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Searching for better 2 channel performance?

Once again debating the upgrade options and need help. Hard to find anything 2 channel oriented around here to compare so I have to rely on advise here.

Recently upgraded surround processor to Marantz SR 6005 and am overall very happy with the sound quality. For 2 channel I run a squeezebox thru a Lite Audio dac 60 to the Marantz in pure direct mode to Gallo 3.1 and am happy with the sound but feel I am missing something. Imaging in particular seems lacking. This could be an issue with the material I listen to. Any suggestions on something to showcase imaging both left and right and front to back?

I am considering adding a seperate pre just for 2 channel. This would be used, most likely bought off this forum. Have read many post that seem to make it sound as though modern processors will out perform older equipment due to advancements in quality of parts. Many post on the other side also.

Need recommendations on used pre's or processors >$1000.00 that will outperform the marantz/Lite Audio in 2 channel. Need remote and 2 zone operation. Have considered Classe, Lexicon, Proceed, anc Cary.
Thanks for any guidance or suggestions.
Steve
scoly
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,979 posts
 
I would expect the right dedicated 2 channel amp to help with the Gallos. Different pre-amps will certainly be a factor as well

As described, your room and configuration might limit imaging depth but not width. Distance to rear wall may not be as big an issue with the Gallos as a result of use of side facing drivers.

LEss than optimal soundstage depth is not unusual and many live quite fine without it. THings can still sound quite good if things are tuned in well. The glass to the rear will likely have an effect. Try some different things possible within the room limitations and see.
scoly1
74 posts
 
Have to apologize for not stating system. Do have a bryston 3bst amp for L/R channels. Was my intro into what I was missing using receiver. Night and day difference.

Prior to the purchase of the marantz processor I was using an older Denon receiver with a B&k ref 20 and dac 60 for L/R duty. When I got the Marantz compared it with dac to the Ref 20 with dac and found the marantz/dac combo sounded as good or slightly better playing in pure direct mode.

Now I have decided to take the next step and add a dedicated pre for stereo duties. Delima is that where I live auditioning upper end is not possible. Have to rely on sites like this for info and go from there.

With that in mind any recommendations for used pre's in the $1000.00 range. Has to have a remote, ht bypass would be nice but is not an absolute and at least 3 inputs.

Like shimmering highs with solid bass and a velvety midrange.

Thanks
Steve
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,979 posts
 
I'd consider a matching Bryston as a starting point.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
You should read Jim Smith's book "Get Better Sound". It's a great read, full of information and should help you improve the sound of your system through speaker and listener positioning. You could do this inexpensively before you try upgrading any of your components.
ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,057 posts
 
Ths364 Johnson is right about Loomis Johnson being right! If it were me I might consider the amp as the first place to start looking, but as mentioned it could be several several factors: speaker positioning (correct long-wall placement can be better for more coherent imaging along the front of the soundstage than the usually better depth associated with short-wall set-up), wiring and even things like proper impedance matching or volume pot quality. The "Get Better Sound" recommendation is a good one too.
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