2. home-theater
  3. 159699-7099

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

Showing 3 responses by georgepv

georgepv OP
12 posts
 
I ended up getting a Denon X3700H. Since this is mainly a home theater setup I wanted to stick with an AVR. After running through the Audyssey setup it sounds great. The speakers blend together much better in surround sound and the two-channel sound is significantly better as well.

This AVR also has two subwoofer outputs so I can add dual subs in the future once I refill my slush fund. This unit was a bit pricey but I am very happy with it. It gave me the level of detail I was looking for in two-channel and boosted my home theater as well.
georgepv OP
12 posts
 
Thanks for the input. I'm leaning towards the Anthem. There is a dealer nearby so I could support my local shop. They also sell B&W, so I might get to demo it. 
georgepv OP
12 posts
 
Thanks for the replies @soix and @deep_333, really appreciate it.

1) I see a lot of dual sub posts on reddit r/audiophile. I will definitely plan on upgrading the sub, could always get a second down the road.

2) I already have a pretty nice two-channel system in another room (Jolida fusion dac pre, Parasound A23 amp, Meadowlark Kestral speakers). I use my computer as a source and run USB to the Jolida, it sounds great. What I'm trying to do here is improve the two-channel audio on my home theater system. I have to keep a receiver in the loop since I also have B&W center and surround connected, along with a 65" TV.

I think I will try hooking up my Parasound amp to the pre-outs from the Marantz and see if it improves the sound at all. I could always leave the Parasound in the home theater system and get something like a tube amp to replace it in my two-channel.

I'm confused when you say "You could also get the pm8006’s preamp in the chain, run your calibration and see how it sounds. The advantage here is you get to keep the bass management from your receiver." If I'm using the pm8006 pre-amp stage, how is the receiver in the loop? Would it be digital source -> Marantz -> pre/outs -> pm8006 (not in direct amp mode)? I guess this would be the same as digital source -> DAC -> pm 8006 (or Yamaha AS1200).

Thanks again for the suggestions. You've got me reading about subwoofer phase alignment on the Rythmik Audio website!
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