My research: AVR v/s Integrated amplifier sound quality

[ISO]

Why two channel stereo sound on AVR is inferior compared to integrated amplifier?

You will find this question on every HiFi forum.

I did some research on my Yamaha AVR...

1. Bass treble control is put on zero or bypass.

2. All adjustable DSP parameters are put to zero.

3. Adjusted 'dynamic range setting' to min or auto.

4. EQ= Off.

(Any way I don't use DSP effects so it makes no difference to me)

Sound on stereo mode is now clean and high frequencies are more clear after doing above adjustments.

I know on 'Straight' mode DSP is bypassed but I suspect dynamic range control and global bass/treble controls are implemented by DSP processing. So DSP is not bypassed fully even on 'straight' mode.

 

[rajiv_kulkarni]

3. Adjusted 'dynamic range setting' to min or auto.

D.Range setting to min is used for low volume purpose, STD/AUTO is default compression.

MAX is NO dynamic range adjustments.

I'd suggest you set the D.Range to MAX and check if that further improves.

Thanks & best regards,
Rajiv

 

[ISO]

D.Range setting to min is used for low volume purpose, STD/AUTO is default compression.

MAX is NO dynamic range adjustments.

I'd suggest you set the D.Range to MAX and check if that further improves.

Thanks & best regards,
Rajiv

Before it was max. Sound is better to my ear at min setting.

But you are right MAX is no dynamic range correction.

 

[newlash09]

I think it is more than a plain avr vs 2 ch amp scenario. Sound quality depends on synergy between the amp and the speakers. Just buying one expensive pair of speakers and one expensive amp is not a gaurantee for happy sound . Well matched cheaper systems can infact sound better than the more expensive I'll matched ones at times.

In most of the avr advise threads, most people are looking at power and number of channels . Not many are auditioning the said avr with the planned speakers. Hence the disappointing results in my opinion. However when buying for a stereo system, people insist on listening with the setup they want to buy. And if they don't like the sound, the hunt continues till they are happy. I think this results in the general grouping that stereo Amps are better for music.

Not withstanding the above a well matched stereo amp will always out perform a well matched avr , due to superior componentry and better damping characters. Basically the stereo amp can control the speakers drivers better than an av amp, because of more robust power supplies.

 

[prankey]

I consistently get better sound than a lower powered and non discrete = integrated amp on Marantz and Denon AVRs. Yamaha earlier models had flat sound signature and hence used to sound harsh for music. It all depends on the warmth of the sound as most integrated amps have warm sound and aggressive bass and treble controls which makes them sound quite warm.

Pre-amps on AVRs focus on high gain and hence can't accommodate excessive bass and treble adjustments and get distorted if pushed too high through external source. For flat sound, AVRs are far superior to me for their clean, noise and distortion free high quality and power.

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[Deleted member 38504]

Not always true. My marantz SR6009 sounds way better than my marantz pm6005. Then again, there is the price difference of about 50k INR.

So maybe a high/mid level AVR will outperform an entry/mid level stereo amp.

Having said that, my cheap 1970 Sansui stereo amp sounds way better than my marantz SR6009! Go figure!

 

[ketanpote69]

Surely vintage wins over new day amps or avr due to design n components moreover i find the internals are very cool to rectify . I used to always believe pricey stuff sound good n had many amps marantz yamaha pioneer parasound and moreover but the bumped into a sage of vintage n after few trial my entire perception changed about vintage and got baptised into vintage gear . I thank my vintage guru n forum member for this beautiful experiences.


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[newlash09]

The bluesound powernode which costs exactly half the marantz SR 6011 , sounds better than the marantz with the qacoustics concept 40. With or without room correction etc.

Again the marantz SR 6011 paired with the qacoustics Q7000i sound way better than the above two combinations. So after different pairings with the kit at hand, I felt that Synergy is of utmost importance. So go figure

 

[Deleted member 38504]

Exactly. So there is no conclusion that a stereo amp will always sound better than an AVR or vice versa. Too many other variables at play.

 

[newlash09]

I would fully agree celester....it has to be a synergy of amp + speakers + room. And audition is the only way to mail it right.