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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
 

Unfortunately I need something to run the projector for movies, otherwise I’d get rid of the Denon entirely.

I didn’t know of this HT bypass feature on integrated amps. I think that’s the ticket. That music fidelity someone mentioned is looking like a nice unit and it has HT bypass. Now I’m off to search what other units will fit my range. 

parkergetdean
1,032 posts
 

I didn’t know of this HT bypass feature on integrated amps

yes, I always forget about but that will do it. 

In my experience, Musical Fidelity is often underpriced, but a great value. One of the most robust amps ever made, punches above its price and nominal rating.

andrewkelley
279 posts
 

So… do you have a home theater setup?  as in are you running more than 2 channels and some subs?? How is it all connected.  What kind of projector are u using. I went from a ridiculously high end Dolby atmos setup to 2 channel a year or so ago and I don’t miss the atmos at all. If you are just trying to get audio from the roku and the Nintendo switch to the speakers there are options but I need to know how everything is hooked up.

rv1890 OP
5 posts
 

Yup, just the kef iq90 towers and two emotiva powered subs. Right now I have a Roku and Nintendo going into the Denon avr and outputs into a Benq w2720i projector. Very basic setup. When I want music I use my iPhone with a 3.5 to rca through the Denon. I use Tidal app. 
 

the more I research I’m leaning towards a separate integrated app that has HT bypass. I’m leaning towards musical fidelity m3si, Parasound NC 200int, and Rotel A14

parkergetdean
1,032 posts
 

I’m leaning towards musical fidelity m3si, Parasound NC 200int, and Rotel A14

I don't know the NC series but I owned this

Halo1  Halo2

and liked it. I would probably go with a Musical Fidelity for your room size.

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