Need multi-channel that's great on 2 channel

Yes Jeff, it is a recurring theme everytime the question is asked. The majority of responses will be to use a 2 channel preamp with an HT Bypass feature. I am also firmly in this camp finding the 2 channel pure direct modes of most AVR's sadly lacking.

If your adament about a one box solution though, The Arcam 600 you mention is about the best out there for 2 channel reproduction from an AVR. But if you can consider adding 1 or 2 more boxes in your installation you will find that at the 600's price, it can be bettered for a lot less by using a 2 channel integrated w HT bypass or a 2 channel preamp & power amp. Again, the preamp must have a HT Bypass feature. And there are many, many quality models available to get the job done right and blow away even the Arcam 600.

Your Marantz 7005 is a fine AVR and can still be used to power the center and surrounds when listening to multi-channel sources along with its room correction facilities for multi-channel. No need to replace it for it. I use a mid level AVR as a pre/pro also but for my 2 channel listening, I have a 2 channel preamp w HT Bypass and a power amp. The best of both worlds in one clean installation. Good luck.

The Arcam 600 is great on 2 channel. I had one in my own room for quite some time. I reluctantly sold it to a customer that kept asking me for it. I ended up with Arcam separates to replace it cause that's what I had available. I could have lived with the 600 for a loooong time. I honestly think its that good. Don't take my word for it, go listen to one. You will be surprised, but not disappointed.

***dealer disclaimer***

Paraneer....
What would be some a good options for me if I wanted to add something to my Marantz? Your suggestion about amp/preamp, paired with what I have, may be the way to go. (Zydo....also still thinking about AVR600, too.)

Have any amps you'd recommend?

Looking for something that would really improve the two-channel sound I'm already getting; as I said earlier, the 7005 allows me to bi-amp the front channels....sounds very good.....looking to improve, if possible.

Thanks for the info,
Jeff

I always argue that there are (at least) two different answers to this question, depending on the answer to two questions regarding your listening practices:

1) Do you use your subs for two channel listening?
2) Is your source material exclusively digital?

If the answer to both of the above is "yes", IME you're best off with a great sounding AVR/pre-pro for 2 channel music listening. There's no ADC to consider and IMHO sub integration in the digital domain usually gets much better results than analog bass management. In this case, IMHO you should look for the best room correction/bass management software. I prefer Audyssey XT 32 pro, but many others like Anthem ARC, Meridien, etc.

If the answer to either (or both) of the questions is "no", you might want to think about the 2 channel preamp with pass thru as recommended by Jmcgrogan.

Marty

Jeff, just in case you are not aware, you can use the extra channels to your front speakers for biamping on the Arcam 600.