What The World Needs Now

What I would like to see is full function two-channel pre's, integrated's and receivers that give away nothing in terms of functionality, to state of the art A/V receivers. Give me bass management, remote tone controls, auto/manual EQ, and the latest connectivity options. Build in wireless network connectivity and built-in streaming comparable to Squeezebox and Roku. Basically, what I'm saying is why can't we have A/V receivers and pre/pro's that are just 2-channel? With or w/o video capability?

Surely I'm not the only person on earth who would be interested. Or am I? (...hmm)

May 11, 2008 - 12:15pm

CharlyD

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Last seen: 11 years 6 months ago

Joined: Jul 20 2006 - 4:01pm

Re: What The World Needs Now

I agree there is a huge disparity between the feature set offered in A/V receivers/processors and stereo components. First of all, there is also a significant difference between the number of A/V receivers sold and 2-channel stereo amps. There are also widely divergent market expectations for these segments. For A/V receiver buyers, the available feature set is of stronger interest vs. for buyers for 2-channel stereo where fidelity is more paramount.

If you really want all the features in a 2-channel setup, buy a good A/V processor and configure it for 2 speakers. Integra/Onkyo, Denon and Marantz have all introduced processors with all the features you're seeking. Granted you'll be buying features you won't be using, but the cost for these processors isn't all that high.

May 11, 2008 - 9:57pm

jdm56

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Last seen: Never ago

Joined: Sep 5 2005 - 2:03am

Re: What The World Needs Now

Yeah, just buying an A/V receiver and using it for two-channel seems like the easy option, but I have a problem buying all those amp channels if I don't intend to use them. Seems like such a waste! What would be cool, and in fact is starting to happen, is if you could configure the extra amp channels for use with a two channel system. Such as bridging some amp channels to drive woofers or passive subs, bi or tri amping your speakers with the multiple channels available, etc. I believe Onkyo and maybe others are going down this road now. Still, I'd love to see the industry come out with forward thinking 2-channel pre's and receivers that take two-channel performance seriously. Or, at least more flexible, 2-channel adaptable multi-channel A/V gear. Oh well, I guess I'm probably voicing the opinions of a niche within a niche...within a niche!

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