Receiver options and bi-wiring - Blu-ray Forum

ViperSRT87 · 12-06-2013, 03:29 AM

Hello everyone,

Unlike my last audio thread that I lost track of and didn't give you any info this time I will do the opposite.

I am currently building a stereo system strictly for music. Most of the components are set up and this is where I am at:

Bowers and Wilkins 685 pair of bookshelf speakers
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/bowers-a...&skuId=1600802

An old Techonics phonograph with this preamp
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A Marantz CD player
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/1-disc-c...20cd&cp=1&lp=1

and a Sony 2.0 Receiver
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH130-...Sony+2+channel

Now my questions are pretty straight forward. First off everyone I talk to about this setup says this receiver is wasting the potential of these speakers which are incredible. That being said what would be some good options to look into? I have always thought Pioneer was a good brand and was looking at something like the VSX-70, but is that overkill just for music? How about something like the 823 or 1123?I also know Marantz makes a 2.0 receiver as well. Other options? I know when I demoed the speakers I ran them through a Pioneer Elite of some sort. Not sure which one though.

While I know a sub will give me the best bass my room is not set up to accommodate one easily therefore does bi-wiring have any real effect? The speakers have a good woofer in them and decent bass response. If I bi-wire this leads into the receiver as this current one is not set up for bi-wiring.

In terms of the amp I'm looking in a max price range of around 600, which is about the VSX-70. Again this is not for home theater and just radio, phono, cd, and eventually a Sonos Connect.

Thank you all for your time,

Mike

callas01 · 12-06-2013, 04:38 AM

this might be a great option for you if your setup is going to be just 2-channels and for music.

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-PM6004...rds=marantz+pm

or

http://www.audioadvisor.com/NAD-C-32...nfo/NAC326BEE/

the marantz has a built in phono stage so you wouldnt need to buy one. i think both of these would be a better amp then the sony from a sonics standpoint. jmo.

aces high · 12-06-2013, 05:52 AM

I agree with Callas. I have the Marantz 8003 and CD 5003 in our living room and they sound great to my ears. You should give them a listen and see if you feel the same way as that price for the Marantz IA is a good deal.

Vracer111 · 12-06-2013, 11:37 AM

Sony low end receivers are absolute garbage for sound quality... I agree with callas01 suggestions, though you can get the NAD C326BEE for much less by going refurbished:

http://www.spearitsound.com/Integrat...furbished.html

Both my NAD amps were bought as refurbished items from spearitsound... cannot tell the difference from brand new and being refurbished they are actually more thoroughly checked and tested than normal units. Very nice price savings though (nearly $400 for the C275BEE) and can't say enough about the incredible sound quality of the NAD equipment, excellent bang for buck company.

rpatt · 12-06-2013, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

this might be a great option for you if your setup is going to be just 2-channels and for music.

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-PM6004...rds=marantz+pm

or

http://www.audioadvisor.com/NAD-C-32...nfo/NAC326BEE/

the marantz has a built in phono stage so you wouldnt need to buy one. i think both of these would be a better amp then the sony from a sonics standpoint. jmo.

That's a good price for the PM6004. I have one driving my MA BX2's and can easily vouch for it.

ViperSRT87 · 12-06-2013, 11:45 PM

Thanks for the responses guys! I'll definitely check out that Marantz. What are your thoughts on the bi-wiring? Would that really make a difference?

Also going with something such as the Marantz with no tuner how would I go about getting radio?

Kinda new to this. I appreciate all your input!!!!

rpatt · 12-07-2013, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViperSRT87

Thanks for the responses guys! I'll definitely check out that Marantz. What are your thoughts on the bi-wiring? Would that really make a difference?

Also going with something such as the Marantz with no tuner how would I go about getting radio?

Kinda new to this. I appreciate all your input!!!!

If radio is important to you, you're better off going with a receiver.

ViperSRT87 · 12-08-2013, 02:22 AM

Just as a secondary it isn't important. Was just curious. Once I have the capital I'll definitely have to check out your suggestions!

ViperSRT87 · 12-30-2013, 03:57 AM

Hey all. Ok. My final question point blank. Thus far I am overall pleased with my current setup, see first post. I just have one final question. Strictly speaking in terms of the audio quality how much of an upgrade would going from my current Sony:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-200...&skuId=4550834

To this Marantz 2 channel:

http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pa...oductId=PM6005

Would the extra expenditure be a worthwhile thing to look into for my Marantz CD, Phono, and Sonos Connect?

callas01 · 12-30-2013, 11:37 PM

It would be best if you could have them both in your house and see what you like best. However Marantz usually has a better designed units then Sony, espcially for music.

Jim Hawkins · 01-01-2014, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViperSRT87

Hey all. Ok. My final question point blank. Thus far I am overall pleased with my current setup, see first post. I just have one final question. Strictly speaking in terms of the audio quality how much of an upgrade would going from my current Sony:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-200...&skuId=4550834

To this Marantz 2 channel:

http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pa...oductId=PM6005

Would the extra expenditure be a worthwhile thing to look into for my Marantz CD, Phono, and Sonos Connect?

Great question Mike! I bought a SR4023 that I like. I think the amp difference between this and the PM6005 would be small but this is opinion. It is also more flexible. The SR4023 has pre out and main in options. That is I can add a power amp to the SR4023 or place the SR4023 in my home theater and it will disable all volume and input control and work as a power amp. It has a dedicated sub out. That means when you choose source direct on two channel recordings and the sub will still receive the left and right low end signal. It has a phono, AM/FM tuner and plenty of inputs but none are digital (unlike the PM6005 which probably has a pretty decent DAC in it.) The sound is great in my opinion and I picked it up on AC4L. I think these added features make it a better choice than either amp but keeping in mind you would need a DAC or send analog signal to the SR4023.
Sold out right now but that can change frequently.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

ViperSRT87 · 01-02-2014, 03:33 AM

Hmm thanks for pointing that receiver out. Looks like a good candidate. And If I ever want to add a sub I actually could!

Jim Hawkins · 01-02-2014, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViperSRT87

Hmm thanks for pointing that receiver out. Looks like a good candidate. And If I ever want to add a sub I actually could!

There are a few other units in the stereo section that have some nice features as well on AC4L for a good price.

12-06-2013, 03:29 AM	#1
ViperSRT87 Member Member since:Sep 2012	Receiver options and bi-wiring Hello everyone, Unlike my last audio thread that I lost track of and didn't give you any info this time I will do the opposite. I am currently building a stereo system strictly for music. Most of the components are set up and this is where I am at: Bowers and Wilkins 685 pair of bookshelf speakers http://www.bestbuy.com/site/bowers-a...&skuId=1600802 An old Techonics phonograph with this preamp http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 A Marantz CD player http://www.bestbuy.com/site/1-disc-c...20cd&cp=1&lp=1 and a Sony 2.0 Receiver http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH130-...Sony+2+channel Now my questions are pretty straight forward. First off everyone I talk to about this setup says this receiver is wasting the potential of these speakers which are incredible. That being said what would be some good options to look into? I have always thought Pioneer was a good brand and was looking at something like the VSX-70, but is that overkill just for music? How about something like the 823 or 1123?I also know Marantz makes a 2.0 receiver as well. Other options? I know when I demoed the speakers I ran them through a Pioneer Elite of some sort. Not sure which one though. While I know a sub will give me the best bass my room is not set up to accommodate one easily therefore does bi-wiring have any real effect? The speakers have a good woofer in them and decent bass response. If I bi-wire this leads into the receiver as this current one is not set up for bi-wiring. In terms of the amp I'm looking in a max price range of around 600, which is about the VSX-70. Again this is not for home theater and just radio, phono, cd, and eventually a Sonos Connect. Thank you all for your time, Mike Last edited by ViperSRT87; 12-06-2013 at 03:31 AM.

12-06-2013, 11:37 AM	#4
Vracer111 Special Member Top contributor Member since:Feb 2011 Home Theater Gallery:34 Blu-ray collection:169 DVD collection:92 Blu-ray reviews: 7 Trading Score:14	Sony low end receivers are absolute garbage for sound quality... I agree with callas01 suggestions, though you can get the NAD C326BEE for much less by going refurbished: http://www.spearitsound.com/Integrat...furbished.html Both my NAD amps were bought as refurbished items from spearitsound... cannot tell the difference from brand new and being refurbished they are actually more thoroughly checked and tested than normal units. Very nice price savings though (nearly $400 for the C275BEE) and can't say enough about the incredible sound quality of the NAD equipment, excellent bang for buck company. Last edited by Vracer111; 12-06-2013 at 11:52 AM.

12-06-2013, 11:45 PM	#6
ViperSRT87 Member Member since:Sep 2012	Thanks for the responses guys! I'll definitely check out that Marantz. What are your thoughts on the bi-wiring? Would that really make a difference? Also going with something such as the Marantz with no tuner how would I go about getting radio? Kinda new to this. I appreciate all your input!!!! Last edited by ViperSRT87; 12-07-2013 at 02:44 AM.

12-06-2013, 04:38 AM	#2
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	this might be a great option for you if your setup is going to be just 2-channels and for music. http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-PM6004...rds=marantz+pm or http://www.audioadvisor.com/NAD-C-32...nfo/NAC326BEE/ the marantz has a built in phono stage so you wouldnt need to buy one. i think both of these would be a better amp then the sony from a sonics standpoint. jmo.

12-06-2013, 05:52 AM	#3
aces high Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jan 2010 Blu-ray collection:386	I agree with Callas. I have the Marantz 8003 and CD 5003 in our living room and they sound great to my ears. You should give them a listen and see if you feel the same way as that price for the Marantz IA is a good deal.

12-08-2013, 02:22 AM	#8
ViperSRT87 Member Member since:Sep 2012	Just as a secondary it isn't important. Was just curious. Once I have the capital I'll definitely have to check out your suggestions!

12-30-2013, 03:57 AM	#9
ViperSRT87 Member Member since:Sep 2012	Hey all. Ok. My final question point blank. Thus far I am overall pleased with my current setup, see first post. I just have one final question. Strictly speaking in terms of the audio quality how much of an upgrade would going from my current Sony: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-200...&skuId=4550834 To this Marantz 2 channel: http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pa...oductId=PM6005 Would the extra expenditure be a worthwhile thing to look into for my Marantz CD, Phono, and Sonos Connect?

12-30-2013, 11:37 PM	#10
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	It would be best if you could have them both in your house and see what you like best. However Marantz usually has a better designed units then Sony, espcially for music.

01-02-2014, 03:33 AM	#12
ViperSRT87 Member Member since:Sep 2012	Hmm thanks for pointing that receiver out. Looks like a good candidate. And If I ever want to add a sub I actually could!

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