Jackob2545
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- Aug 1, 2022
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I'm looking to upgrade my current integrated amp after upgrading a few other pieces in my system. Currently, I'm running the following for both home theater and music listening;
- Emotiva TA-100 Integrated Amp
- Revel Concerta2 M16 Bookshelves
- SVS Micro 3000 (Connected via SVS Wireless module)
- LG G1 OLED (Connected to TA-100 via Toslink)
- Technics SL-1700 mk1 w/ Nagaoka MP110 (Connected to TA-100 built in Phono Preamp)
There are some specifics on the wish list I would like to gain when moving forward/planning the upgrades to the amplification side of my system. Ideally I would like the following to be available to me either via separates or all in one box, once all is said and done.
- Streamer with at least 24/196 playback (Currently using Roon setup on my desktop for local library and HiRes streaming through Qobuz integrated into Roon)
- Phono stage or ability to add one
- DSP Room correction (Preferably Dirac)
- Subwoofer out Options (Currently running 2.1 but have played with and may look to go to a 2.2 in the future.)
- Video/Audio Processing for the HT side of my system
- Power headroom
- Upgrade pathways
Starting the hunt for the all these things, I gave the Arcam SA30 a trail run. I have had the unit for about 30 days and like its sound a lot! The streaming features are great, but where it lacks is in the subwoofer integration (No sub outs) as its a pure 2 channel amp. This also hampers the Dirac as its only the 2 channel version. I had acquired as second sub (SVS PB 1000 Pro) from my friend and was looking to play around in the 2.2 world. I was able to get the subs connected via the Pre Out on the SA30 and ran DIRAC with success keeping in mind its seeing the subs as extensions of the speakers. I love what Dirac can do for my room and the overall sound but the 2 channel version is truly just for that, 2 channels. Although the SA30 is great, with around a 3k budget I feel moving to separates could get me more of what I am after in full, with opportunity to upgrade or add going forward in a more focused manner.
This has led me to looking into a fully separates based system that incorporates Dirac via some of MiniDSP's option. Here's the setup I am currently considering;
- Marantz SR6015
- Bluesound Node
- MiniDSP DDRC-24
- Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3 or Monoprice Monolith 2x200
Now please correct me if I'm wrong or way out in left field on this but the configuration would have the AVR and the Bluesound going to the MiniDSP. I would run my Shield Pro and LG G1 into the AVR to handle all the audio/video processing as I have a large Blu-ray library I stream through plex and utilize major streaming services. I would also run my SL-1700 turntable into the Marantz phono stage. The Marantz would be set to Preamp mode to disconnect the power amp section, essentially acting as a pre processor. The Node would be utilized for all my HiRes streaming needs specifically. With both of these going into the MiniDSP DDRC-24 I should be able to send a DSP corrected signal out from the DDRC-24 to my power amp and 1 or potentially 2 subs.
I know the Marantz may be overkill in this situation but I like the idea of being able to remove it form the equation to run a home theater independently if we ever move gaining more space or I decide to switch to a separate music system. Current situation has me restricted to having both HT and HiFi Listening through one room/setup.
I know this is a lot of info but I'm ultimately looking to all of you amazing people for confirmations that my planned approach isn't crazy and will lend me with a well rounded system for both HT and HiFi. My biggest concern is losing quality in the music listening by implementing an AVR, even if its only as a preamp/processor. I haven't lived in the AVR world so not sure if I will see a drastic difference moving from away from integrated product geared for stereo.
As mentioned my budget is around $3k and I would love to hear any alternate setups or pieces you may recommend to get me to my end game... for now, system.
Thank you all!
- Emotiva TA-100 Integrated Amp
- Revel Concerta2 M16 Bookshelves
- SVS Micro 3000 (Connected via SVS Wireless module)
- LG G1 OLED (Connected to TA-100 via Toslink)
- Technics SL-1700 mk1 w/ Nagaoka MP110 (Connected to TA-100 built in Phono Preamp)
There are some specifics on the wish list I would like to gain when moving forward/planning the upgrades to the amplification side of my system. Ideally I would like the following to be available to me either via separates or all in one box, once all is said and done.
- Streamer with at least 24/196 playback (Currently using Roon setup on my desktop for local library and HiRes streaming through Qobuz integrated into Roon)
- Phono stage or ability to add one
- DSP Room correction (Preferably Dirac)
- Subwoofer out Options (Currently running 2.1 but have played with and may look to go to a 2.2 in the future.)
- Video/Audio Processing for the HT side of my system
- Power headroom
- Upgrade pathways
Starting the hunt for the all these things, I gave the Arcam SA30 a trail run. I have had the unit for about 30 days and like its sound a lot! The streaming features are great, but where it lacks is in the subwoofer integration (No sub outs) as its a pure 2 channel amp. This also hampers the Dirac as its only the 2 channel version. I had acquired as second sub (SVS PB 1000 Pro) from my friend and was looking to play around in the 2.2 world. I was able to get the subs connected via the Pre Out on the SA30 and ran DIRAC with success keeping in mind its seeing the subs as extensions of the speakers. I love what Dirac can do for my room and the overall sound but the 2 channel version is truly just for that, 2 channels. Although the SA30 is great, with around a 3k budget I feel moving to separates could get me more of what I am after in full, with opportunity to upgrade or add going forward in a more focused manner.
This has led me to looking into a fully separates based system that incorporates Dirac via some of MiniDSP's option. Here's the setup I am currently considering;
- Marantz SR6015
- Bluesound Node
- MiniDSP DDRC-24
- Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3 or Monoprice Monolith 2x200
Now please correct me if I'm wrong or way out in left field on this but the configuration would have the AVR and the Bluesound going to the MiniDSP. I would run my Shield Pro and LG G1 into the AVR to handle all the audio/video processing as I have a large Blu-ray library I stream through plex and utilize major streaming services. I would also run my SL-1700 turntable into the Marantz phono stage. The Marantz would be set to Preamp mode to disconnect the power amp section, essentially acting as a pre processor. The Node would be utilized for all my HiRes streaming needs specifically. With both of these going into the MiniDSP DDRC-24 I should be able to send a DSP corrected signal out from the DDRC-24 to my power amp and 1 or potentially 2 subs.
I know the Marantz may be overkill in this situation but I like the idea of being able to remove it form the equation to run a home theater independently if we ever move gaining more space or I decide to switch to a separate music system. Current situation has me restricted to having both HT and HiFi Listening through one room/setup.
I know this is a lot of info but I'm ultimately looking to all of you amazing people for confirmations that my planned approach isn't crazy and will lend me with a well rounded system for both HT and HiFi. My biggest concern is losing quality in the music listening by implementing an AVR, even if its only as a preamp/processor. I haven't lived in the AVR world so not sure if I will see a drastic difference moving from away from integrated product geared for stereo.
As mentioned my budget is around $3k and I would love to hear any alternate setups or pieces you may recommend to get me to my end game... for now, system.
Thank you all!