Using 2ch Amp for L & R of HT, wow what an improvement!

[dlb]

This thread is spot on to the issue I have.  I am running a Cambridge Audio 540r v3 with KEF Q5 floorstanders and some KEF surrounds and centre channel.

 

I find that in 5.1 digital mode for movies the setup performs satisfactorily, particularly with the sub kicking in the bass.  But for 2.0 mode the Q5's seem really underdone.  The CA 540R allows for the L and R to be connected to a separate 2 channel amp whilst running the surrounds and centre from the AVR. I am wondering if this will solve my problem (can then run my TT straight into the 2ch), or if it is just the Q5's?

[Jventer]

This thread is spot on to the issue I have.  I am running a Cambridge Audio 540r v3 with KEF Q5 floorstanders and some KEF surrounds and centre channel.

 

I find that in 5.1 digital mode for movies the setup performs satisfactorily, particularly with the sub kicking in the bass.  But for 2.0 mode the Q5's seem really underdone.  The CA 540R allows for the L and R to be connected to a separate 2 channel amp whilst running the surrounds and centre from the AVR. I am wondering if this will solve my problem (can then run my TT straight into the 2ch), or if it is just the Q5's?

In theory you should get better 2 channel and 5 channel sound if you add an amp for the fronts. Normally the reasons are that your AVR then need to run less channels and that the 2 channel amp will be better than the AVR as it does not need to do all the other stuff an AVR does.

The reality will depend on you budget. 

Would it be possible to demo an amp in your system?

I will leave it for the other members to comment on the Q5's

[betty boop]

definitely if want to run your TT straight into the 2ch grab a 2ch integrated with phono stage and most importantly a ht bypass. eg can partner with the lovely cambridge 851A

 

 

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/products/azur-851a-integrated-class-xd-amplifier

 

and will be a decent match sonically with your cambrdige avr plus give you both a pre and power upgrade for both 2ch and also ht by taking load off your avr to drive. fr your TT you will likely need a phono, but cambrdige make those as well and could use one of those between the TT and 851A 

[JkSpinner]

I have just done this, added a CA 851a. I have not tested the sound on HT bypass, however the new 2 channel sound is so much better to my Denon AVR. I am no audiophile but would describe the sound as laid back, silky smooth and very clear. I like it, and so does the Minister of Finance.

definitely if want to run your TT straight into the 2ch grab a 2ch integrated with phono stage and most importantly a ht bypass. eg can partner with the lovely cambridge 851A

 

 

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/products/azur-851a-integrated-class-xd-amplifier'>http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/products/azur-851a-integrated-class-xd-amplifier

 

and will be a decent match sonically with your cambrdige avr plus give you both a pre and power upgrade for both 2ch and also ht by taking load off your avr to drive. fr your TT you will likely need a phono, but cambrdige make those as well and could use one of those between the TT and 851A 

[dlb]

definitely if want to run your TT straight into the 2ch grab a 2ch integrated with phono stage and most importantly a ht bypass. eg can partner with the lovely cambridge 851A

 

 

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/products/azur-851a-integrated-class-xd-amplifier'>http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/products/azur-851a-integrated-class-xd-amplifier

 

and will be a decent match sonically with your cambrdige avr plus give you both a pre and power upgrade for both 2ch and also ht by taking load off your avr to drive. fr your TT you will likely need a phono, but cambrdige make those as well and could use one of those between the TT and 851A 

Sounds like it is worth adding a 2ch amp to get an improvement. I like the look of the CA851. At this stage though I think I would prefer to keep an eye out for a good second hand one if any SNA'ers have got something.

[betty boop]

Sounds like it is worth adding a 2ch amp to get an improvement. I like the look of the CA851. At this stage though I think I would prefer to keep an eye out for a good second hand one if any SNA'ers have got something.

 

theres always ebay

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/851A-Cambridge-integrated-amplifier-New-model-big-sweet-sound-NAD-/271162688933?pt=AU_Electronics_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item3f228e45a5&_uhb=1#ht_572wt_1114

 

or if thats stretching the budget, there is also the previous model in the 740A which is also very well respected, and a bargain here from klapps ebay store

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cambridge-Audio-740A-Integrated-Amplifier-Dark-Finish-Ex-Display-No-Orig-Box-/271107482808?pt=AU_Electronics_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item3f1f43e4b8&_uhb=1#ht_2237wt_1114

 

also if dont mind yamaha, theres always the a-s2000 integrated from eastwood at $1799 or $1899

 

http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/specials.html

Edited February 28, 2013 by :) al

[JkSpinner]

Synergy had some ex demo stock availale for around the $1500 mark, they also had some 740's. u can get the brand new for $1600 if you ask nicely?

[dlb]

Thanks guys. Going to save up some clams. This hobby is expensive!

[mdm1979]

I played a cd from my Oppo 105 recently & noticed a remarkable improvement. Since then I have purchased an Emotiva XPA-5 power amp & Emotiva XSP-1 pre. The XSP-1 has a HT bypass. Just waiting on a new AVR to hook it all up. Aiming for a Yamaha 820 at this stage. The improvement will make my most listened to music sound new again.