Integrated AMP PRE/AMP combo was 1st opinions

[ematthews]

Please don't flame me for this. I am only putting this up since I am really curious about it. As I have said on other threads. I am in the market for a new set up. Preamp with separate power amp is all I have considered. I have a huge problem with spending over two grand if the products quality isn't top notch.. Even if it sounds good. Call me superficial. With that said.. I started looking at a few Integrated amps too. The Yamaha AS-2000 is just a touch under budget and it's build quality is outstanding. I hear the Yamaha has a wonderful sound as well. According to many reviews. I do worry that it is only packing 90WPC... Any opinions on the amp? Would it not make since to pick this up over the Parasound A23 AMP/P5 combo?????

 

[ski2xblack]

For which speakers? I suspect it would be plenty for your Klipsch (those dip into three ohm territory, but even that should be within the Yamaha's ability to drive to loud levels), not as confident it would suffice with the Ascends, depending on your listening habits. The Yamaha is only a smidge less powerful than your HK3490; how did that fare with the speakers in question?

 

[ematthews]

My speakers for my Audio system are the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2's. The only thing I have running with the Ascend's is my Marantz gear. The HK3490 is now in my son's room.

 

[ski2xblack]

Did you experience any problems when using the Marantz? The Yamaha is only marginally more powerful that that, as in a "barely noticeable" increase in power.

 

[ematthews]

No problems. ? I did notice that when turned up the Marantz seems to loose detail

 

[RichB]

No problems. ? I did notice that when turned up the Marantz seems to loose detail

It may be running out of power.

Of course, you could sell your CD6004 and replace it with a BDP-105D used as a preamp.
You get bass-management and then you can pick the amp that bests fits your needs.
Only two devices needed and a clean signal path

- Rich

 

[ski2xblack]

If so, you may indeed have been running the Marantz in the red, so to speak. Occasional clipping can slip by the ear, but the more of it that piles up the worse it sounds. Not only that, but the overall power ramps up, putting tweets at risk of thermal damage. In comparison, unclipped power sounds clear and effortless.

The Yamaha or Parasound options you mentioned would only provide minimally more headroom that the Marantz can, and it seems reasonable to assume you're exceeding the Marantz. The Yamaha provides very little additional power, which probably amounts to a fraction of a db greater headroom. I don't think that provides near enough wiggle room. Now you can avoid clipping by going with a significantly more powerful amp, just keep in mind the speakers' power handling limits if you do so. While you're pondering this, remember that doubling power only yields an increase of 3db, and that to subjectively double the volume requires a ten-fold increase in power. If you find that even with copious power that the Sierras don't meet your spl needs, it's time to consider more sensitive speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I do worry that it is only packing 90WPC... Any opinions on the amp? Would it not make since to pick this up over the Parasound A23 AMP/P5 combo?????

I would unequivocally get the Parasound Halo combo, instead of the Yamaha. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Okay, get the ATI ATP7700 for $800 (MSRP is $4,000).

ATI ATP7700 Preamp Processor (120/240V) - A/V Processors

Plus either the ATI AT2002 or AT1802 amp.

That's what I would get if I wanted a 2CH analog stereo system (which I don't ).

 

[sharkman]

Oh, just saw this new thread, I just suggested going with an integrated solution in the other one!

 

[3db]

I would avoid the Yamaha as well not because of it's sound capabilities but because it's not that much more powerful than the Marantz. You would need an amp with at least twice the power delivery of the Marantz for you to enjoy uncompressed sound that you are currently experiencing.

 

[ematthews]

OK...SO at least 140watts per... Scratch the Yamaha off.

 

[bikemig]

You could pick up the NAD 375dac for a fair bit less than the Yamaha A S2000; plus you'll get a dac section. Personally, I'd get an integrated amp that facilitates a computer playback system of some sort.

 

[ematthews]

I am reading that Down loads with Hifi music will exceed Cd playback quality... Just read an article on it this week. Seems like the way to be future proof is to have a really good DAC and computer software. My issue is that a lot of my music is hard to find on these type of sites.

 

[bikemig]

There is probably no good reason to have music files that exceed redbook. If you google around, there is a lot on this subject and, like with all things dealing with music, no end of disagreement. Why Neil Young's New Pono Music Player Doesn't Make Any Sense I'm skeptical that there is any reason to listen to hi res (higher than redbook) music files. There can also be real headaches involved in getting a system to work that plays those kinds of files.

Once you settle on lossless (flac or alac) or high quality MP3s as your formats (because they sound really, really good and there is no good reason to pay for uber expensive high resolution music files), then finding the files you need is a piece of cake. Either rip your CDs or buy your music from Amazon, iTunes, etc. Or ditch owning media and just rent your music from MOG, Spotify, etc.

The NAD 375dac has a really competent dac section that will play your lossless files and MP3s well. I rip all my music to lossless (or rely on Amazon or iTunes). I think having a good quality dac section in a 2 channel rig is a real plus.

 

[RichB]

I am reading that Down loads with Hifi music will exceed Cd playback quality... Just read an article on it this week. Seems like the way to be future proof is to have a really good DAC and computer software. My issue is that a lot of my music is hard to find on these type of sites.

There is probably no good reason to have music files that exceed redbook. If you google around, there is a lot on this subject and, like with all things dealing with music, no end of disagreement. Why Neil Young's New Pono Music Player Doesn't Make Any Sense I'm skeptical that there is any reason to listen to hi res (higher than redbook) music files. There can also be real headaches involved in getting a system to work that plays those kinds of files.

Once you settle on lossless (flac or alac) or high quality MP3s as your formats (because they sound really, really good and there is no good reason to pay for uber expensive high resolution music files), then finding the files you need is a piece of cake. Either rip your CDs or buy your music from Amazon, iTunes, etc. Or ditch owning media and just rent your music from MOG, Spotify, etc.

Just buy them on CD and rip them. A good streaming program like J River is a great way to have all your music at your finger-tips, especially with an iPad control app.
I prefer the quality of the rips directly through the DAC over playing the CD.

There certainly is no shortage of opinion on that subject.
IMO the master if far more important. I have SACD's that have Dynamic Range ratings of 6 and CD's with DR's of 13.
Some high DR CD's are superior.

I have bought some very good recording from HD sites but there is definitely some snake oil. For example, I bought Patricia Barber "Smash" on HDTracks for $18 in 96/24 format. It was also available in 192/24 for $25. If this is the same master (likely) it is a complete waste of money and disk space buying the 192 version.
If you could get the same master on CD, then that would be a good choice.

I only bought one 192 album from HDTracks and that was for testing purposes. It is fantastic version of Vince Guaraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas.

- Rich

 

[ematthews]

Throwing this out there too... How come more haven't suggested the Harmon Kardon HK990... Seems like a beast of an integrated amp for under 2000... Seems it does everything. Is it low build quality?

 

[ski2xblack]

The HK990 sure appears to be a dope *** two channel receiver. A4L or someone is selling refurbs for <$1K I seem to recall.