Looking For Serious Advice on AV Setup

[phara0h]

<font color='#000000'>I have joined this forum for the express purpose of getting some erudite help from people who really know the woes of an audiophile struggling with space and capital constraints.

I am trying to go from a two-amplifier, bridged in mono, pre-amp setup in my analog two-channel audio system, to 'the right overall solution' in my move to a home theater setup that does not completely tank my two-channel audio performance.

I currently own a pair of Sony TA-N80ES power amps, bridged in mono, 545 watts per channel.  I use there TAE80ES analog control amplifier.  I have had these peices since FEB '92.  They have served me very well.

I recently purchased a pair of Paradigm Studio 40 V.2s and an MSB Link DAC III (wich upsamples to 192khz and can be modded to handle multi-channel surround).  I am adding Paradimg rears, sub and center channel speakers.

Now that yo have all of that info to work with here is my HUGE question:

Can I find a receiver, now that I am in the market some 13 years later , that will give me excellent two-channel audio performance, with refined and open sound characteristics, that will not sound like utter garbage in comparison to what I was running?

If not, what would some of you recommend, in the way of seperates that would produce what I am looking to accomplish?

I have looked at the following equipment:

AV RECEIVERS

Denon AVR-5803 - I was pretty impressed with this

SONY STR-DA5000ES

Yamaha RX-Z1 - also impressive, not necessarily as 'open' as the Denon

B&amp;K AVR-202 - considering have not heard

Marantz SR9300 - considering have not heard

AV POWER AMPLIFIERS

Adcom

B&amp;K

SONY

Parasound

Obviously I am rather confused.  I don't want to make the wrong move here.  My budget dictates that I can probably spend no more than $3000 total on the electronic components.  This MUSt include a new DVD/CD transport as well.

Thus far I am enamored with these Players:

Denon DVD2900 and DVD5900
Marantz DV8300
Sony DVP-NS999ES

My preference would be to get this system down to two pieces...and AV receier and DVD/CD transport.  But, if I cannot get quality two-channel audio playback that way...tell me so.

Thanks for your help folks!

Best,

Fabian</font>

 

[Yamahaluver]

<font color='#0000FF'>Dont see anything wrong with your Legato Linear SONY amps, they are nice piece of machinery and there really is no reason to replace them.

For reciever audition the Yamaha RX-Z1 with proper speakers, you will find it to be the most detailed among AV receivers and only looses to the Denon in terms of dynamics due to its lower power rating. The Marantz is also a real good performer and comes real close to the Yamaha sound.</font>

 

[phara0h]

<font color='#000000'>Thanks Yamahaluver for the input. &nbsp;One thing I recently learned was that the Yamaha ha a pre-out stage so I can possiby use the Sony amp on the fronts and use the Yamaha to handle the other channels while having it do double duty as the Pre-amp for the Sony.

Do you know if this is so?</font>

 

[Yamahaluver]

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phara0h : <font color='#000000'>Thanks Yamahaluver for the input.  One thing I recently learned was that the Yamaha ha a pre-out stage so I can possiby use the Sony amp on the fronts and use the Yamaha to handle the other channels while having it do double duty as the Pre-amp for the Sony.

Do you know if this is so?</font>

<font color='#0000FF'>Doing exactly what you describe and this way you relieve your amp section on the reciever and get better dynamics by using the higher powered SONY. I am using Yamaha MX-1 amp with my AZ-1 which is the same as RXZ-1 sans tuner. I intend to do the same with my Z-9 which is under order.

Make sure to use the front effect channels if you do decide to get the RX-Z1.</font>

 

[phara0h]

<font color='#000000'>Will do. &nbsp;In fact, I too would prefer to be tuner-less. &nbsp;I have not had a tuner in my system in over 22 years. &nbsp;I think that I am getting closer to my solution because of your input.

This has been a great help. &nbsp;Gues I landed inthe right spot.</font>

 

[Audioholics]

<font color='#000080'>I'm not familiar with the Sony amps you mention, but the above advice seems sound. You can really get far with a Yamaha front end (or Denon for that matter). If you are strapped, you may even go down to the RX-V2400 (Yamaha) or the 3803 (Denon) if you're using the outboard amps to power the mains. The Z1 will cream the 2400, but just an idea to give you more money for the DVD transport.</font>

 

[phara0h]

<font color='#000000'>Thanks for the follow-up advice. &nbsp;Great forum. &nbsp;Sound advice! &nbsp;No pun intended.</font>