jazz, punk, rock. I like female vocals (e.g. Stina Nordenstam, Patti Smith, Nico, Feist). I listen at moderate volumes but in a large, open room.

I know that I’m missing a lot with my receiver, but in particular I’m looking for two improvements: less fatiguing, easier to listen sound and more clarity, especially for “larger” compositions.

The budget is about $1000 for used equipment. I’m considering are 2 ch amp (SS only - I will use it for HT as well), preamp and a DAC. I know about SB3 mods but I don’t want to go this route.

Which component should I upgrade? Whole budget on amp and continue to use receiver as pre-pro? Divide budget between power amp and preamp and use analog out from SB3? Divide budget between amp, preamp and DAC? I have been reading about tube preamp with a SS amp and I’m very interested in this idea. Is this advisable at this budget? If not, what budget would be required to get the benefits?

Some amps I’m considering: Mccormack DNA 0.5 or 1, Odyssey Stratos, CI D-100, Bel Canto, Parasound, Ps audio HCA-2. I don’t know about preamps yet (I think I need HT bypass and second output to feed my Force XL) or DACs.

Thanks,
Adam
sapek
sapek OP
10 posts
 
Elevick/Artizen65 thanks for pointing me towards integrated amps. Music Hall Mambo looks like a nice amp but it doesn't have HT bypass or pre outs from what I was able to gather. MF M5 looks like a great match to my needs although a bit more expansive than what I was looking to spend.

Bob_reynolds, I was thinking about bass management. I was going to configure my receiver to output bass to LR speakers, connect LR preamp out from receiver to the integrated amp HT bypass input and connect a preamp out from the amp to subwoofer. My SB3 would be connected to a line level input of the integrated amp. I would get sub signal from both sources however my LR speaker would be getting full bass signal (no crossover). Would it be harder (impossible?) to integrate subwoofer with main speakers? Is it always better to use crossover for monitor speakers?

X2 looks like an interesting product. To use it in my case I would need a separate preamp (with HT bypass) and separate power amp. It wouldn't help with bass management with integrated, right?
sapek OP
10 posts
 
OK, I have just bought a Threshold S/200 Stasis amp here. I hope I made a right decision.

That puts me on a path to separate preamp. Can anybody recommend a preamp that will pair well with the Threshold (no more than $500 used)? It needs to have two preamp outputs and a HT bypass would be desirable. I also want to be able to control volume with a remote.

I think I have read somewhere here that Thresholds don't pair well with tube preamps. Is that true? Could you explain why?

Thanks,
Adam
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Look at B&K.
If I had known what you were up to, I would have suggested selling your receiver and buying an HT pre/pro and amp combo. You could have fit an Anthem AVM-2 or Sunfire 2 plus a nice 5 channel amp into your mix with great sound and less components.
sapek OP
10 posts
 
Elevick, I have considered the 5ch amp + AV preproc route but decided against it. I'm fine with the receiver as AV preproc and amplifier for surround. I wanted to put all the money into the 2ch part of the system.

What b&k preamp would you recommend?
55dok
162 posts
 
Regarding Threshold amps and tube preamps:
I use an old threshold 4000 with a lector zoe tube amp and find the synergy just fine. If you want an inexpensive ss pre amp for your threshold s/200 try a forte 44. It was designed by Nelson Pass or his design team at forte and should match well with threshold ss amps. It is soley for 2 channel as I don't think it has HT bypass.
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