Need advice (and help) creating a 2 channel + HT setup

[Roger G]

HI -- really appreciate any advice and help folks could provide. I'm very new to decent audio and think I am on a good path, but could use some advice on next steps and recommendations.

I'm not in a position to have a dedicated Home Theater and 2 channel setup at this time...so looking for the best solution. I think that is to get a get an Integrated Amp with 2 Channel bypass. My current receiver is crap so that needs to get replaced to. I'd really like to get away with under $1500 for both.

My primary focus is on music, especially from the turntable. I want Wi-Fi, BT, and Surround...but the quality there is not as important to me.

So...am I crazy and down the wrong path? Any recommendations on Receivers or Integrated Amps with bypass.

Some additional info below...feel free to ask any questions and god willing I won't have too stupid of a response.

Cheers!!


Next Steps...

(1) New Receiver (want Wi-Fi and BT; and ability to 4k TV at some point)
(2) 2 Channel Integrated Amp with HT Bypass


Current Setup...
Paradigm SE1 Center and Loudspeakers
ART DJ Phono PreAMP
Pro-ject Carbon TT
Old Onkyo entry level receiver
Rear and Sub are crappy ones that came with Onkyo
TV (not 4k yet, but will be soon)
Xbox One

 

[KEW]

I would consider something like the Denon X4100W (or one of it's more powerful brothers).
The reason for this model (and higher level ones like it) is that it allows you to configure the sound set-up by source. Thus, if you are listening to your Phono or CD player, you can have it automatically go into Pure Direct mode in stereo. When you select DVD as your source, you can stick with the regular HT settings. It just automatically remembers your configuration for four sources which you assign via "quick buttons" on the remote. I think it is pretty slick not to have to reconfigure anything when you go from Phono to DVD and back.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx4100w/denon-avr-x4100w-7.2-atmos-receiver-wi-fi/bluetooth/airplay/1.html

I don't understand how you are hooking an integrated amp into this system, could you elaborate?

If I understand your objectives, I would generally think in terms of having the main (L & R) signals directed out through the pre-outs of the AVR and into a separate power amp.

So for stereo, you can have Pure Direct (all processing by the AVR is shut off to avoid any chance of interference) feeding into a separate amp. That is about as clean as it gets!

For HT, you will have DTS (or whatever format the disc suggests), with the mains still powered by the external amp and the surrounds and center fed by the AVR's amplifiers.

The AVR I linked costs $650, leaving $850 for stereo amplification.
I'd probably go with Emotiva XPA-100 monoblocks for $640 a pair just because I like the idea of monoblocks, but the XPA-2 is probably a better deal at $720 and may be a better alternative if your speakers need lots of power.

https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/xpa-100

https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/xpa-2

 

[fmw]

There is nothing a two channel stereo can do that a home theater can't do just as well. The AV receiver you choose for the HT will handle music perfectly well.

 

[PENG]

Roger, if you want to go the integrated route with bypass there are no shortages of it. Look to Hegel, Parasound, Marantz and many more. Many of us have tried HT based on separates (like mine) or integrated with HT bypass and found they really don't offer noticeable improvements after the initial "Wow" feeling likely due to psychological effects. Unfortunately most people have to experience it themselves after dollars spent and months or years to come to realization. The important part though, is to have enough power for your needs, and even then, most people in a small to medium room listening at comfortable SPL should do well with the kind of AVR Kurt suggested.

 

[herbu]

I'm with these guys. First get the X4100W. Hook it up and see what you think.
The XPA-2 has enough power to make a difference in max volume, (300 vs 125wpc), but it's doubtful you will EVER use the additional power. And maybe doubtful you will ever hear any difference in headroom. (For "headroom", think of the difference between a Ferrari and a VW Bug, both cruising at 80mph. The motor in the Bug is working harder and is much nearer its max capability.)

My suggestion is get the Denon. Give it a few weeks/months. Try LOUD volumes on music and movies, and see how it goes. If you have any complaints or questions, ask them here. Perhaps people here can help you identify if the source of your complaints is power, or something else.

 

[Mark of Cenla]

Perhaps a good AVR, like the Denon, and a better subwoofer would be your best bet. Peace and goodwill.

 

[KEW]

Like PENG and many others here, I have used a separate amp, but found no real improvement. I have my volume set to run from -80dB to +18dB. Very rarely do I set the volume above -20dB (and when I do, it is because it is a quiet recording, so that hardly counts). I set the AVR to not go past -10dB once I established that I would never listen that loud as a protection against a toddler wandering over and grabbing the volume knob (or my brother who sometimes drinks a bit too much and loses his senses).

My point is I feel very comfortable that I am not pushing the limits of my AVR and ended up removing the separate amp from the system (I'll sell you a gently used XPA-2 for $475 plus shipping!). So definitely try the AVR on it's own first.

On the topic of power and adequate headroom, if you get a good sub and cross it at 100Hz (the FR for your speakers puts the bottom end at 70Hz), you will be freeing up even more capacity of the AVR's amp section by letting the sub take on the power-heavy demands of bass!

In case it is not clear, along with Mark, I believe you should shift from buying AVR and amp to buying AVR and sub. You can always add an amp later if you need it, but I believe a good AVR and sub will get you "more better, more sooner"!

 

[3db]

Take a look at my primary system which serves dual purpose HT and 2 channel music listening needs. Its powered by a Yamaha AVR which has enough power to drive the entire speaker suite to uncomfortably loud listening levels without strain. Whether you need a seperate power amp depends on the speaker's impedance, how big the room is that you want to fill with sound and how loud you intend to play it.

 

[Roger G]

WOW! Thanks everyone for the time and expertise. You have likely saved me money and frustration. I'll take some time to read through in a bit more detail tonight or this weekend and may have a few more questions.

Thanks again!!!

 

[Seth=L]

WOW! Thanks everyone for the time and expertise. You have likely saved me money and frustration. I'll take some time to read through in a bit more detail tonight or this weekend and may have a few more questions.

Thanks again!!!

Your $1500 would be far better spent on a really nice home theater receiver than splitting your money 50/50 on an integrated amp and receiver. I don't know of a $750 integrated amplifier that's going to come close to the stereo performance of a receiver like this.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa3050bl/yamaha-rx-a3050-9.2-atmos-network-aventage-receiver-wi-fi/airplay/1.html

And if you ever feel like you need more power for your speakers to really shine, the RX-A3050 has an excellent preamplifier section.

EDIT: Ok, I re-read the thread and I will agree that the Denon is the better way to go for you, you really really owe it to yourself to upgrade to a real subwoofer.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx4100wa/denon-avr-x4100w-7.2-atmos-receiver-wi-fi/bluetooth/airplay/1.html

With a $1500 budget that leaves just about $700 for a good subwoofer.

Rub some pennies together for another $100-$150 (shipping costs I'm sure will factor in) and get this.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3mk5HP.html

Absolutely recommended for music, but fantastic for movies as well.

If you get both of these or something close to it your whole perspective will change and you'll be floored... Guaranteed!

 

[Roger G]

Thanks again to everyone!

Denon X4100W is ordered and on the way. Next up will be a new sub. I'll make sure to post once I've got it all set up!

Cheers, have a great weekend!