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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
rv1890 OP
5 posts
 

So as @soix  mentioned, let me see if I understand this correctly. I can use a stereo integrated amp and connect it to my AVR using the pre outs. So essentially my AVR will be doing the video for my projector/nintendo, and everything else will be done by the stereo integrated amp, thus the preamp on my AVR won’t be used. Which is were I’ll notice the sound quality upgrade 

soix
11,250 posts
 

Basically yes, but there are details like do you use the subs for 2 channel or just for HT?  There are also questions as to how you’d like to handle your streaming/DAC situation. 

tadcaster
7 posts
 

Highly recommend checking out Anthem, exceptional sound for both 2-channel music and multi-channel surround. I have two:  MRX1140 for 7.1.4 system in main theater and MRX740 for family room. They are a bit pricey new but I picked up the 740 for around $1600 used, there's currently one on USAM listed for $2K.  

kennyc
3,001 posts
 

+1 @soix - better preamplifier+amplifier should yield a “significant” sonic upgrade, the whole audio chain matters.  Stevie Ray Vaughan, Clapton, Toto, the rat pack deserves better 😉

If there is only one system with both 2channel and HT, +1 on Anthem

g2the2nd
350 posts
 

If you are going to stay 2 channel a Schiit Saga 2 and a Vidar 2F would rock those KEFs. Less than your budget.

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