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I think you may be suffering from a cumulative effect of a few things:
1. Audio via HDMI is often detrimentally processed in ways that optical outs are not for CD playback (worst case is badly convert to 48Khz), even without sample rate conversion, I have often found AVRs applying digital processing to HDMI audio that they would not apply to the same via optical/coax input.
2. An AVR just isn't going to be as good for music as a stereo amp at a similar price point. Expect considerable improved bass control of a full range speaker, considerably improved depth and clarity.
For an existing AVR that has front pre-outs, then as suggested you have an opportunity to upgrade to a hybrid AV Hifi setup by adding an integrated amp to drive your front speakers for AV user and act as the sole pre-amp and amp for music use.
For that BD player, I guess you will also need a DAC that can accept a digital coax input (not sure it if also has optical).
The problem with HT bypass integrated amps is the feature tends to be almost exclusive the premium models and therefore such amps tend to be expensive new. About the cheapest such amp I can think of is (I think) music fidelity m3i. As it does not have a DAC, then you will also want a separate DAC probably with an associated cost of £100 for something decent.
The M3i is I think are about 550 or so new, but maybe you can find one used for a lot less.
In your place rather than spending 100 new, I would save for a while and consider something similar to above. |
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