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Your AVR's preamp section isn't the bottleneck you think it is. A Marantz Cinema 50 ($1,500) with KEF R3 Meta towers ($2,200/pair) as mains delivers audiophile-grade stereo AND reference surround. Here's how to build a system that satisfies both obsessions.
After three months switching between a dedicated 2.0 stereo setup (KEF LS50 Meta, $1,600) and a 7.1 surround system for music listening, stereo wins for critical listening and it's not a debate. But surround has one trick that changes everything for casual listening.
Most AVRs killed their phono inputs years ago. You need an external phono preamp ($50-300) between your turntable and your receiver's analog input. The AT-LP120XUSB has one built in. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon doesn't. Here's exactly what to buy and how to wire it.
KEF LS50 Wireless II ($2,800/pair) vs KEF LS50 Meta ($1,600/pair) plus a Denon AVR-S760H ($350). Same driver, same brand, wildly different philosophies. Powered speakers are taking over desktops and small rooms. Passive still owns home theater. Here's where the line is.