Need recommendations for better two-channel audio out of my Marantz SR-6005 and my B&W 683


I am currently running a Marantz SR-6005 in my home theater. It works great for movies, but I listen to music about half the time and find it lacking when it comes to two-channel audio. The sound stage just doesn't feel very deep and detailed. The room is carpeted and I have the speakers pulled away from the wall at least 18 inches, so I have pretty good placement.

My speakers are B&W 683 Left/Right with similar model B&W center/rear and a decent powered Klipsch sub. I am satisfied with how it sounds for home theater. I use a Samsung 65" smart TV as an audio source most of the time.

What are my best options for getting better two-channel sound out of my B&W and Marantz? My budget is max $1500 USD.

  • I could replace the Marantz with something like an Anthem MRX-520 for around $1400 USD.

  • I could get a dedicated two-channel amp just for the main speakers and keep the Marantz. Would I see much of an improvement if I got something like a Classe Audio CA-101 (going used for about $1500)?

  • I could also upgrade to a different source, either something like a new Roku or a network streamer like a Cambridge Audio CXN.
georgepv

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The SR-6005 is a really older generation Marantz receiver.  It uses the previous generation HDAM audio stages, which have slow slew rates and, as a result, have a very warm and slow sound.  The newer generation Marantz receivers are better.

The Anthem make excellent HT receivers, but the sound is going to be the complete opposite of what you hear now.  The Anthem are extremely high resolution and will sound very exciting and dynamic with movies.  Music is likely to sound significantly clearer, but on some systems the Anthem can come across just a bit bright.  It really depends.  You can give it a shot from Crutchfield and see how it sounds in your environment.

An amplifier could improve things, but you are still limited on the preamp section of the Marantz receiver.

A new Roku or network streamer is likely going to make very little difference in your equipment setup, so I wouldn't spend any money on that right now.