AV receiver and amp

[raraavis]

Hello,Please help a newbie to build a combined hifi system for home theater (5.0) and stereo music (2.0).I have the following speakers: - Front: Morel Sopran, 4 ohm, sensitivity 91.5dB, nominal power 250W. - Rear: Dali Rubicon LCR, 4 ohm, sensitivity 89dB. - Center - don't have it yet, looking at Dali EPICON Vocal / KEF Q/R or similar.The speakers will be place in medium size room around 25 m2, and the main purpose is listening to instrumental / vocal music in low volume. There are several inputs, all should pass through AV processor / receiver.Can see two conceptual setups:1) Use A/V receiver with strong built-in amp. The main concern is whether a top model as Marantz SR7009 with 100-150W RMS per channel will be sufficient to drive such front speakers? The only criteria is quality in low/med volumes, not power. 2) Put a separate A/V receiver/processor, and amp(-s). a. Take an amp with 5 channels, then the problem is that the channel require very different power... b. Take 2 amps - one good with 2 channels for the front, and another smaller with 3 channels for rear and center. That's logical, but requires an additional box. c. Put a good amp for the front, while the rear and center will be connected to the built-in internal amp in the AV receiver. That's a preferred option, but not sure it's possible and it's a common practice... Requirements for the AV receiver/processor: audiophile-grade, "deep and warm" sound, support for 4K and 3D video, AirPlay, min 5-6 HDMI and 2 optical inputs, premium quality DAC (with jitter suppression). If putting amps - please explain whether it should be integrated (then need synced sound control, such as unity gain) or power amp? Which configuration and components would you recommend? Thanks!

 

[bigboss]

I haven't heard your speakers. Here are my thoughts:

1) It's usually a good idea to go for matching fronts and centre for better integration. So look at Octave signature or Solan.

2) Have you considered a pre-amplifier and power amplifier combination? What's your budget?

3) You could get a good AV receiver with pre-outs and connect a stereo amplifier to the pre-outs to drive the fronts.