2. amps-preamps
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Request for insight/opinion

System as it stands
Monitor Audio Gold Reference speakers:
a pr 20's
a pr 10's
center channel
no sub yet
very utilitarian DVD player-Pioneer 563A
a Pioneer Elite 45VSX-45TX 7.1 THX 100W per channel receiver

Movies and concert DVD's present with incredibly good sound and punch, these experiences leave me wanting for nothing. Music via CD's, tuner, phono can be very good but rarely are my socks knocked off, honestly. In your opinion, am I asking too much of this ($900-new) receiver? Should I seriously consider separates? If so,does anybody have an opinion on a decent $3000-ish match with the Gold Ref's? Or would getting a better quality CD player be a better direction to go in? Thanks in advance. Jen.
khow6ebb
henryhk
648 posts
 
I would look into upgrading your DVD player. Remember Linn's motto: start with the source! IMO I agree with this. There are quite a few reasonably priced DVD players which also have very good redbook CD capability....Arcam for example.
duane
189 posts
 
Hello again. The Arcam is VERY good.
khow6ebb OP
3 posts
 
Thanks to everybody who responded. Duane, I have been told by a Pioneer rep that the Elite in Direct Mode does bi-pass A/D and D/A conversion. Which makes it easier to lean toward upgrading the my CDP. With Arcam, have you had any listening experience with the 73 model? I'm wondering if it is a reasonable choice or would it behoove me to save for the more advanced 33 or 36? Thanks again.
whoaru99
98 posts
 
Are you using the digital or analog connection to play the CDs? I'm somewhat assuming the analog since that't the only way you could use the analog bypass.

Regardless of which way it is now, maybe try the other way to see if there is any change for the better.
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
I agree to go to the source. First, experiment with DIRECT mode and your current player. If direct mode sounds better now, then you're going to really be happy when you get an ARCAM or other very good player installed. If direct mode sounds worse, then the Pioneer receiver has better electronics for D/A A/D conversion than the DVD player, which would not surprise me. You will still benefit from a good player, but need to remember that a receiver such as yours is optimized for home theater. I would live with the trade-offs as long as home theater is an important part of your experience. If you want to get crazy about two-channel music, then a second system may be the answer, or a swing away from home theater.
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