Hi all - I've entered the maze that is called 'creating a new set-up'. For me this involves an AVR and a quest for better stereo sound. The puzzle includes budget decisions, choises regarding system matching and input management etc. however, they forgot to give me a map, so I hope you could guide me a bit and give your opinion... Let me fill you in:
Current system:
- Denon 1909 AVR (has HDMI, does not have pre-outs)
- Denon PMA700 (50W) integrated stereo AMP amplifying the phono source, RCA connected to the AVR.
- Dali 104 front-speakers (connected to AVR)
- B&W 560 back-speakers (connected to AVR)
- The AVR connects HDMI sources (TV/PS4/chromecast), streaming audio (chromecast music optical) and line-in.
- I currently have the Dali speakers coupled directly to the PMA700 which means that I miss the surround sound.
Desire:
- Keep the/an AVR (which provides surround, but is also a nice piece to connect HDMI sources etc.).
- Upgrade stereo amplifier and (front) speakers to provide more depth, warmth and volume for high quality sources and record player (LP).
- I am looking for Dali Oberon 5/7 type/price range for speakers.
- I want to invest in the stereo system - I can combine this with an older 2nd/hand AVR (with sufficient quality for surround).
- Upgradability.
- An to be honest: improve looks.
Challenges/Questions:
- budget 3000 euros (with some margin)
- I am wondering how to skip the DAC of the AVR for high-end audio sources - since the pre-out will not do this.
- Is an integration solution such as the NEC368 sufficient? Or would you recommend a separate DAQ?
- I want to be able to use the front speakers as part of the surround. I figure this would be possible by selecting a pre-out of the AVR as input source when using the front speakers for AVR.
Options:
- NEC368 optically connected to streamer(s) and phono source
- Oberon 7 Dali speakers (connected to NEC or course)
- Keep on using the B&W560 as rear (AVR connected)
- Upgrade Denon (something like AVR4xxx) with pre-out for front speakers.
This would seem to give me a high(er)-end stereo system with a lot of flexibility in terms of expandability (NEC can be bridged and expanded), while the AVR can be replaced and the side/rear/'speakers at other crazy locations' can be added.
Alternatives:
- With a separated DAC (even more flexibility) - but is this possible/worth it?
- Other amplifier?
Thank you in advance for any feedback, recommendations and the time to read through the story above. Best regards, Dennis
Current system:
- Denon 1909 AVR (has HDMI, does not have pre-outs)
- Denon PMA700 (50W) integrated stereo AMP amplifying the phono source, RCA connected to the AVR.
- Dali 104 front-speakers (connected to AVR)
- B&W 560 back-speakers (connected to AVR)
- The AVR connects HDMI sources (TV/PS4/chromecast), streaming audio (chromecast music optical) and line-in.
- I currently have the Dali speakers coupled directly to the PMA700 which means that I miss the surround sound.
Desire:
- Keep the/an AVR (which provides surround, but is also a nice piece to connect HDMI sources etc.).
- Upgrade stereo amplifier and (front) speakers to provide more depth, warmth and volume for high quality sources and record player (LP).
- I am looking for Dali Oberon 5/7 type/price range for speakers.
- I want to invest in the stereo system - I can combine this with an older 2nd/hand AVR (with sufficient quality for surround).
- Upgradability.
- An to be honest: improve looks.
Challenges/Questions:
- budget 3000 euros (with some margin)
- I am wondering how to skip the DAC of the AVR for high-end audio sources - since the pre-out will not do this.
- Is an integration solution such as the NEC368 sufficient? Or would you recommend a separate DAQ?
- I want to be able to use the front speakers as part of the surround. I figure this would be possible by selecting a pre-out of the AVR as input source when using the front speakers for AVR.
Options:
- NEC368 optically connected to streamer(s) and phono source
- Oberon 7 Dali speakers (connected to NEC or course)
- Keep on using the B&W560 as rear (AVR connected)
- Upgrade Denon (something like AVR4xxx) with pre-out for front speakers.
This would seem to give me a high(er)-end stereo system with a lot of flexibility in terms of expandability (NEC can be bridged and expanded), while the AVR can be replaced and the side/rear/'speakers at other crazy locations' can be added.
Alternatives:
- With a separated DAC (even more flexibility) - but is this possible/worth it?
- Other amplifier?
Thank you in advance for any feedback, recommendations and the time to read through the story above. Best regards, Dennis