New receiver or new amp?

How do you decide when it's time to add a new amp to augment a receiver or simply get a new set of separates?
Have you gotten your copy of the Audiophile's Guide to setup? Make magic with your system using this guide and CD.
www.psaudio.com/products/the-...

[@dtrain8335]

I deeply respect the fact that you always tell people there are other companies out there other than your own that make great stuff. That goes a long way with me! Thanks!

[@leekumiega9268]

I got a used Sunfire Ultimate II AV receiver (designed by Bob Carver) ,at 200W X7 it was the most powerful receiver in 2005 . It received excellent reviews and it's sound compared favorably to much more expensive separates and I think it sounds fantastic. I use it mostly in stereo mode where it can double it's power for 400W into 4 ohm speakers . So while others may bad mouth receivers a really good one can indeed sound great.

[@edmaster3147]

I've been there and ended up....switching over from an Anthem MRX 510 to separates. Network streamer, DAC, tube pre-amp and MOSFET poweramp. So happy to have done that. I agree with Paul, fully. The next level in this awesome hobby.

[@stonefree1911]

For the old receiver mentioned here, yes, ditch that and get a decent integrated amp.

[@marcbegine]

The Yamaha RX-A 3050 can be used as a home theatre receiver, but with “pure direct” is a stereo amp with volume without passing through the dac and dsp. (Built in Dac is 24/192 kHz and DSD). So best of both worlds…

[@scottscottsdale7868]

Wes, I am in the same position. I changed to a PA Audio s3000 amp hooked up to an AVR. I tried lots of other amps of lower quality and even of higher quality. I come to the conclusion that my speakers are not up to working with anything better. I have JBL 590 speakers. So my advice is to upgrade within reason. Then focus on getting good speakers.

[@pietpompiepompiepiet940]

Reciever for film and tv Dedicated 2 channel amp for music

[@jackdaniel9308]

I'll never give up on my Marantz PM7200. Class A bliss.

[@Pableras46]

good for you

[@tonyeriksen7289]

What speakers do you drive with your Marantz?

[@jackdaniel9308]

@@tonyeriksen7289 Proac tablette 10 signature. I actually have two identical pm7200s in biamp configuration. Pushes out 50wpc with ease in class A mode.

[@selfelements8037]

Very nice one Paul! Literalism. Specificity.

[@jmcc2736]

Definitely. If you specifically want surround sound. A new receiver will sound better. If you going the stereo route, a good intergrated amp will be better and even better will be separates. Best of luck

[@dudemastermaster8944]

Although I agree in most parts, I think your answer would have fitted his question rather 16 years ago … receivers - especially higher end ones - have come quite a way. Adding a solid power amp with a solid cable is a really nice option in my experience. Although I am very sure it still will be a compromise. Cheers

[@graxjpg]

I’ll never give up my pioneer vsx-d1s, but lately I’ve been running the CD player straight into the power amp. I think I’ll leave it like that or use the pioneer until I get (or make) monoblock power amps and a preamp.

[@drwisdom1]

My sister has a Macintosh which has the computer combined with the monitor. If either the computer or monitor part breaks, the other will also have to be thrown out with it. A receiver is similar. It has various parts which break and other parts go obsolete. While the receiver has a tuner, there is only one radio station left - NPR. For ever the connection standard was RCA cables, but that was replaced with HDMI, and HDMI will probably be replaced in the future. You can't even hook modern components up to older receivers. But one part that doesn't go obsolete is amplification. Over time you will replace your components, but if you have a good separate amp you can keep that much longer than the other components. My Sony TA-N77ES amp is now about 30 years old and used every day.

[@okcyurwin]

I've just added A Primare i22 to power the mains and keeping the Yamaha rx-v3800 to power the center and surrounds. The rx-v3800 is 13 years old and a beautiful stereo performer but I've really noticed the difference of having the primate i22 when listening in stereo. I have the avr handle the bass management which is set 80 hz. I have no plans of getting rid of the avr because at the time it was highly rated and still holds its own against new receivers when it comes to power. I have the best of both worlds👍🏼👍🏼

[@bjrnhee1646]

You must also keep in mind that not all receivers have pre-output for a better power amplifier, so the money is probably best invested in a good integrated amplifier, possibly with built-in streaming function, if you like both streaming music and radio.

[@rezaestacio3445]

I think the reason behind the receiver is for home theater use. I maybe wrong but I think another layer in the question is using the system for music and movies... but then again if the setup is stereo...

[@rig4365]

Yes, I was thinking the same.

[@FormMutaed]

Amps for music, receivers for movies. Thats my opinion. Best wishes for PS Audio!

[@bwithrow011]

Agreed!

[@justanobody4983]

No question about that!

[@stonefree1911]

agree

[@florianhofmann7553]

Agreed. With switchable front speakers.

[@totalplonker824]

If it's a Japanese AVR I totally the agree with you but there are a few AVRs out there that actually sound splendid for two channels stereo. Of all the AVRs out there IMO Denon AVRs sound the worst for 2 channel stereo music.

[@amareshpereira]

Thank you so much Paul! You are a life saver! Lipstick on pigs it is if you say so! I nearly made the mistake of trying to get an AVR as a solution to my needs!

[@scottyo64]

Went from AVR to integrated to seperates and now monoblocks, no turning back.

[@Cpt.Zer0]

There is a few more considerations. If for stereo music, follow the advise :) For 4k movies, game consoles and general media, the innovations in a modern receiver is essential. 4k hdmi 2.1 is needed for high end gaming/high refresh rate and when you want atmos (nvida shield is the king of media players). If you got the room and money, build one system for media and another for pure music.

[@karlisdizbite6432]

I have Nakamichi STASIS TA-2 Receiver. Sweet sound. And I dont want to replace it.

[@omarfranco2077]

Great answer, if you can go separates you will do much better :) after 16 years I would be so eager to try :)

[@ryanray6215]

If you like clutter why not .

[@LuxAudio389]

Yup, when I got into hometheater and music I bought a Rotel AVR, bought a RB1080 amp, and hooked it up to the AVR. It still wasn't right. Lol My great dealer at the time took back the AVR and I bought an RSP1098. The rest is a long growing expierence. Now I have a 2ch and hometheater system with a newer pre pro and 2 ch preamp and am working on another systen with a Hegel integrated to save my marriage from more fancy" boxes"😅

[@dhpbear2]

3:47 - Speaking of details, he didn't relate whether his receiver was part of a home theater system or not. Does he want to improve the Front L and R with a better amp?

[@sudd3660]

i will second Paul advice, if surround sound is the goal, you find amazing deal on used surround sound processors, or surround preamps. then get stereo power amps, as many as you need. that way you get the flexibility for any use case, multichannel or stereo and sound quality. cheap starting point with Behringer A800 amps to infinity.

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

Dear German friend, if your solely purpose of use is for music only go for an integrated amp upgrade if it is the case you use it for home theatre setup upgrade your receiver.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

Music comes in Surround Sound. More surround mixes happen every week. These are not movies or video, they're pure music. What good is a 2-channel?

[@Channel-cm7yc]

@@MaterLacrymarum that’s just it, it’s not pure music it’s manipulated sound reproduction it’s being processed as with all surround sound information. A proper two channel Stereo will convey all of that with no problem without processing ! All surround sound was basically for was to accommodate large audiences and give them what you get without a sweet spot!

[@brianbumgardner8704]

I really understand his engineer rant. I'm an automotive engineer, 46 years, yes, I obsess over cars. I want it my way, period.

[@davidfromamerica1871]

Car audio is heating up. B&W, McIntosh, B&O, Mark Levinson, Sonos, Focal, Naim, have jumped on the bandwagon in car audio.

[@ricksmith7659]

A friend of mine is using a Marantz 1060 AV receiver for surround with a Crown 1002 amp for 2 channel listening.. I was shocked at the difference that amp made while in pure direct mode listening to music

[@adamk4716]

Always impressed by the fact that Paul is a self taught engineer. No formal education necessary.

[@Wolfgang-xi5xf]

i would go seperates as well but to safe money i would start with a good power amp to use with my existing receiver and then up the game on a preamp next. the power amp u can use for years and years to come whereas the preamp with all the formats etc will change far more quickly.

[@DennisDWest]

I am a record collector. I don't stream. Sometimes I just like to listen to the radio, that's why I have a Sony ES (Elevated Standard) receiver. You will never find one at Walmart, but it does everything that I need it to do with 250 watts into 8 ohms.

[@D1N02]

The receiver probably doesn't have a pre out anyway so how are you going to hook up an amp. Generally what you need the receiver for is hooking up HDMI stuff like Cable Box BluRay Playstation. The solution is a separate integrated for Audio sources. You can get a switch box from Dynavox that can switch one set of speakers between two amps. You could also split off any audio to the stereo amp (or your DAC if digital)from all those devices (but no more surround sound speakers then so you can get rid of all of those).

[@2big4cheese35]

Im kind of in a similar situation, but instead its with older equipment thats being passed on to me. First it was an old Denon AVR 1708, with a 7.1 setup around the room, but I also found my step-dad's old adcom stuff downstairs, its a gfp 565 pre amp and gfa 555 amplifier. Would I be able to hook those all up together, or should I just stick with the adcom stuff since I move between my pc and tv setup a lot surround sound isnt a big deal. I'm also completely new to the audiophile scene so feel free to point out anything or ask me to specify something.

[@frankAlco]

I am thinking of building a DIY integrated using the Nelson Pass Korg NuTube B1 Preamplifier, and ICEpower class d amplifier modules. Do you think that I should build them as separates or can I integrate them on one chassis. I know the NuTube has problems with microphonic ringing if not well isolated.

[@AllboroLCD]

Theres DEF plenty of cases which just adding a power amp to an older receiver would be appropriate, but yeah for the most part, getting a better quality integrated/console unit is probly best. You can find some lovely adcom pre-amps online, extremely good, extremely affordable.

[@joeragu7056]

Hi I have a question what would you recommend for music and movies if I said I am getting Sonus faber speakers lumina Collection right and left center and sub also rear left and right as a receiver or. Thanks again Joseph ragusa.

[@raider3164]

Exactly what I wanted to know.

[@laurentzduba1298]

Get a higher spec pre-power set up but save your current AV receiver for future multi-amping needs.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

For music, separates (Pre-Amp & Power Amplifier) is the only way to go... I threw my AV receiver in the dumpster and never looked back

[@mrronenza]

Can I get Higher STEREO audio quality if I will add a STEREO Pre Amp to my A/V Processor (In Stereo mode ) ?

[@UltiGamer101]

Ditched my older, budget receiver (Denon S510BT) for a 2 channel integrated amp (Onkyo A-9050) and was blown away by how much different and better my speakers sounded. If you don't need surround sound or all the extra crap that comes with a receiver, I would also suggest looking at an integrated amp. 😁 More focus is placed on sound quality and often times power. Receivers are known to inflate their power output.

[@UltiGamer101]

Oh, and integrated amps tend to not become dated as fast since they don't have all the 'extra crap'. What lead me down this rabbit hole was that I needed a receiver that could do 4k at 120fps and no receiver on the market currently can. Now, I connect my video directly to the TV and use optical out for sound to my integrated amp. Problem solved! Now, both my video AND sound have improved.

[@charlesurias]

@@UltiGamer101 So with your new set up do you just have stereo?

[@thegravegigger891]

Paul #ROCKS !!! 🎸

[@dwightballard3868]

The rule of thumb I've learned through the years is that the further up the chain you get the more critical. Even if you have an excellent amp and speakers, they cannot get better if the source isn't providing the correct signal; garbage in, garbage out.

[@totalplonker824]

Totally agree what goes in must come out

[@johnfrania6014]

Paul and PS Audio, when will you be coming out with a 3 or 5 channel integrated amp? Can't ditch the center channel for tv/movies!

[@josuesantiago723]

Hi my friend the PS Audio behind you is that a power amplifier.

[@EraYaN]

Separates, home theater and low cost, pick 2. All separates to do with home theater stuff and video is in the top segment of the market.

[@JoeJ-8282]

I agree with Paul; separates are a major upgrade, especially to a receiver that's that old and outdated already!... Unless you really NEED all of the features of a receiver in your specific setup or situation, such as the surround sound capabilities and the video switching for movie watching, etc., in which case you would prob. want to upgrade to a newer receiver if you were on a limited budget, however, a separate preamp, (with surround sound and video switching built into it if really necessary), and power amp would be MUCH better, and have better sound quality overall also... Besides, the only way you can really use a separate power amp together with a receiver is if the receiver can be utilized as the preamp, in which case the receiver would have to have preamp output capabilities on all channels, which I don't believe that older model, relatively lower end Sony receiver actually does... If you DO end up getting a new receiver with all of the latest and greatest surround sound modes, HDMI switching, and internet connectivity and apps and stuff built in, then you might want to make sure you get a relatively "high-end" model receiver that has pre-amp outputs on all channels, that way you actually CAN use separate power amp(s) with it if you ever want to... But by the time you spend a few thousand on a nicer, better receiver with all of those features, then you might as well just opt for a really nice, (and even better sound quality), separate actual dedicated pre-amp instead!

[@jonfoss3437]

Can a receiver that has no preamp outs be converted to a preamp only???

[@NathanStorer-RC]

Would be great if PS Audio would make a surround sound preamp/processor. Integrated amps tend to be stereo, which is not the best situation for listening to movies.

[@sherlockholmes2010]

Greetings from Nürnberg 60km away from Würzburg. Bavaria

[@MCMTL]

Pocketknife vs. katana is the analogy I would've used.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

I love you Paul, and your videos, but you never really get to the heart of this question. It seems as though every time you have to deal with Surround Sound, you direct everything back to 2-channel. PS Audio seems to be anti-Surround. The real question is - what is the optimal set up for both 2 channel AND Surround sound. Without the ability to so Surround, then an amp isn't a whole lot of use to me. I love Surround mixes, and there are many of them (with more coming all the time). PS Audio seems to want to keep well away, and it skews your answers to these types of questions, imo.

[@YuengsNwings]

This is the boat I am in. I have a Pioneer Elite VSX 52. A decent mid level receiver that I love to use as a hub because I have a 3.1 setup for home theater and run pure direct for music. I don’t think I could ever get rid of HDMI arc for the simplicity it provides for my family to operate the equipment. I am the perfect target audience for a more pointed answer that Paul never addressed. Do I get an even better receiver or add an external amp? I certainly feel like a $1k amp will so far more for my system than a $1k receiver which is about what my existing one would cost in today’s dollars.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

@@YuengsNwings I honestly don't think Paul has the answer. He only seems to like stereo/mono music. Surround isn't a consideration for him. That's fair enough, but it doesn't answer the question. The reality is - the choice is blazingly obvious. If you value Surround Sound, then you need either an amp that supports it (and they're few and far between) or you get an AVR (easy to find). Will a $1000 AVR play stereo music as well as a $1000 dedicated stereo amp? Probably not. But to flip the question, how well does a $100,000 Stereo amp play Surround Sound music? Answer: It doesn't.

[@hom2fu]

is like high end audio in general. they're high end if you did not know.

[@devarsiratdas1425]

Hello What if i connect my 24bit 192khz underpowered Yamaha CRX 470d receiver with output of only 2x22 watts via cable to an amp. Can any amp pass trough the 24bit 192khz sound quality? Many thanks Regards Dev

[@bryanjennings7821]

Good answer

[@justincrossley1913]

I agree for 2 channel yes but most people want home theatre an avr is most economical you want pre out and 2 separate subwoofer pre outs . Separate like a home theatre processor they can cost thousands of dollars

[@bikemike1118]

Receivers are like one-size-fits-all Smokings

[@MJamesIII]

I was just having this conversation with somebody that purchased a $1600 amp with the SR7015. I asked how come he didn’t just purchase the AV7706 for $100 more because the preamp sound way better than the SR7015.

[@AaronMal1978]

I like my Denon receiver for surround sound for sports, movies...etc. At the moment, it serves me well for music. However, I recently got a Sprout 100 for music listening in my bedroom. I'm pretty sure the sound on that thing outclasses the receiver big time. My next upgrade for my family room (when I can afford it) is to add a stellar 300 beef up the sound for music listening.

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

Sweet

[@peaceandrelaxationwithgodscrea]

It all depends if he's using the receiver for music or home theatre. For music get a used integrated.

[@rusedgin]

That's all very interesting but a receiver alone takes lots of space. If you add multiple stereo or mono amplifiers plus decoders plus streamers plus whatever you need you'll end up with a big mess and European houses are usually smaller than American. Add a wife to the equation and an AV Receiver is probably the best solution... 😁

[@peanutbutterjellyjam2179]

The Sony STR DE885 doesn't seem to have pre-outs, so adding an amp brings a bit of a complication.

[@dhpbear2]

Wow! I just looked at that receiver online. Seems like it's full-featured, but no 'EPL' (External Processing Loop)!

[@danilorainone406]

anyone out yonder do repairs as in trouble shoot, ( maybe ONE wire that shorts) to home stereo set ups some old, dragging one unit at a time to the one guy relatively close by,,,I got 3 units and a broke dual 70s made in deutchland turntable

[@PrezidentHughes]

Separates are great if you don't mind the work researching and matching. Otherwise a simple AVR with a consistent central interface works for the majority of consumers. To save money buy a high end model as it's on close out sale. Unless you're a cutting edge sort of consumer you won't need the absolutely latest features so you can save by buying 2-3yrs into the products lifecycle.

[@robertdavis5714]

Sounds like the guy had a late 70's receiver that he wanted to add a amp to. I will say this, the old tuners FM (my opinion and experience) are superior to that of the digital format. I listen to a 1979 Kenwood FM tuner and a Yamaha A-S1200 amp (Yes like the late 70's look which I grew-up with) that brings a sound no digital tuner can match.

[@roybrolsbeak]

Would you mind making a video how to start with seperates, or name some good integrated stereos? I think the reason why a lot of people go avr is because its known and simple to them. I mean i have the budget to buy lets say up to 1000-1500 euros but have no idea what is future proof. Its a lot of money so i want to spend it well.

[@Roof_Pizza]

I'd get a 2 channel amp myself unless you really want Atmos.

[@joeythedime1838]

Very good advise. I would look at used or open box affordable integrated amps. You can get a nice Hegel Music Systems H90 for about $1,500.

[@LuxAudio389]

Hegel's are super nice. Atoll also makes nice Integrateds...IN200 and IN300.

[@chuckgillespie1]

Either get separates or an integrated with a toroidal transformer. My $0.02

[@cathywymark328]

Solid advice as per usual. GJ

[@21mikeross]

I've owned a number of receivers over the years, for home theatre use. I would strongly agree, when trying to use them for stereo Hi-Fi use, they all sounded woeful. Some of these receivers weren't cheap either. For 2-channel use, ever a cheaper dedicated 2-channel stereo integrated had sounded much better for HiFi use.

[@YuengsNwings]

Paul never really answered the question. He should assume that the person asking the question wants/needs an AVR, so the choice is to either add an amp or to buy a better receiver. There should be no third option. Personally I am in the process of dissecting my AVR setup (which I need because I cannot get away from HDMI arc) into separates while maintaining the AVR as a very diverse and capable preamp.

[@koprcord5338]

I would love to able to use my onkyo as a preamp and use my precision power car amps from the early 90s for the power. So clean and strong.

[@ryanray6215]

Somehow an ONKYO has that sweet smooth beautiful sound , for a very very low price , and the built quality is like a tank .

[@kingcarcas1349]

New receiver is the way to go, but you could also buy it used.

[@janinapalmer8368]

I'd scrap the lot and buy high end separates ... you won't regret it ..!

[@ryanray6215]

A very expensive clutter , I don't think that person is asking for that kind of advice .

[@clips65]

@@ryanray6215 $$$$$$

[@Watcher4111]

Yup. Separates component are the best. Non compromise stuff

[@rickc661]

Maybe I'm not an 'audiophile' thou I own an 8 ft long pile of LP's and 12 ft long pile of CD's ( DVD's in a different stack ). always used receivers as I listen to ' FM ', even now ( I'm 72 ). From a 15 w /ch Pioneer 434 to current Cambridge AX100 ( 80 W ch.). pretty much totally OK with all of them except reliability, seems they get static or something after about 8 years, including NAD & Carver models. a main thing, I'm beyond tired of wires going all over the place and trying to pull the equipment out of the shelves.....note, @ 72 my ears die out at 9000 hz using UTube test frequencies. ps - sorry, I use simple 10 & 12 gauge ' pure copper speaker wire' at about one, 1 $ per foot. !

[@milkman100001]

the reason for a receiver is that the appliance can also be used for cinema.not everyone can afford expensive standalone systems.

[@Kulvinder1974]

A good stereo set up can do everything you want it to do, whether it be, music, movies or anything else. My advice would be to get rid of your receiver and either, replace it with another one with upgraded internals or ditch the whole thing all together and go with a half decent preamp and power amp and take it from there.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

Wrong. How is a stereo setup going to do Surround Sound? I listen to a lot of music in Surround mixes....

[@ruley73]

Two reasons why to keep an A/V receiver: built-in radio tuner and HDMI switching (to make use of CEC). I'd consider an integrated amp if someone actually made one with HDMI switching built-in.

[@Channel-cm7yc]

Why limit your possibilities. 👍👍

[@josefbuckland]

Pioneer SX-1980 the only thing after that is separate receiver and amp DONATE TODAY

[@mboljar]

I never could understand logic that preamps and amps together make a great sound (integrated), but if you add tuner (or nowdays streaming) it sucks. I have heard many integrated amps and recievers that all sound great if equipment is done by reputable manufacturers.

[@davidmorgen4558]

The sony es receiver he owns would need to be facitaled with a pre amp out to drive any power amp to my Knowledge .My hk recdeiver im using does not have such a faeature ....I suspect if he got the neccesary out puts for such as a combo he would probaley have dissapointing results,The other roiute to go is to purchase a used tuner preamp combo & then add on a power amp prefabily from the same manufacture! .. Just make sure its from the likes of Harman Kardon. nad or parasound ...Used? or ps audio go with the good ones so you can really appreciate the differience ...Good Luck.

[@bilguana11]

Get a pre-processor.

[@johnsweda2999]

Nothing wrong in keeping your old receiver fine for surround sound Atmos just add a nice integrated amplifier with pre outs. concentrate on the two channel for listening and for movies the receiver as I said have the best of both worlds. Maybe concentrate on a good Pro amplifier for subwoofers if you haven't got a plate amps IotaVX avx1 make a good processor that's cheap what you could use with your receiver 7.1 4k HDR if yours is getting long in the tooth what sounds like. They make a good cheap integrated amplifier the SA3 as well subwoofer out bridgeable under $500 should be.

[@janinapalmer8368]

How did Miss Piggy get into this ?

[@stephenmurphy7804]

Hello, agreed ditch the old receiver but then, why not upgrade to a super new receiver? That way you retain ‘choices’ like surround sound for home cinema. The so called holy modern amplifiers nowadays also have Bluetooth, WiFi routers and home cinema on board. So the only difference between amp and receiver is the latter has a tuner/radio on Bord (perish the thought!). Stephen in Ireland. ,)

[@bobbyy8711]

Yeah, new amp.

[@Ranghocsing]

Better get the stellar M700 the best

[@brandonbrodbeck6688]

Ah the biggest question hindering me at the moment

[@QoraxAudio]

A receiver is basically an integrated amp with radio added. So I think the writer was like this: if I buy a receiver, I'll get everything an integrated amp has, and more.

[@slyspy9819]

My thoughts exactly

[@lloll69]

new ps audio amp. come on isn't that obvious. high quality 2 channel is da bomb

[@Chiefelgin]

heartbreaking video this one :) just bought the yamaha RX a4a A/V receiver.... should have just gone for the yamaha MX A5200 amp

[@genez429]

Paul... the engineer in you drinks only for "medicinal purposes?"

[@MandyLionRock]

By the time he was done explaining how blessed, cool and intellectually gifted he was... I lost interest in what he had to say.

[@serithin4703]

It all depends on your budget.

[@mmgee]

maybe this guy is into AM/FM?

[@sermerlin1]

Get a better AVR. Jobs done. :D

[@MaterLacrymarum]

Agreed! Until PS Audio give music lovers a 5.1 experience, what other choice is there?

[@sermerlin1]

@@MaterLacrymarum exactly and AVR is just compact and very powerful in features. For stereo music finesse going stereo amp and modules for power etc sure are better solution but with that you gotta have some sort of dedicated room and treated sonically at least somewhat to be able to feel and hear that uplift in quality as well as very nice pair of speakers. But plugging in 500-1000e speakers into stereo vs decent AVR in the liv8ng room you won't notice much difference as both can feed the speakers to its full extent and DSPs as well as DACs are very good. I would honestly like a 2.0 dedicated room with full range speakers, a nice cushy single chair to sit and listen and get lost into the magic but it is just something that most of us can't have. And with dolby atmos taking off and implementing 3D space audio music is slowly but surely going into the fully surround format. Why not get into 5.1.2 or 3.1.2 musically? The amount of ambiance that could be set hearing the band play in front of you while acustically imagined rooms envelop you through the surround speakers making you feel like you are in completely different room. Or perhaps a live stage. Surrounds playing the crowd screaming and singing alongside you while the band is sounding playing from a height like at live venue. Or go nuts with surround and playing instruments all arround. Pink floyd the dark side of the moo just sounds so powerful in 5.1 (not upmix but true 5.1 they did back in the day, one of the rare bands to do multichannel version). It just sounds so enveloping with the 2D sounds now coming behind at sides hearing room echoes etc.. just wow.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

@@sermerlin1 Nice vision! I'd love to buy some PS Audio gear, but 5.1 is an essential element to my music listening, and they just aren't interested. Paul says get an amp, and never addresses what you'll lose.

[@sermerlin1]

@@MaterLacrymarum well maybe he will also change his view on surround ? If he tells others to I'm sure he is capable of it as well. He wouldn't be CEO if he wasn't capable.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

@@sermerlin1 Paul's a great guy. However, in another fairly recent video on this type of thing, he suggested that there simply wasn't much Surround Music available. Which means he's not particularly up-to-date with music releases (and there's no reason he should be, to be fair). He simply seems to have a blind spot to these things.

[@doomtomb3]

There's too much they try to stuff into AV receivers. All the digital stuff goes out of date every 5 years, meanwhile there's a perfectly good integrated amp in there that just gets tossed.

[@gtric1466]

The question is why are you thinking of the upgrade? Does your Receiver provide enough bass, clarity, do you have to turn the volume up to high, are there distortion issues. Yes an upgrade should bring better quality sound. but you don't want to short change yourself. Do you need multi channel in an AVR, HDMI, SPDIF, do you want to stream wirelessly?, How well does it match your speakers and are you looking to upgrade them as well?

[@richardt3371]

There's an AV amp on the market that straddles AV performance and 2-channel audio perfectly, and it won't cost a fortune. It's the Sony STR-DN1080, and it's the system I currently use in my library so I can easily listen to 2-channel stereo in great quality, then flick over to a 4K movie and have my socks blown off. I previously had a dedicated 2-channel amp and speakers, alongside a 7.1 channel set up, and I haven't regretted putting the 2 channel system into the loft and simplifying the set up one tiny bit. This will annoy the supposed audiophiles on here, who will be furiously typing derisory comments about AVs for 2 channel, and I couldn't care less. The DN1080 is exceptional, and until you've heard it in my set up (a modest pair of Q Acoustics Concept 20s with their stands, two REL T-Zero MkIII subs connected at line level, a Node 2i streamer, a vintage Denon DCD1500AE SACD/CD player) then you can keep your unsubstantiated opinions to yourself. The idea that you have to spend multiple thousands on separates? Balderdash.