Replacement Amplifier

GlynD

Hello,

I currently have a Yamaha A/V receiver connected to my TV (via optical cable), a pair of Mordaunt Short Alumni speakers and a Cambridge Audio Sub. I'm starting to listen to music more via Spotify which streams to a my Google Chromecast Audio. I've heard that a HiFi amplifier gives better sound for a 2.1 speaker setup than a A/V receiver.  I was looking at a Marantz PM6006 UK Edition which seems to have good reviews and is around my price range.

Am I correct in understanding that a HiFi amplifier is better than an A/V receiver for playing music and will i notice a difference? Also how do I connect my sub? A/V receivers have a dedicated sub output but on the Marantz I can't see how to connect a sub?

Thanks for any advice,

Glyn

Ugg10

Ideally to connect a sub you would want an amp with pre-out to connect to the line level input on the sub. If it does not have these then some subs can be connected to the speaker output. Note that you will have tune the sub using the controls on the rear of the sub.

Alternatively something like the Yamaha rn602 has a dedicated sub output that is configured from the amp, thus amp also has built in streaming including Spotify connect.

Best is to choose say three candidate amps and take your speakers down to a store for an audition. As a start maybe visit a richer sounds and have a listen to the pm6006uk, the rn602 and Cambridge ax35.

GlynD

Thanks Ugg10, the Yamaha RN602 was another one I had noticed which also had good reviews and as you mentioned that has a sub output as well. Thanks for the advice.

Ugg10

If you get an amp with a digital input you can compare the Chromecast analogue output (built in dac) with the amp dac using the optical output of the Chromecast. Also, just in case you don’t know (as I did not) if you use the analogue output you need to go into the google home app and set the chrome cast to full dynamic range (no need to digital out).

What speakers and sub do you have, this may help other suggest other options.

You open to second hand, some good bargains out there in that price range (rotel ra-1062 for example).

daddy999

I recently bought a Yamaha A s2100 which is simply a brilliant piece if kit. But, I did try out the Yamaha 801 and I can say it was a fantastic sound also. Well worth a demo and most places do deals! Good luck. Ps: IMHO, 2.1 set ups amps are for music, Receivers are for TV and video, and yes you will notice the difference with the right speakers and source! Please, this is just my opinion!!

GlynD

I've got a pair of Mordaunt Short Alumni 2 speakers and a Cambridge Audio Minx X200 Sub. I would like to upgrade the speakers at some point but it probably won't be for a while yet.

Ugg10

The minx x200 only has line level inputs so you will need an amp with pre-outs which I think rules out the pm6006 as the recorder output on that I suspect is a fixed level.