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Move From AVR to Integrated?

I know this topic gets thrown around a lot, but I recently bought a pair of Ascend Acoustic Sierra 1s I love and a Hsu VTF2 MK5 subwoofer. Right now, I'm using a Denon AVR-X2600H to power them. 

I hear a lot of chatter that I'm not getting the most out of my speakers using the AVR. The drawback is my room is not treated, and I like having the bass management. 

It seems difficult to find an integrated with 100wpc+, ability to stream things like Tidal, that also has ability to at least EQ the low bass, and have the ability to connect to digital sources like a PS4/5. I do like the idea of a better built power source, and I will never go past 2.1 or 2.2. Most of what I do is music and TV. 

Any suggestions? Ideally I'd like to stay under 1200. 
coolhandduke
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
1200 bucks is not a lot of bucks for a quality integrated. Especially a feature packed one like you are asking for. It's best to focus on a solid amp and use separate streamers  You can manage your bass by finding the best location in the room, room correction software is not always the best way to attack that issue. 
coolhandduke OP
46 posts
 
@erik_squires Thank you. I placed the sub using a calibrated mic and REW to find best response. The bass management helped smooth out what placement did not. 

Yeah, it's rough. I want to stream and use digital sources. I'm considering moving to an AVR with pre outs, and utilizing a separate 2 channel amp or 2 mono blocks. That way I only use avr for processing. 

May not be feasible for me to get what I'm looking for without really running up the bill. 
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,568 posts
 
Similar to what  I did. My TV/HT and 2 channel are in the same space, the living room. My AVR has pre outs, so first bought a separate amp for the mains thinking that would make an improvement, it did, but not good enough, so finally bought a separate 2 channel preamp with HT pass through, and now life is much better. All my 2 channel is separate from my HT setup, and I can change with a press of a couple buttons on my remote.

The music sounds great, better than ever, and the HT? Just fine and dandy for non critical music listening.

We all cannot have dedicated music rooms. Fine with me, my setup works.
erik_squires
15,657 posts
 
For whatever reason, perhaps XLR connectivity, Anthem AVR's are significantly cheaper than the processors.  Check you get an AVR with enough pre outputs though.  I think the 720 has 11.2 outs.
coolhandduke OP
46 posts
 
@erik_squires I don’t plan on using more than 2.1. Which is why I wish there were more features in integrated amps. Just a bit of connectivity would be great.

I’ll probably upgrade to 3xxx Denon and then pre out to stereo 200wpc power amp or mono block. I can use the streaming, bass correction and video capabilities but leave the amplification to a dedicated A/B amp. May be the best trade off for me and could do for 2k or under.
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