I faced the same dilemma and decided to go with a Cary Cinema 11a based on Michael Fremmer's rave review of the quality of its sound, and his contention that a separate preamp was not needed. I knew in advance it has bugs, but after some experimentation, stereo (XLR) and 7.1 (RCA) analog from an Oppo BDP-95 now connect to the Cary in bypass mode. A DirecTV HD-DVR connects via HDMI. The Cary connects via XLR to Proceed HPA 3 and HPA 2 amps, and to a Velodyne SMS-1. The mains are KEF Reference 107/2s with Reference 102s for center and surround. The subs are a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s. This setup is bug free and provides superb sound for music, films, and TV. Everything except the Oppo was purchased used, so the overall cost was relatively low.
Upgrade AVP or separate preamp/DAC for 2 channel?
My current set-up is:
AVP - Onkyo PR-SC5509
Amp - Moon MC-8 channel amp
Speakers - Focal Electra Be 5.1 speaker system (1028 fronts, 1008 surrounds, with matching centre and sub)
I'm considering replacing the AVP with a Denon AVP-A1HDCI (with XT32) OR adding a 2 channel preamp / DAC such as the new Audio Research DSPre (DAC and preamp combined).
I'd be interested in any thoughts on what (if any) improvements I might gain for HT and/or 2 channel by adding the Denon AVP or separate 2 channel preamp. Would the Denon AVP significantly improve the multichannel sound as well as the 2 channel sound (I'm assuming there would be at least some improvements on 2 channel over the Onkyo AVP)? Or would I be better off sticking with the Onkyo AVP for multichannel and adding a separate 2 channel preamp/DAC?
Many thanks in advance!
AVP - Onkyo PR-SC5509
Amp - Moon MC-8 channel amp
Speakers - Focal Electra Be 5.1 speaker system (1028 fronts, 1008 surrounds, with matching centre and sub)
I'm considering replacing the AVP with a Denon AVP-A1HDCI (with XT32) OR adding a 2 channel preamp / DAC such as the new Audio Research DSPre (DAC and preamp combined).
I'd be interested in any thoughts on what (if any) improvements I might gain for HT and/or 2 channel by adding the Denon AVP or separate 2 channel preamp. Would the Denon AVP significantly improve the multichannel sound as well as the 2 channel sound (I'm assuming there would be at least some improvements on 2 channel over the Onkyo AVP)? Or would I be better off sticking with the Onkyo AVP for multichannel and adding a separate 2 channel preamp/DAC?
Many thanks in advance!