Better musicality than my current Marantz AV8003

Hey Dan,

I had the same predicament but then decided to go for a dedicated Hifi cd/amp.Its a cheaper option IMO.

Have you bi-amped the front speakers?

I think it's all down to whether you have the option of having a second, audio only system. If you do, I think that's a good option given to you by Dalesman. Many people have gone this route because they can't quite get what they want out of an AV system for music because of the compromises involved. £3k would get you a pretty good system, especially if you looked on the second hand market.

If you can only stick with one system, think of the it this way - it's the 'AV' products that are holding back the 2 channel performance. So in this case, the pre and power amplifier. Any box that's designed to do more than one thing is a compromise. That goes for multi-channel power amplifiers too.  

My first point of call would be your local dealer to borrow a high end 2 channel integrated amplifier or a pre/power and see if you like that change. That would then confirm it's the amplification letting you down. If it does nothing for you, then it may be worth looking at the CD player, or adding a DAC to what you already have.

Thanks for your replies, guys.

Hi Alienrik, yes, I have bi-amped my Mordaunt-Short Performance 6's.

I am happy with the sound of my set-up for 2-channel and for movies, but it's one of those things, trying to continually improve things.

I am confident that my Cyrus CD Player and NAD Masters Series Power Amplifier are not letting the side down but I thought that perhaps my Marantz might be slightly letting me down.

Dan.

Im assuming that youve selected PURE DIRECT mode? (everything else switched off)

Im not the one to compare as I dont have such an expensive 2 channel amp to compare it to, but considering the amp is only a pre amp for approx 2.5k to buy now, youd probably need to spend at least that amount ona  2 channel amp to beat it

Or if you went the way of upgradingthe av side, the denon (6k!) is the only thing I know of (My dad has it and its awesome)

Thanks mate. Yes, it is set on "Pure Direct" mode during 2-channel analogue play-back. I am happy with the Marantz AV8003. For the price that I paid for it, it is a brilliant performer.

However, I am hoping to get better for not much more outlay but it certainly appears as though I shall have to spend BIG to get noticeably better performance!

The Denon AVP-A1HDA is an awesome unit but at its price here in Australia, I can get a Classe SSP-800, which I would probably tend towards - if I could afford this kind of money!

Dan.

Hi Dan

I think it will be very hard to find a more capable stereo performer amongst surround receivers than the Marantz AV8003!

I just heard it last week, and it is awesome in stereo. I would say quite a step up from my Yamaha DSP-Z7. The surround effects was less convincing and I would say on par with my Yamaha.

I haven't heard the really 'heavy boys' from Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer and Arcam, so I can't really comment on those. But anything less than these (hugely expensive) topmodels can't compete with the Marantz on stereo performance in my opinion.

I think you already have a really nice setup for now... but its the genius of mankind, always wanting more! :)  A DAC is supposed to be a good option...

Question for all of you, a power amp for solely the 2 front channel, will this make the sound weird when listening to movies in 5.1 channels? - the AV receiver driving the center and surrounds, the power amp driving the 2 fronts... also, if two brands are mixed, for example, NAD (Power amp) and Yamaha (AV), how does this all come out?

Cheers!

Thanks TKratz for your reply. It does appear as though I should be happy with what I have got. I haven't listened to the 'Z7 and I must admit that it, along with a Pioneer SC-LX82, were even on my mind as to whether they may provide me with better overall sound (obviously used only as a Pre-amplifier).

maxhesien - thanks for your reply. In terms of your question in regards to a separate 2-channel power amplifier to power your front loudspeakers, this is quite commonly employed to improve 2-channel sound quality. I personally would recommend to have amplification for all loudspeakers to be of the same brand, so that sonic signature remains fairly consistent. However, for surround loudspeakers, I would say that it is certainly less important/critical. A power amplifier is supposed to amplify a signal and be as neutral as possible so if you can find as neutral a power amplifier as possible, you should be fine.

Dan.