Time to update to 2 channel stereo

[TLS Guy]

OK, understood, but given the 'exceptions' that there are, I have seen and heard some very nice ones. Granted they aren't cheap but when space saving priorities exist they have proved to be a nice option for a simplistic 2 channel kit.

That all depends which space. As Peter always pointed out, power amps can always be tucked away out of site, and I generally have done that.

 

[3db]

The market departments of the audiophile brands had 50 some years of lavishing snake oil out on the consumers. That does have an effect on how people think unfortunately. I understand that the OP doesnt like surround sound. Lots of people dont and thats ok. What I dont understand is why the OP doesnt use the Marantz as his integrated or pre/power amp combo. Why put out money for a dedicated 2 channel amplification when one can guarentee no sonic advantages over an AVR?

 

[Mikado463]

That all depends which space. As Peter always pointed out, power amps can always be tucked away out of site, and I generally have done that.

I wonder if Peter ever spoke with Nelson ??

 

[TLS Guy]

The market departments of the audiophile brands had 50 some years of lavishing snake oil out on the consumers. That does have an effect on how people think unfortunately. I understand that the OP doesnt like surround sound. Lots of people dont and thats ok. What I dont understand is why the OP doesnt use the Marantz as his integrated or pre/power amp combo. Why put out money for a dedicated 2 channel amplification when one can guarentee no sonic advantages over an AVR?

I am not so sure about that anymore. I think those AVRs and actually the lower end AVPs are not as good as I thought. My AV10 has been a true revelation.

 

[m. zillch]

My AV10 has been a true revelation.

Do you use it in Pure Direct mode?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The heart wants what the heart wants.

Some people think AVR sound just as good.

Some people think separates sound better.

TLS Guy thinks his Marantz AV10 sounds better than all of the above.

But there's no point arguing what the OP wants. The heart wants what the heart wants.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Since I'm just coming back to the hobby, I'm not sure what brands are considered audiophile or near-audiophile quality.

After seeing what others have said, have you come any closer to making your decision?

 

[flyboylr45]

The market departments of the audiophile brands had 50 some years of lavishing snake oil out on the consumers. That does have an effect on how people think unfortunately. I understand that the OP doesnt like surround sound. Lots of people dont and thats ok. What I dont understand is why the OP doesnt use the Marantz as his integrated or pre/power amp combo. Why put out money for a dedicated 2 channel amplification when one can guarentee no sonic advantages over an AVR?

While I somewhat agree, not everything has to be practical. After all, this is a hobby. I have a Denon X8500h and wanted separates. Will they sound better? Who knows. But it’s my hobby and what I wanted. Nothing I have in this hobby is practical but it gives me joy every time I use it. Sometimes we just want something new and that’s ok. If I was the OP though, I would spend most of the money on new speakers…

 

[lovinthehd]

While I somewhat agree, not everything has to be practical. After all, this is a hobby. I have a Denon X8500h and wanted separates. Will they sound better? Who knows. But it’s my hobby and what I wanted. Nothing I have in this hobby is practical but it gives me joy every time I use it. Sometimes we just want something new and that’s ok. If I was the OP though, I would spend most of the money on new speakers…

Hobby doesn't necessarily entail buying various electronics just to consume otoh. That would just be consumerism.