The Glade 4.0

So Im discovering my Onkyo AV amp doesn't make such pretty noises for my stereo sources - it recently went pop (the display) and I sent it back for repair under warranty. During that time I hoiked my old old Marantz 2 channel amp from the bedroom and it did duty. For the AV sources, obviously, not having 5.1 wasnt as nifty, but for the stereo sources it was pretty revelatory. The CD and turntable sounded better. Way better.

So I'm considering what stereo amps I should demo to drive the fronts, which will then be attached to the pre-outs on the AV amp. Ideally I guess the stereo amp would have line inputs for sub, left, right with a one time base gain set and volume override assignable to the inputs so that when in use the stereo amps volume made no difference, and the AV amps volume was controlling all 6 speakers. Is that possible?

I'm eyeballing a Marantz PM8003 I found on very special offer, but the reviews of it aren't astounding (however, with the discount maybe its worth it...)

I'm driving Tannoy Arena Highline 500's and a TS500 sub, and inputs are a Marantz CD-63SE and a modified NAD 533 (Rega p2 clone) with Ortofon 2m Blue on it.

Thoughts?

None here Sui. Sorry, that's a bit above my pay grade.

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"Dress cops up as soldiers, give them military equipment, train them in military tactics, tell them they’re fighting a ‘war,’ and the consequences are predictable." —Radley Balko

No probs ;-p thanks for replying! Kaybe I can find you a fire extinguisher ;-p

I'll get back to ya when I'm ready to put the entertainment room in the basement (in about a year), maybe then I'll have a better opinion.
Nah, the fire extinguisher is pointless, the flames always come back.

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"Dress cops up as soldiers, give them military equipment, train them in military tactics, tell them they’re fighting a ‘war,’ and the consequences are predictable." —Radley Balko

If you go with something that has lackluster reviews, regardless of savings, I feel like you're just setting yourself up for disappointment (the exact situation you're in now) in the future.

This. I have so many friends that talk themselves into a lower model just so they can buy it TODAY. Regarding A/V equipment, it generally has a pretty long lifespan (speakers doubly so, receivers seem to be shortening due to artificial changes in the technology). Generally, I've been happier longer when I wait to buy the one I really want (and haven't replaced it as quickly).