2. amps-preamps
  3. 1433942579

Better 2-channel music

My system consists of the Marantz SR7007, a pair of Emotiva XPA-1 mono blocks, Emotiva XPA-3 for center and surround, Rythmik 15HP sub, Oppo 103, Focal 1000 Be II series front and center, Infinity IL10 surround and back. I listen music from CD and different digital sources and movies from bluray DVD and Netflix, Amazon... My complaint is the Marantz doesn't deliver the quality of 2-channel audio as I expected. My plan is to upgrade either to Emotiva XMC-1 or Marantz AV8802. All suggestions and advices will be greatly appreciated.
128x128philkoan
59 responses Add your response
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Phil, the 105 crushes the 103 in 2 channel quality. In my opinion, the 851 will easily beat out the 105. So, you will be jumping up multiple levels by buying a Cambridge.
philkoan's avatar
philkoan OP
65 posts
 
Elevick, Oppo 103 is good for movies, and I won't be thinking of the 105. This week, the local store will set up several CD players including Cambridge, Naim, Mac...for me to compare. I don't think I'll go that far. The Cambridge 851C fits my need because it has digital input source, good CD player, and 2 channel preamp.
philkoan's avatar
philkoan OP
65 posts
 
The Cambridge 851C doesn't have balanced or unbalanced inputs to accept 2 front channels from the Marantz Av8802. We can't do HT bypass.
runnin
397 posts
 
On the 851C the review above says it is not laid back like the 840. Only you can decide if that will work well with your forward sounding speakers and amps. A 60 day trial is the best way.
philkoan's avatar
philkoan OP
65 posts
 
I've just realized that besides a good CD player and a good DAC, a very good 2 channel preamp is the key and the heart of the system.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"06-24-15: Philkoan
I've just realized that besides a good CD player and a good DAC, a very good 2 channel preamp is the key and the heart of the system."

Well its about time. lol. I knew we'd make an audiophile out of you.
philkoan's avatar
philkoan OP
65 posts
 
Zd542, Regardless what surround processor I'll upgrade in the future, is the Emotiva XSP-1 worth to try as a 2 channel preamp? I have til 7/15 to get the last chance of 20% off, or $800.
philkoan's avatar
philkoan OP
65 posts
 
Zd542, my friend suggested Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 for digital music sources. Your advice?
philkoan's avatar
philkoan OP
65 posts
 
Emotiva Stealth DC-1 is the solution. I connect

Oppo 103 -------> Emo XPA1--> Focal 1038Be
Marantz SR7007 --> Emo DC-1 -->
Computer -------> Emo XPA1--> 1038Be

The sound is clean and detail.
Next step is to replace the SR7007 by the AV8802A and add 4 ceiling speakers.
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