Marantz SR6015 + Marantz PM8006 or Marantz Cinema 50

[sergix]

Hi, I currently have a PM8006 stereo amplifier and an old Onkyo AVR at home. I want to switch to a better home theater - I'm thinking whether to buy an AVR SR6015 (same series as the PM8006) and connect it to that stereo amplifier (the AVR would only be a preamplifier for the front channels, the PM8006 would then be an amplifier) or buy a Cinema 50 and the PM8006 sell. What do you think about it?

 

[lovinthehd]

What is your old gear not doing for you? I'd start there. I wouldn't particularly want to use an integrated amp with an avr, especially one that's not even as powerful as the avr....if I needed more amps I'd get external power amps....can your old Onkyo accept external amps at all (does it have a full set of pre-outs)? What model is the Onkyo?

 

[sergix]

The old one has broken hdmi, no new codecs and no pre-outs for front channels . So a new AVR is needed. My point is whether the combination of AVR + Stereo AMP + DAC Topping D50s with Topping P50 Linear power supply) will play that much better than the AVR Cinema 50. Having one device would be easier, but the question is whether the combination will play significantly better.

 

[lovinthehd]

Depends on what spec level you can hear to? Why would the integrated amp with external dac be better particularly? The external dac might play some higher resolution stuff natively, but that's already into non-audible territory largely (except for perhaps different mixing/mastering for different recordings). I'd just use an avr, and maybe if I needed more power, then would think about adding an external power amp. I'd probably look at Denon and see what the better deal would be, as often you get a better set of features for the $ with Denon over Marantz, and can skip the odd porthole look, too ).

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi, I currently have a PM8006 stereo amplifier and an old Onkyo AVR at home. I want to switch to a better home theater - I'm thinking whether to buy an AVR SR6015 (same series as the PM8006) and connect it to that stereo amplifier (the AVR would only be a preamplifier for the front channels, the PM8006 would then be an amplifier) or buy a Cinema 50 and the PM8006 sell. What do you think about it?

To be honest with you, an integrated amp like the PM8006 has NO place in a home theater. So yes, sell it.

Depending on how you are going to use your home theater you need and AVP or an AVR with preouts. If you want separate external amplification then you need power amps, and NOT integrated amps. Sure you can get integrated amps with HD pass though, but I see no point in those at all. They are useless dead end products.

Personally I favor the AVP approach to home theater.

 

[PENG]

The old one has broken hdmi, no new codecs and no pre-outs for front channels . So a new AVR is needed. My point is whether the combination of AVR + Stereo AMP + DAC Topping D50s with Topping P50 Linear power supply) will play that much better than the AVR Cinema 50. Having one device would be easier, but the question is whether the combination will play significantly better.

If you go with an AVR-X3700H or Onkyo RZ50, the money you save can be used to grab a 2 or 3 channel power amp. The SR6015 may have a better look, gold plated connectors etc., but the internal parts that matter to sound quality are the same except it has the virtually useless HDAMs. In the past, the Denon AVRs measured much better on the test bench.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Depending on your budget, the more exciting thing to do is to buy either a NEW AVR (forget about amp for now) or get an AVP + Amp.

I don’t think sound quality will be a significant factor.

 

[lovinthehd]

So far we're not even knowing much about the room/speakers at all....which would be more important than the electronics.....

 

[TLS Guy]

So far we're not even knowing much about the room/speakers at all....which would be more important than the electronics.....

Since the AVR is an old Onkyo, I suspect the rig is long past due for an update.

 

[PENG]

Since the AVR is an old Onkyo, I suspect the rig is long past due for an update.

Agreed regardless.. He also said it's broken right?

 

[TLS Guy]

Agreed regardless.. He also said it's broken right?

Yes he did.

 

[sergix]

Hi, thank you all for your help and opinions. I'll clarify a few more things. The ratio of watching movies and listening to music is 60:40. I currently have a Canton Chrono 509 set for speakers, I'll probably change to a Canton Vento set soon. When I watch a movie, it will drive the AVR and integr. amplifier only as a power amp (preamp of int. amp. will be off). If I listen to music, the AVR will be off completly, only the int amplifier will be on + dac and streamer or perhaps a gramophone.
Unfortunately, it will probably not be possible to connect a subwoofer for movies and for listening to music.
I am sending a diagram of how I should have it wired. The question is, does it make sense, or isn't it better to buy an AVR for about 2-3 thousand USD and simplify the whole system.

Music setup

Movie setup

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi, thank you all for your help and opinions. I'll clarify a few more things. The ratio of watching movies and listening to music is 60:40. I currently have a Canton Chrono 509 set for speakers, I'll probably change to a Canton Vento set soon. When I watch a movie, it will drive the AVR and integr. amplifier only as a power amp (preamp of int. amp. will be off). If I listen to music, the AVR will be off completly, only the int amplifier will be on + dac and streamer or perhaps a gramophone.
Unfortunately, it will probably not be possible to connect a subwoofer for movies and for listening to music.
I am sending a diagram of how I should have it wired. The question is, does it make sense, or isn't it better to buy an AVR for about 2-3 thousand USD and simplify the whole system.View attachment 58945
Music setup
View attachment 58946
Movie setup
View attachment 58947

Simplicity is always a huge advantage.

I have to say, that I think you have been sniffing audiophool glue. That integrated amp, is buying you trouble and a downgrade. GET RID OF IT.

First there is absolutely nothing wrong at all with the preamp stages and processor of an AVR or AVP. I agree the power amps of AVRs can be problematic, especially if the speakers are low impedance and or with adverse phase angles. Also if you like to listen at louder volumes or have wide range dynamic sources. However that integrated amp is not that powerful and no more powerful than the amps in an AVR. What really gives you more dynamic head room is more POWER. The caveat is that the speakers must be powerful enough to handle that power cleanly and without dynamic compression. It really is that simple a proposition.

Frankly those sort of arrangements above are just nuts, and frankly without merit.

If you want the highest road it an AVP with external amps offering more power, especially into low impedance loads than an AVR. The second best is an AVR with preouts and external amps for the front three. You really do need to have the center very comparable in power and quality to the front left and right.

That really is the honest truth and the rest is noise as they say.

 

[lovinthehd]

Reminds me of the general myth of sealed subs being better for music vs ported designs. I don't know quite how integrated amps became such darlings of the "audiophiles"....they are just old 2ch receivers without a tuner generally. Often no digital capabilities nor bass management, let alone internet, and with little different amp capabilities vs a good avr otherwise. They have their uses I suppose although in a multich system I'd much rather use a power amp if I'm going to add an amp, and then I want one better (more powerful) than in the avr, which isn't the case here. If you find that 6015 will meet your needs generally, you're done. If you want more power it has pre-outs for amp flexibility. Seems if the integrated worked for you, you may not need more power, tho.