Hi all, I'm a little space limited in my current condo. I'm currently running an older (10 years or so!) yamaha receiver that I've had a few sound issues with. Its driving a pair of paradigm monitor 9's which have been great speakers.

The yamaha has a surround setting for phantom (no center channel) but I usually just have it with surround turned off, meaning straight stereo mode. This works fine.

So..... If I want a new receiver, here is the question:

Go with an audio style 2 channel stereo receiver (either all in one or seperates) and forgo surround sound processing? Simple is good, I only need 2 inputs (TV and media PC), and although its primarily for TV and movies how much do you need the surround effects?

Or, are the new all in one home theater processors worth it considering the lack of center channel/surrounds? Will I notice a difference between simple stereo and whatever new mode is now out?

Suggestions on equipment either way? I've been looking at outlaw audio's stuff but welcome any input.

 

Denon makes amazing amplifiers, IMO.

 

Seperates.... Always Seperates
You can start with a 2ch amp and if you pair it with a 5.1 or 7.1 PreAmp you can add a 3ch or 5 later

 

How much are you looking to spend? I also recommend going separates.

 

Thanks for the replies all. I'm only looking to spend around 1k although I'm flexible. I like to buy it and forget it so more is fine. I know that there are quite a few 2 channel amps and stereo preamps in that price range, I'm lost as to which is better. I need a short list to research.

 

In your price range Marantz has a nice 2 channel rec, Rotel, Marantz, Denon (marantz and denon are owned by the same company and share many components, marantz is a bit warmer sounding while denon is a bit more actuate and raw sounding, good match for your speaks) and others still make great integrated amps (pre amp and amp in one package). It sounds like a quality integrated amp would be a great choice for you due to size and quality sounds. Paradigm sound great with Rotel if you like a very detailed, forward, in your face kind of sound.

This is one of the best sounding integrated amps I have heard for the dollars...
Marantz America | PM7001 Integrated Amplifier

 

As you probably guessed by the speakers, I like detailed, bright sound.

Strangely enough I had a denon integrated unit driving things before the yamaha (which was a cheapy 2nd room backup) and it sounded quite a bit warmer. When the denon started to give up the ghost I switched to the yammy and what a surprise that was. Of course the denon unit was circa '97 or so, their sound may very well have changed.