Integrated Amp -- worth integrating or just go Receiver (Marantz new lineup 2010)

[aszatk01]

http://community.whathifi.com/blogs/...nd-prices.aspx

Also... http://us.marantz.com/Products/3050.asp -- This thing is beautiful (and can get for around $2200)

Their gear looks beautiful and would like a newer system based on this to replace my old receiver. Main question is what to get:

Marantz Pearl Integrated Amp (for my 2 channel use and Home Theater Bypass) AND SR7005 for HT
or
Pre/Power route: AV7005 and MM7055
or
SR7005 for everything and save some money

Background:
70/30% HT to 2-channel use---however I "care" more about 2-channel improvements. Speakers are B&W 602 S2 for fronts and center but might be upgrading to something in the 800 series (probably used). I do care about the visual appearance and the integrated and 7005 seem similar enough to look as though they should "go together."

Usually hear that an Integrated Amp is simply going to be better than an AVR for 2-channel...it's just hard to justify purchasing both since I can get everything out of a new AVR or the pre/pro. Also the Marantz Pearl Integrated doesn't have digital inputs or a DAC so would need to go through the AVR for the DAC, then to the Integrated Amp---Would that defeat the "integrated" in the Integrated Amp? Wouldn't it simply really just be an AMP at that point because the "switching" is done by the AVR?
I don't want a dedicated DAC to add to the system for appearance, simplicity, and cost reasons.
I realize another Integrated with DAC would solve 1 problem I'd rather stick with the same "family" of integrated and AVR and since I'm really liking the looks of the Marantz I'd like to make this work if possible....

Thanks in advance!!

 

[j_garcia]

Integrated amps are always analog because 2ch rigs usually are too. If it were for a separate 2ch rig, I'd say go with the Pearl (nice), but since you are looking to do a good full system, I'd go separates and be done with it. I might look at an amp from someone else unless you really want that "family" look. Yes, if you put the Pearl into the system, you would probably disconnect the main amp input, bypassing the pre section of it, and it would essentially be an amp so not so much benefit unless it has more power than the amp you would be using.

Why would you need a DAC? Use the analog outs from the source and it should sound fine.

My primary focus was 2ch performance. Everything else just benefits from it

 

[aszatk01]

thanks I appreciate the response...i forgot to mention:
the main source for 2 channel is an Apple TV so the DAC in there stinks!