Want to optimize/upgrade my setup.

[hansy]

I have a pair of KEF R7 Meta speakers and 2 SVS Micro 3000 mini subs. I am using a Denon AVR-X1800H audio/video receiver. Everything (TV and Music) is being pushed to the AVR by an Apple TV device.

Am I getting all I can from the REF speakers from music with this setup? It's kind of hard to believe that the Denon can do the DAC conversion and amplification, all while having 9 channels and all sorts of bells and whistles (including licensing for hdmi, audyssey, atmos, etc) all for $800?

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to waste money, but if there are ways to increase the sound quality on my system, I'd like to do that - especially for music. I'm never going to have more than 2 main speakers and 2 subs, fwiw. I am never going to use anything other than stereo also. No atmos, not other channels, no sound processing. Also, I am asking only about hardware improvements/upgrades.

I'm not actually even sure I need a AVR, come to think of it.

Thank you!

 

[Timcognito]

I have a pair of KEF R7 Meta speakers and 2 SVS Micro 3000 mini subs. I am using a Denon AVR-X1800H audio/video receiver. Everything (TV and Music) is being pushed to the AVR by an Apple TV device.

Am I getting all I can from the REF speakers from music with this setup? It's kind of hard to believe that the Denon can do the DAC conversion and amplification, all while having 9 channels and all sorts of bells and whistles (including licensing for hdmi, audyssey, atmos, etc) all for $800?

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to waste money, but if there are ways to increase the sound quality on my system, I'd like to do that - especially for music. I'm never going to have more than 2 main speakers and 2 subs, fwiw. Also, I am asking only about hardware improvements/upgrades.

I'm not actually even sure I need a AVR, come to think of it.

Thank you!

Well a newer AVR with newer DSP but if you are not using center channel and rears then one of the Wiim products might fit the bill adding streaming and inexpensive multi room. Certainly if you have physical media a NAS with FLAC downloads saves space and adds EOU.

 

[Redacted]

What is the source of the music?
Eg apple music etc

 

[Redacted]

Apple music using lossless setting, and I plan on getting a turntable.

I don't know much about Apple music streaming or Apple TV and for the latter I'm not sure what outputs exist - maybe it all goes through the TV first?

You don't seem interested in multichannel with gimmick/effects speakers, so I'd sell the AV and get either an integrated amp or a DAC/streamer with a power amp, if that's the feed you can get from the TV or the Apple unit. If so, I think it will need an ARC or eARC input from the TV. Wiim will have something that will work fine (I don't have one but I see they are good value), and there other choices.

My logic is anything with 9 (?) power amps amps and the multichannel decoding for £800 is packing in a lot of hardware for the price but half of that money will buy 2 channel unit that is likely to be better quality for DAC and power amps. If you are running 2 powered subs in stereo, you may want to check any new amp you buy has pre-outs, or you'll have to run the subs off a single, mono, sub out with a Y cable.

 

[Timcognito]

There is this $1500 but with Dirac, 120 w/channel, dual sub management, great test specs (link at the top) but no analog in but their ADC is $55 from you phono amp.

SoundStage! Hi-Fi | SoundStageHiFi.com - miniDSP SHD Power Integrated Amplifier-DAC

www.soundstagehifi.com

 

[Cote Dazur]

Thanks. Yes, i think this is the way to go. From what I'm reading, something like the Anthem STR would significantly improve my sound.

Improve how?

 

[AgarWave]

Before replacing the Denon, I would first check whether it is actually clipping at your listening distance and compare with Audyssey disabled, keeping levels matched. With two subs, the Denon’s bass management and room correction may contribute more than a different DAC or amplifier. An external power amp makes sense if you need more output, but the Anthem STR should not be assumed to improve the sound without identifying the current limitation.

 

[mpw]

You said you might want a turntable then you need some integrated amp with a phono or separate
phono stage into your amp. Get a used 2ch. integrated amp for a future TT keep AVR for apple and streaming. You don't need to combine analog and digital into one setup.