2. amps-preamps
  3. 1298754541

Moving From AVR to Amp

Relative newbie here so please excuse my lack of knowledge. I am assembling a system for HT and music (70/30 respectively). My room is 29x12, viewing/listening position is about 8-10 feet from the front speakers. I started a couple of years ago with Totem Forests, Model 1 center and Lynks rears, Velo SPL-1500R sub. in a 5.1 set up. I have been using an Onkyo TX-SR805 and a Squeezebox just to start while I gradually build my system. I recently added a media center PC built by a friend, that I use mainly for streaming movies and as a blu-ray player. I am thinking of (1) adding a separate multichannel amp (either 5 or 7 channel) and using the AVR as a pre/pro for a while, (2) getting a good stand alone DVD/CD player now, and then adding separate components in the next year or two. I am budgeting roughly $3,000-$4,000 (including interconnects) in this phase of the upgrade. Used but well cared for equipment is fine with me to maximize the value of my system. My questions, before I go listening/shopping: Is this a reasonable way to upgrade? Would I be better off selling the AVR and starting from scratch? What amps should I consider? Is it better to get a 5 channel amp for now and add a separate amp if I go to a 7.1 set up later? Sorry for the long post, but there seems to be alot of info to sort through and I am trying to learn.
theclam

Showing 1 response by meiwan

meiwan
399 posts
 
Well, your Onkyo is clearly the weak link - both as a pre-amp and as an amp. I'd be inclined to drop the Onkyo and look for a decent pre/pro + power amp. Maybe a gently used Anthem, Classe, Cary or similar.

Just adding a power amp to the Onkyo will help drive the Totems properly, but won't likely improve the overall sound quality a great deal.

As far as getting a good stand alone DVD/CD player, I don't think such a thing exists - that will play Blueray. If you are really into good CD sound, look for a decent CD only player and either keep what you've got for blueray, or get a cheap blue ray player as well.

For 5 vs. 7 channel, except for the odd blue ray disc I doubt having more than 5 channels is worth it. Personally 5 channels is plenty for me. Of course, if you are set on it, go for the 7 channel - it's likely a lot cheaper than adding another 2 channel amp later + power cord etc.

Just my pov
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