Is replacing my NAD separates with a Denon receiver a big step backwards?

[ron_jeremy]

Current System:

B&W 683 mains
B&W HTM61 center (could be a HTM62, I can’t remember)
B&W DS3 surrounds
B&W sub (can’t remember the model)
Integra DHC 40.1 processor
NAD Power Envelope 2400 (bridged mono - left main)
NAD Power Envelope 2400 (bridged mono - right main)
NAD Power Envelope 2400 (bridged mono - center)
NAD Power Envelope 2100 (stereo - left & right surrounds)
Western Digital TV Live streams Netflix or movies stored on our NAS (no DVD or Bluray players or other source components)

http://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/nad/2400.shtml
http://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/nad/2100.shtml

System is used for movies only, and does not get used very often (a couple times a month-ish). When we are using it, we are watching at relatively lower volumes — we rarely have the volume ‘cranked’.

So, the HDMI board went on the DHC 40.1. No HDMI ports work. This is the 2nd 40.1 I have owned, and both have suffered this exact problem. Needless to say, I am done with Integra, but that’s another story…

I am thinking of maybe ‘simplifying’ but don’t know if I will notice a big difference in sound quality between our NAD separate amps vs a receiver.

I can buy a used Denon AVR 3808CI for not much money.

http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/denon-avr-3808ci-first-look

My other choice would be to buy a cheap replacement processor like an Outlaw 975 or similar Emotiva, but those are twice the cost of the used Denon.

What do you guys think, will I notice a big difference in sound quality by switching to the Denon, or should I just keep the NAD amps and replace the processor?

 

[everettT]

No it shouldn't be. Your electinonics far out weigh your speakers, IMHO your making a move that you should have started with. You could have put all that NAD money into better speakers and sub. I'd look for a clearance denon x42/300 and you will be fine.

 

[ron_jeremy]

Thanks for the reply, but to be honest I have no idea what you're talking about. My question is simple: will the Denon receiver sound as good as the Intergra processor and NAD amps?

 

[everettT]

Thanks for the reply, but to be honest I have no idea what you're talking about. My question is simple: will the Denon receiver sound as good as the Intergra processor and NAD amps?

Yes it will. What I'm talking about is you put more money in electronics than speakers. Any mid level avr would have driven those speakers just fine.

 

[ron_jeremy]

Ok, thanks for the info. The system is not mine, it's my finace's equipment. The speakers and electronics were not bought at the same time. Much of the equipment was bought throughout different decades; I believe the NAD amps were part of the initial system that utilized different speakers.

I wonder if the Denon can be used as a processor only?

 

[everettT]

Yes it can be used that way. You can probably pick up a marantz 6009 form accessories 4 less for under $500

Ok, thanks for the info. The system is not mine, it's my finace's equipment. The speakers and electronics were not bought at the same time. Much of the equipment was bought throughout different decades; I believe the NAD amps were part of the initial system that utilized different speakers.

I wonder if the Denon can be used as a processor only?

 

[ron_jeremy]

Any reason you specifically mentioned the 6009? I can buy the Denon for about $300 US dollars.

 

[everettT]

Any reason you specifically mentioned the 6009? I can buy the Denon for about $300 US dollars.

Just a little newer with a couple of more inputs and features that's all

 

[KenM10759]

I don't know if there's any advantage to using an older Denon like that, other than the price. You would only need the pre-outs and video decoding, so perhaps the best money would be spent on the newer standards for forward compatibility. The NAD amps are already a done deal and could be very useful if the system ever expands to more channels such as Atmos. With something like the AVR-X3300W you get 7.2 channels of pre-out and the higher level Audyssey MultEQ XT32. With the NAD amps available to run in bridged or stereo mode you have all the power ever needed.

I would look to get the very most capability while maintaining the relevance of the good NAD amps.

 

[PENG]

Thanks for the reply, but to be honest I have no idea what you're talking about. My question is simple: will the Denon receiver sound as good as the Intergra processor and NAD amps?

The Denon AVR-3808CI will sound as good as, or better than those NADs if they are all in like new condition. I have had a Denon 4308 that is basically a dressed up 3808, replaced with separates for other reasons. I also still have a 3805 and it still sounds just as good as my higher end separate system in a side by side comparison.

By the way, technically speaking you are not supposed to bridge those NADs to drive the B&W 683 because the 683 should behave more like 4 ohm speakers if you look at the 683 S2 (almost identical specs as the 683) impedance graph, though both were advertised as 8 ohm nominal speakers. You have not run into problem most likely because you have not cranked the volume up to watch movies at reference level.

You should be better off using the Denon to drive the left and right 683 (min. 3 ohms) and use four of the NAD 2400 to drive the surrounds and the center if the center is a HTM61 (min 5.2 ohms). If the center is a HTM62 (min. 3.5 ohms) then drive it with the Denon too. The 3808 can handle the front 3 channels without the help of the NADs just fine and will in fact have more dynamic output for movies.