Is there an amp that does 2-channel and all this?


Hola,

I'm looking for an integrated amplifier/receiver/AVR that does 2-channel well. I don't need 5+ channels but I would not mind it. I have gotten the impression that 2-channel receivers are preferred over 5 channel for 2-channel music. However, if there is a 5 channel receiver with stellar sound quality, I'm all ears!

I'm looking for a piece that has the kitchen sink:

phono stage
tuner
dac (usb and spdif)
bass management / variable sub out crossover
remote
tone control
125w+ per channel
pre-out

IF available, I'd also like room correction

Budget is $4000

Thoughts?
128x128michaelkingdom

Showing 6 responses by martykl

I'd suggest either the HK 990 that Kal recommrnds or a suitable pre-pro with a separate 2 channel power amp of your choice - if you can live with a 2 box solution. Many power amps will allow auto triggering, so operationally, there's little to no difference between these options. The separate pre-pro route allows easier switchover to video/multi-channel use down the road, if changing circumstances make that appealing.

Marty
Onkyo (Integra), Denon, NAD, and Marantz all come to mind for one brand solutions.
To clarify:

The HK-990 is a two channel amp with a 150 wpc power amp section derived from a Matti Otala (Citation, Electrocompaniet) design. It adds all the DSP functions that the OP has identified. NAD has a new one that is similar, but does not provide auto room EQ - as best as I can tell from their description. There may be others out there, but these two seem to be unusual in that they combine high quality stereo power amp sections with HT style DSP in the pre-amp sections.

If you're gonna use the DSP functions for music (As I do), separate systems for music and HT don't really work.

Marty
One more clarification, if you use subwoofers for music listening (as I do, and, apparently, as the OP does), digital bass management can be extraordinarily satisfying. Obviously, this idea won't appeal to the traditionalists out there, but after trying both approaches (I switched from ARC and Joule preamps to my Onkyo pre-pro) I'm a convert to Audyssey.

Again, YMMV.

Marty
MOT wrote:

I have a problem with stereo purchases. :-)

Who here doesn't?

Marty

PS At least you made an interesting one!
Michael,

I know the feeling.

I was unable to audition the HK 990 at the time of purchase ((app 2 years ago) so I replaced my server->dac->pre-> active x-over-> DRC unit ->subwoofer + power amp with a 2 box solution. Server straight into Integra pre-pro w/power amp that's triggered by 12 volt.

One button power up!

Great SQ without the hassles.

Marty