Currently, I am using a NAD T777 v3 for a 5.1 surround setup. Although the measurements, were not the best the sound is good, and it has a Bluesound streamer build in that I use for Tidal and/or Spotify and FLAC playback. Also has Dirac but I am not using that.
Recently, I have added a Audiophonics Hypex Ncore amp (based on the NC502MP) for my two front channels. This sound really great and I am planning on adding another Ncore amp for the center channel and maybe also for the 2 surround channels. I have no plans for 7.1 or Atmos, beside stereo listening 5.1 is enough for me to enjoy Netflix, Prime etc.
This might be a waste of the T777 build in amps so I have looked at separate AV preamps/processors but the prices for these (Emotiva, Anthem, Arcam, NAD masters, Marantz etc.) are ridiculous compared to a receiver that does the same. Most likely, these AV processors do not have better DAC's and DSP's than their receiver siblings. Possibly balanced outputs could be a benefit, but I am also not planning on using those. Typical AV processor has a small power supply, HDMI board and a DAC/DSP board with digital inputs and outputs for all the channels for $2000 or more.
So I could keep the NAD T777 as my preamp, or would it be better (and cheaper) to sell the NAD and buy a Denon/Marantz with 7.2 external outputs and the new pre-amp mode that was introduced in 2020 with some models.
Also, is the streaming/DAC that Denon or Marantz provide as good as the Bluesound streamer in the NAD with Tidal?
Any recommendations?
Recently, I have added a Audiophonics Hypex Ncore amp (based on the NC502MP) for my two front channels. This sound really great and I am planning on adding another Ncore amp for the center channel and maybe also for the 2 surround channels. I have no plans for 7.1 or Atmos, beside stereo listening 5.1 is enough for me to enjoy Netflix, Prime etc.
This might be a waste of the T777 build in amps so I have looked at separate AV preamps/processors but the prices for these (Emotiva, Anthem, Arcam, NAD masters, Marantz etc.) are ridiculous compared to a receiver that does the same. Most likely, these AV processors do not have better DAC's and DSP's than their receiver siblings. Possibly balanced outputs could be a benefit, but I am also not planning on using those. Typical AV processor has a small power supply, HDMI board and a DAC/DSP board with digital inputs and outputs for all the channels for $2000 or more.
So I could keep the NAD T777 as my preamp, or would it be better (and cheaper) to sell the NAD and buy a Denon/Marantz with 7.2 external outputs and the new pre-amp mode that was introduced in 2020 with some models.
Also, is the streaming/DAC that Denon or Marantz provide as good as the Bluesound streamer in the NAD with Tidal?
Any recommendations?