1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 196750-213128

Advice for audio upgrade.

I recently moved into a new house with a dedicated game room. The room is 20ft x 40ft with 8 foot ceilings. I set up my system, level matching everything, and it sounds good, but now I’m looking for that next level. 
 

My current setup is a 12 year old Denon AVR-x2000 running Kef IQ-90’s and two Emotiva 12s powered subwoofers. I use a Roku connected to a projector for occasional movie watching and a Nintendo switch. It’s mostly used for listening to music through Tidal and is where I’m looking to achieve better sound. I run it through a Wimm Amp Pro Plus. 
 

I don’t want to add any more speakers. The options I’m looking at are:

1. Keep the existing Denon AVR and add a separate amp such as the Marantz mm7025.

2. Swap my existing receiver for the Marantz stereo 70s.

My budget is around $1500, but may be willing go a little more. My receiver just seems like it lacks a bit of depth and what I would describe as in your face loud. I want to explore what people say when they describe warm and immersive. My music preference is along the lines of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Clapton, Toto, the rat pack. 

Are either of those options a worthwhile upgrade? Any other suggestions? 

rv1890
parkergetdean
1,099 posts
 

you could order a  Marantz stereo 70s and return if you don't like it.

A 2-channel and a HT system are different beasts. Mixing the two are like 4 seasons tires, they will work in any condition, but inferior to summer or winter tires in their ideal environments.

maam522a
163 posts
 

@rv1890 

Not that I have done so - but many will tell you to fix the room first.  It has more impact on the sound than individual components.

tcutter's avatar
tcutter
416 posts
 

@maam522a  +1

OP, you have the opportunity with a room that size to have a marvelous listening space. I suggest you treat the room as best you can before you consider any equipment upgrades. You will be amazed at how good your current system sounds and will continue to be dazzled as you improve your gear.
 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/room-treatment-a-primer

rbull11
74 posts
 

If your just looking for 2 channel with HDMI inputs, Look for a used Arcam SR250, You can find them in the $500 to $1000 range, ( originally $3600 ) Good amount of power. Or just look at an Emotive 2 channel amp to add to the Denon, They're all presently on sale.

rv1890 OP
5 posts
 

Yeah, I think that's what I'm looking for. 

It's starting to make sense the way parkergetdean put it. Nothing is going to beat separating the HT and 2-stereo.

Maybe I should rephrase the question. My co worker offered me a Parasound HCA-1000A for a great price. Obviously, a completely separate 2 channel setup would be best, but would adding it to my existing Denon using the preouts improve the sound quality at all? 

More to discover