asindc
Well-known member
I have built my system by starting down a similar path. When I bought my first pair of MLs, the Ascent-i, I had the top of the line Pioneer Elite receiver, the 49TXi. Knowing that I would go to separates eventually, I did run the Ascents on it with some satisfaction. Later, I added a Sunfire Cinema Grand 5 to the mix and used the 49TXi as a preamp. Much, much better.
Now, I have a dedicated 2-ch system. As I upgraded my preamp/amp combo, I have gotten significantly better performance along the way. If you can add at least a good multi-channel amp to the Onkyo and use the Onkyo as a preamp, I would imagine that the improvement you experience will be similar to my own. If budget is a concern, that is the upgrade I would recommend. Rotel, Parasound, and Sunfire all make very good multi-channel amps that offer good value for the money. I would also look at Emotiva. I use an Emotiva 3-channel amp in my HT setup and I highly endorse it.
Now, I have a dedicated 2-ch system. As I upgraded my preamp/amp combo, I have gotten significantly better performance along the way. If you can add at least a good multi-channel amp to the Onkyo and use the Onkyo as a preamp, I would imagine that the improvement you experience will be similar to my own. If budget is a concern, that is the upgrade I would recommend. Rotel, Parasound, and Sunfire all make very good multi-channel amps that offer good value for the money. I would also look at Emotiva. I use an Emotiva 3-channel amp in my HT setup and I highly endorse it.