I've posted a couple times in other threads asking about the 886's 2 channel performance, but I thought I'd ask the question again. My 970 is at Outlaw being repaired, but I've been thinking for quite a while about adding a pre-pro or an av receiver with Audyssey or some other room correction for multichannel and HT use. I don't have a separate 2 channel setup, and I want a pre-pro or receiver (as a pre-amp) that also provides quality 2 channel audio. I know I'm going to sacrifice some sq vs a 2 channel only system, but I want something that will sound decent. I'm leaning toward ordering the 886, but for you users out there, how does the 2 channel audio sound? I'd really prefer spending about $600 on an avr with pre-outs and multichannel analog ins, but I'm not sure the sq for 2 channel is going to be what I want. Any thoughts? Thanks.

I use the 886 for music every day. I love it in a 2.2 mode. My mains are Klipsch RF-82 and I have 2 subs mated to them. I really like the way the Audyssey works for my setup. I use a 7125 for the amp and have it connected via 5.1 for HT. I am thinking about setting up zone 2 into a pair of Magnepan QR 1.6 speakers. I play CDs and MP3s through the 886. I don't have "golden ears" by any means but I likes what I likes.

I like my 885 quite a bit for 2 channel for digital. I am not as impressed with the 885's analog performance. Not sure if they improved that on the 886 though. I'm running it into 1.6QRs, that are actively crossed to some dipole woofers, and run 2 channel in direct mode (woofers are flat to at least 25Hz, so I don't use the subs for 2ch).

So consider that a thumbs up.

Unless one is willing to keep waiting, and waiting, for the 997 or spending 4-5 times as much on an Anthem or Denon preamp, the Onkyo/Integra preamps seem to do everything and do it reasonably well. There is the Marantz AV8003 too, with some lacking features but perhaps better sound.

I have read in a number of professional reviews saying that the Onkyo/Integra are quite good for digital sources but mediocre for analog as Brandon B says. What I do not understand, is that except for the RCA connection from the back of the preamp to the board, I would think that digital sources must use all of the same analog circuitry after the DACs. No? Or could the DAC circuitry actively compensate for something lacking in the analog part? But I'm not an electrical engineer.

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me either, since I am basically using it in bypass mode. Just seems to be a little lacking.

Haven't researched, but maybe there is a concealed A->D, D->A going on as so often seems to be the case in these products, and their A->D step is poor.

Thanks for the feedback. I guess at this point I know if I want something with room correction I'm going to probably sacrifice on 2 channel analog performance, but at the current price of the 886 and the fact that it's 'last year's' product line, I am leaning toward a receiver as a pre/pro. I'm looking at a couple of Pioneer Elite receivers.

Here is something to think about, og33. With your 7500 amp and most preamps you would have the option of using balanced cables. You would lose that capability with any receiver.

I haven't heard any sonic downside to the analog side of my 886. I basically have my iPod connected to the CD input through a cheap Dynex dock. It sounds the same as the OPPO through the optical port in pure audio mode. The biggest difference is that through the optical port you can do all kinds of manipulation to the digital realm.

Brandon B.
What amp are you using to drive the Maggies?

True, but I have such a short run between the amp and processor/receiver that I don't think using balanced cables will make that much of a difference.

2 of these:



One for the 1.6s and one for the dipole woofers.