new receiver suggestions..... - Blu-ray Forum

rayray8 · 03-12-2010, 03:48 AM

im in the market for a new receiver and cant decide. i only run a 2.1 setup. i am more into music and using separates now but i dont care for my preamp. i want to get rid of the preamp and amp and just use a receiver now. the only thing i am really looking for is something with a good audio calibration, some good power, and a nice dac. my budget is $1200, or maybe i will keep my amp and set my budget at $800 for a receiver to use as a pre/pro.

JasonR · 03-12-2010, 03:53 AM

So you are wanting to get rid of your monoblock amplifier section, and go to strictly a receiver.....for under $1200?

I highly doubt you will get anything that is giving you the results you have now for less than a couple grand. And I am not sure even then there will be any improvement.

What is your pre/pro now?

rayray8 · 03-12-2010, 04:05 AM

i have an emotiva usp-1, i hate the crossover on it and i like to tweak and there is none of that on it. i dont understand why you think i wouldnt notice an improvement. i can keep my amp and just get a processor.

rayray8 · 03-12-2010, 04:09 AM

and i no longer have monoblocks, sent them back to emotiva. there was hardly any audio improvement over my upa-2. i thought i was deaf, but had 3 other people listen to them as i did an a-b comparison and they agreed.

Scooby Blu · 03-12-2010, 04:11 AM

just my two cents. I really enjoy my Integra DTR 9.9 !

Now, perhaps in five years I will go the separate route.

The dealer told me when I got this receiver that is was almost as good as the Integra separates. With my budget at the time almost was good enough for me. Who know what will even be out in 5 years.

JasonR · 03-12-2010, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayray8

got my 2 upa-1's this morning and they have been up and running for over 2 hours now. i was using a upa-2 on my focals before these. all i can say is WOW! what a difference! compared to the upa-2, these monoblocks are a little more relaxed but very detailed. the low end and midrange has a bit more punch too. i am very happy with the upgrade and recommend them to anyone for 2 channel stereo!

Just saying....

I thought you were looking for a direct replacement of your amp section, as your post states.

Quote:

i want to get rid of the preamp and amp

If you were just looking to add a processor, then maybe I misunderstood you.

rayray8 · 03-12-2010, 04:20 AM

lol, ya at first i thought there i was an improvement, placebo effect, once i a-b compared them i was disappointed. i noticed i had the gain on the upa-2 very low and the upa-1 is what it is. once i turned up the gain on the upa-2 it matched the monoblocks. my room is small also so i really didnt need that much power.

callas01 · 03-12-2010, 04:39 AM

If your going to go to a receiver, then look at the NAD receivers, Marantz, Denon, Sony ES, Sherwood Newcastle, Integra

That would be my short list I guess.... but I have to agree with Jason, I mean perhaps the NAD, Sherwood NC and Integra would be great on their own, but the amp will give you cleaner power I would think. These 3 are higher end gear. You may want to check into them and see if you can play with their settings and features.

As far as tweaking the settings, Sony has a lot of tweaks available, and the Denons allow for Custom Installation(CI), Marantz is known for their accurate numbers and musicality, many say its better in 2 channel then surround sound, so that is a thought....

Good luck.

juanchibiris · 03-12-2010, 11:03 AM

I hear that the Harman Kardon receivers are very good for music, you should look it too.

drago3451 · 03-12-2010, 01:45 PM

They are starting to release HDMI 1.4 receivers now. I would suggest waiting a little bit to see what comes onto the market. I am sure 1.4 will be used more now even if it is not for 3D.

03-12-2010, 03:48 AM	#1
rayray8 Banned Member since:Jul 2009 Location:ohio	new receiver suggestions..... im in the market for a new receiver and cant decide. i only run a 2.1 setup. i am more into music and using separates now but i dont care for my preamp. i want to get rid of the preamp and amp and just use a receiver now. the only thing i am really looking for is something with a good audio calibration, some good power, and a nice dac. my budget is $1200, or maybe i will keep my amp and set my budget at $800 for a receiver to use as a pre/pro.

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03-12-2010, 03:53 AM	#2
JasonR Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Trading Score:12	So you are wanting to get rid of your monoblock amplifier section, and go to strictly a receiver.....for under $1200? I highly doubt you will get anything that is giving you the results you have now for less than a couple grand. And I am not sure even then there will be any improvement. What is your pre/pro now?

03-12-2010, 04:05 AM	#3
rayray8 Banned Member since:Jul 2009 Location:ohio	i have an emotiva usp-1, i hate the crossover on it and i like to tweak and there is none of that on it. i dont understand why you think i wouldnt notice an improvement. i can keep my amp and just get a processor.

03-12-2010, 04:09 AM	#4
rayray8 Banned Member since:Jul 2009 Location:ohio	and i no longer have monoblocks, sent them back to emotiva. there was hardly any audio improvement over my upa-2. i thought i was deaf, but had 3 other people listen to them as i did an a-b comparison and they agreed.

03-12-2010, 04:11 AM	#5
Scooby Blu Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Apr 2008 Home Theater Gallery:7	just my two cents. I really enjoy my Integra DTR 9.9 ! Now, perhaps in five years I will go the separate route. The dealer told me when I got this receiver that is was almost as good as the Integra separates. With my budget at the time almost was good enough for me. Who know what will even be out in 5 years.

03-12-2010, 04:20 AM	#7
rayray8 Banned Member since:Jul 2009 Location:ohio	lol, ya at first i thought there i was an improvement, placebo effect, once i a-b compared them i was disappointed. i noticed i had the gain on the upa-2 very low and the upa-1 is what it is. once i turned up the gain on the upa-2 it matched the monoblocks. my room is small also so i really didnt need that much power.

03-12-2010, 04:39 AM	#8
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	If your going to go to a receiver, then look at the NAD receivers, Marantz, Denon, Sony ES, Sherwood Newcastle, Integra That would be my short list I guess.... but I have to agree with Jason, I mean perhaps the NAD, Sherwood NC and Integra would be great on their own, but the amp will give you cleaner power I would think. These 3 are higher end gear. You may want to check into them and see if you can play with their settings and features. As far as tweaking the settings, Sony has a lot of tweaks available, and the Denons allow for Custom Installation(CI), Marantz is known for their accurate numbers and musicality, many say its better in 2 channel then surround sound, so that is a thought.... Good luck.

03-12-2010, 11:03 AM	#9
juanchibiris Member Member since:Jan 2010 Location:Medellin, Colombia.	I hear that the Harman Kardon receivers are very good for music, you should look it too.

03-12-2010, 01:45 PM	#10
drago3451 Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2008 Home Theater Gallery:12 4K collection:3 Blu-ray collection:426 Blu-ray reviews:1	They are starting to release HDMI 1.4 receivers now. I would suggest waiting a little bit to see what comes onto the market. I am sure 1.4 will be used more now even if it is not for 3D.

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