2. amps-preamps
  3. 1051671300

Upgrade Path - Integrated or Power Amp????

I have a dilemma I have been struggling with for a while. Hope to get some clues here - any suggestions welcome and thank you for sharing your know-how.

I have had a home theatre system for some time, which I also use for 2 channel music, altho I don't like it's performance. Main complaints are:

- when music gets complicated, it sounds confused, as if everything is collapsed in, cannot identify each instrument clearly as being distinct
- does not place instruments very well
- narrow sonic image

I've saved up some money and want to get a 2 channel audio system. This needs to mesh with my HT system i.e. same speakers, due to lack of space. I am not one for upgrades every year or two, want to build a system I will keep for years to come.

My problem is I am not an audiophile, I just like music and willing to pay for it, and I don't understand where the problem lies.

Which part of the AV receiver is causing the problems? Pre part? Power part? Both?

I only want to buy one component (budget around $5k) - do I get a power amp and connect to AV receiver, or do I get an integrated?

My system:

Marantz 9200 av receiver
JMLab Mini Utopia fronts
NHTs center sub
Mirage backs
Musical Fidelity A3 CD
715018

Showing 1 response by eldulcesol

eldulcesol
197 posts
 
715018, I had the same dilema as you are having now about a year ago. I ended up getting an inegrated amp to use with the ht system.

If you do decide to get an integrated amp, just make sure it has a pre-out on it, cause you will need it interconnect to your receiver cd input for your sub. The above message to mess around with two volume controls is really not that bad, once you know what to put them at. You will have to get some extra interconnects to do this.

Good luck with your search, if you have any questions, post or e-mail me.
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