amplifier question?

Question

i have a Onkyo TX-SR504 that i use with my KEF bookshelf speakers for music only. will i get a better sound if i switch to this amp

Onkyo TX-8522

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/540299007

or would i be better off running this setup

Onkyo M-282

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/531299905

with this preamp

http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-Pre-One-Stereo-Preamplifier/dp/B00004UFQJ/ref=pd_bbs_4/103-0008607-4151852?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1177216214&sr=8-4

or should i just save up and buy this

Onkyo A-9555 Integrated Digital Stereo Amplifier

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-Integrated-Digital-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B000J0ORMS/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/103-0008607-4151852?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1177216436&sr=1-2

i have KEF IQ1 5.25" bookshelf's and i dont plan on chainging them i love the sound its just perfect. plus very neutral and balanced

Answer 1

Although the M-282 seems like a very good amplifier, I don't think too much of the preamp. I think there are better preamps on the market. I would go with the tx8522 receiver which has a phono preamp and AM/FM. The amplifier is excellent, 100w/ch 20-20,000 hz both channels driven and able to handle low impedence down to 2 ohms.
Soundwise, the easiest way to improve your sound is through your speakers. You did not mention which model of KEF speakers you have in mind so I cannot comment on them. I would advise you to visit some audio salons and check out what is available soundwise and buy the best that you can afford. What you are looking for is a neutral speaker that does not emphasize any portion of the sound spectrum.

Answer 2

Hi. dddd . In my opinion a separate Pre. and Power amp. is the only way to go if you want top quality sound .Each amplifier has its own unique circuit and they are not sharing components as is the case with an integrated amplifier.plus the fact that each amplifier can be upgraded individually if required .
I think it is best to buy a Pre/Power combo. from the same manufacturer so they will be compatible. But it is up to you .Some combinations from different manufactures do work well .

Onkyo do make very good equipment but i would give NAD a try.I have listened to many amplifier combinations over the years and they do sound different .The reason i like NAD is their sound quality is better than all the other ones i have listened to.That's why i bought their C 162 Pre.Amp.

If you buy the C162 together with the C272 stereo Power Amp. you will have one of the finest amps. available. Anyway i hope you get what you are looking for.Cheers,Rob.

Have a look at:

http://stereos.about.com/od/amplifierreviews/gr/NAD_new_classic.htm

http://www.amsound2.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=150

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NAC162


http://www.avland.co.uk/nad/c272/c272.htm

Answer 3

None of the above. Why would you get a 7.1 receiver if you only have 2 speakers? For music, it's better to get a preamp + poweramp like Cambridge Audio.