Need to upgrade but what to get need advice


I currently use a Yamaha RX-V2400 With a B&K Components Reference ST 125.2 Series 2 Power A Amplifier.I have Nht 2.5 speakers for l,r,(powered by the b&kamp)and audio center one center and 1.5 for my rears.the center and rears are powered with the Yamaha.I use a SA3 amp that powers my sub.i want to upgrade to either a pre /amp combo or just buy a av receiver.my budget is around 1500-2000.ive looked at new marantz,nad,and rotel stuff.Any advice or suggestions on brands?
128x128thirsty93
I use it prob 80% music 20 % movies.
Considering that this is almost full time music listening, and part time movie watching, I would focus entirely on upgrading for music. Assuming music listening is stereo only, options could be,

1) Add a quality stereo preamp with a HT bypass to mate with the B&K amp
2) Sell the B&K and use a quality integrated amp with HT bypass
3) For CD listening, possible upgrade for the Cambridge

Now if your music listening includes all speakers, the above would not apply. So, if you care to provide more info about how you listen to music, strengths and weaknesses of current sound, it would be very helpful for recommendations.
I like the first option .i really like the b&k with the nht's.The only thing is the highs are a little bright sometimes.like I said if I go with a pre amp then I have to buy a amp to run my rears and center but if I go with a av receiver then I can run the rears and the centers off of that but would the av sound better so confusing ,I what to stick with nad,arcam,rotel or marantz.i have 2,000 to spend.....what would you do?

Happy to help and hopefully it won't be confusing. Option 1 in my previous post is just as stated. You add the stereo preamp to your current system. All speakers stay connected just as they are now. Currently the front preouts on the Yamaha are connected to the B&K. To insert the stereo preamp, you would connect Yamaha front preouts to the bypass input on the preamp, and the output of the preamp to the B&K. Then the CD player would connect to an input on the stereo preamp. To play CD's you would only use the stereo preamp, B&K, and front L & R speakers. As I said in the previous post this is stereo only. For movies, you use everything, and select bypass on the stereo preamp, then the system operates just as it does currently. Here is what the back of the stereo preamp would look like,

http://public.jolida.com/models/fusion%20pre-amplifier5.jpg

Questions? Just trying to make sure you understand since you said, "so confusing". Again, assuming this is the direction you want to go, what are all the sources you use for music listening? Do you want new or is used OK? Would you prefer solid state or do you want to try tubes?
I understand what your saying thought about doing a tube set up but first things first any suggestions on a good pre used pre amp .i have about 800 to spend
This can be a substantial crossroads which requires a solid goal in mind. Your already have two systems with a display in between speakers. In my experience I was never successful in eliminating the reflective and location restrictions of the displays affect on stereo imaging.

I was able to reduce the affect by positioning the display well back and up against the wall. Unfortunately, this affected the LCR HT speakers ability to provide good dialogue staging which I value in the HT experience.

For 80% music are you thinking a 5.1 Multi-Channel audio system that can support a Home Theater too, and or vise versa? Most likely five matched stand mounted speakers and a subwoofer/s. Keep in mind the matching speaker locations for multi channel music can be somewhat more critical than electronically room corrected home theater setup.

Or a two channel system using a pair of wider bandwidth floor standing speakers location optimized for a two channel sound stage supported by three or five satellite speakers designed by the same manufacture?

I would recommend keeping the two channel or multi channel audio system completely separate of the HT system? Taking your time and making upgrades to either system one piece at a time.