How to improve my set-up for listening to two channel CD music

[Loscozzese]

 

[Loscozzese]

I have a Yamaha RX-V3900 which I use about 50% of the time for listening to music (two channel) and 50% for films/TV. I am looking to improve the quality of the two channel music. My music source is CDs through a NAD C545BEE CDP with the Yamaha Amp in pure direct mode and out to my floorstanders B&W 683s.

Reviewing the forums my best option for a jump in music quality appears to be to purchase a HIFI amp and connect the CDP and B&W 683s directly to it. I then connect the Yamaha Amp to the HIFI Amp through the pre-out connections to use when in 5.1 set up.

1. Is this my best option to obtain a jump in music quality?

2. If so, how much should I be looking to spend on a HIFI amp considering my current set-up?

3. Which HIFI amps would you recommend?

 

[simonlewis]

Have you had a look at the amps in the review section, other than that i can't really help as i don't know much about hifi.

 

[lxd55]

Hi Loscozzese,

Looks like we are on similar quests, since I'm posting also re my Avr and 684's. Re http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/hifi-for-avr-home-cinema-set-up-with-bw-684s

Was hoping to get feedback from members who had combined Avr and stereo amps etc, as well as recommendations.

Will keep an eye on your post and if I go for it will let you know.

kr

lxd

 

[the record spot]

I ditched stereo amps as they were too much of a limiting factor for me. That and the fact that the audio quality of AV amps has stepped up to the plate. With that in mind, I'd suggest you bi-amp your front speakers if you have spare amps in your AV amp left over.

 

[Xanderzdad]

I'm using the pre-outs of my AV amp into my stereo amp and this allows me to use the same speakers for both stereo duties and the L & R for my 7.1 AV set up.

The great thing is that the AV amp doesn't even need to be switched on when I'm listening to stereo music.
IMHO a decent stereo amp will sound better than a much more expensive AV amp. (Just my opinion - not fact).

 

[Leeps]

You're perfectly welcome to go this route, but before you part with the cash, it might be worth just trying to play with your current set-up. On my system I find that the musical enjoyment is vastly improved using the Extended Stereo setting which feeds the stereo signal through all available speakers, although I do alter the fader in favour of the front speakers about half way. Crucially, this isn't Dolby ProLogic.

i was genuinely surprised to hear results that were considerably better than Pure Direct, which I had previously assumed would be the best. I don't know what the equivalent setting would be on your Yammy amp.

The reason I find this interesting is that I accept that playing a stereo signal through two speakers powered by an AV receiver may not be quite so 'hi-fi' as a two channel amp through two speakers, but if you have a multi-channel set-up, why not play to its strengths and do something that a stereo amp is not capable of.

The 3D effect I get with my sound playing CD's is just wonderful, and I couldn't achieve this with a stereo amp.