Upgrading AVR with good stereo sound and music streaming

[xnyzer]

Hello everyone, I need help deciding how to improve the stereo sound of my system.

I like listening to stereo music, but I also enjoy watching movies in surround sound.

Until recently I had an old Yamaha AVR and a bluesound power node (N330). I connected the powernode to the pre-outs L+R of the Yamaha. If I wanted to listen to music, I only used the powernode. For movies I switched on the AVR and the powernode. Unfortunately, there was always a slight delay via the bluesound (technically this is the default).

I have now bought a new Denon AVC-X6800H AVR and connected all the speakers directly to it. I no longer use the powernode.

However, I don't like HEOS at all and I don't find the sound of the Denon as powerful with music as with the powernode.
Now I want to upgrade, but I need some help deciding how best to do it. I have two problems:

1. better streamer: Bluesound node nano/ "normal" (I love bluOS) (N030/ N132)
2. better power amp for L+R (power amp vs integrated amp)

I mainly listen to music in stereo, but would prefer to have the option of using all 11 speakers for music, e.g. at parties.

Options:

1. node > AVR > NAD C 298 (power amplifier) - stereo & surround
2. ..
   • node (coax) > NAD C 399 (integrated amplifier) - stereo
   • node (toslink) > AVR > NAD C 399 - surround
3. ..
   • NAD C 399 + MDC2 BluOS D module - stereo
   • AVR - no music streaming via bluOS

The following question would be the cabling. Which DAC should I use and where should Dirac be installed? (node/ AVR/ NAD).

Thank you!

Speakers:

• Dali Opticon 2 Mk2 (L+R)
• Dali Vocal Mk2
• Dali Fazon Sat (Surround + Atmos)
• Subwoofer: SVS SB-3000 (1x)

Room:
Living room with open kitchen, asymmetrical, not acoustically optimized

 

[xnyzer]

I chose option 2.2 and it sounds really good, even without a subwoofer!
I got both at a good price during Black Week.

 

[ZCD]

With your new AV and all the options you should be able to tune in pretty much every sound you like. I would dig in deeper before spending.

If you don't like Heos at all and your powernode does not have an output you could connect to the Avr, yes then you have to get another bluesound device if bluesound it is.

Getting an external amp or integrated [with blueos module] should be last step if you don't get happy and want to utilize all your options at one place. Be sure you like the sound.

After final setup you can still decide if Dirac is needed and where to install.

Good luck&be happy

Personally I would just add e.x. a wiim, bluesound streamer to the AV and try to get the best out of it in your situation, room & these speakers since it's not worth the effort imo.. You could also think about using headphones for more critical listening in stereo.