My current setup is a Denon x2500h, CSS Audio Criton 1TD, and SVS SB12-NSD. I originally had a 3.1 system hence the Denon receiver, but I’m wondering what would be an upgrade from there. I do enjoy the features from the Denon since I use it for my TV, video game systems, turntable (separate phono preamp so just rca in), and aux to rca for just music.
The room I’m using isn’t too big so I don’t really need the center channel capabilities, and I didn’t feel a big improvement with room correction. Does anyone have any suggestions for my situation? Not entirely sure on my budget yet, but I’m seeing how much I’ll need to spend to get better sound quality from my speakers.
Also what would help is the amount and inputs you need for the rest of devices.
What you are currently using in x2500h? So the new and possibly a integrated stereo amp would have same or atleast another way to connect all of them.
Many stereo/integrated amps tend to lack nice features AVRs have.
Mostly just the things I mentioned above, so 2 hdmi (tv and video game system), 2 rca (turntable and aux), and 2.1 system. Not sure what’s the best options for stereo/integrated amplifiers that offer what I need.
Would it be worth it to look into getting an integrated amp and just using an optical/coax DAC to rca for the tv (hooking the game systems to the tv’s hdmi input)? Would I see any sound quality improvements this way?
Yes, an option is to hook your video sources directly to your TV and use the TV’s optical output to go to a DAC. You could then get an all-analog integrated amp/receiver to handle the audio portion.
Am I correct in assuming you do NOT have a separate outboard phono pre-amp? You need an integrated amp or receiver with built-in phone stage? Or need to buy an outboard phono preamp?
I would also say check out the Denon DRA-800H receiver. It’s a 2.1 model with HDMI inputs and built in phono stage. It looks like its going rate is ~$500USD. It should be an upgrade from their multichannel AVR offerings in two-channel performance because it was built for stereo from the ground up.
Toward the higher end of your price range - and likely a substantial sonic upgrade - would be the Outlaw Audio RR2160 ($999 - but unfortunately out of stock ATM). It lacks HDMI switching, but that can be handled by your TV.
Please note I’ve not heard either of these products with my own ears. I am comfortable recommending them because I have confidence in those brands and have experience with multiple brands of receivers, including Denon.
Yes, especially if you’re using analog sources like a turntable, if you treat the room you can avoid having to do the ADC-DAC steps that room correction adds.
Take a look at the PS Audio Sprout. It has good reviews - I think Zeos actually reviewed it at some point? Buddy of mine picked it up and loves it. It has a phono input so you can sell the Mani and get some money back from it. It’s got a sub out, Bluetooth, etc.
To keep things simple and easy. I would connect all HDMI devices to TV and use Optical output to single device that does the rest. With sub-out and phono ready.
Would also sell the Mani Phono.
I considered the Maia, but ended up with separate components including the Pro-ject Phono Box DS2. I’ve really enjoyed it so far. As an integrated, I might still get the Maia at some point. Afaik, the headphone section is not the strongest, the DAC is decent, but the phono section is strong.
Interesting! I feel like this might be a good choice. I didn’t really need a headphone amp and a really good dac. Do you think the phono section would be a big upgrade from the schiit mani?
Few video reviews in German language and other more harder to understand.
Andrew Robinson mention one in his videos. He might have better review… somewhere?
I have personal experience in the previous Maia. Solidly and flawless working for 4 years now, since it’s the Preamp model it has much more powerfull 2W headphone out but the new ones don’t have… Like FiCurious mentioned. Not the strongest side.
Other than that. Quick tested the new one in local hifistore. Same type of build and quality, solid piece very nice features. I’m taking baby’s baby baby steps to vinyl, so it would be a option. Kinda just sniffing my options out.
I haven’t heard of him before until now! I just saw his review for the Denon PMA-150H and it’s $580 refurbished ($1099 regular) on accessories for less. Do you think this is a good option? Also found the Sprout on reddit for $400. I want the maia ds2 but it’s out of my budget and I don’t think it will be on sale anytime soon.
