amplifier decisions

[ECLIPSEONYA]

So I can pick up a used Rotel 1095 with 75 hrs on it for $1200 or buy a new Anthem MCA50 for $1800. ANy suggestions? Also I was led to a site called Carey Audio to look at the Cinema11 as a pre. Does anyone know much about thsi product?

 

[Adam]

I've had my eye on that Rotel model since Warp sold his to P-Dawg earlier this year. I'd love to have one, and $1200 for one that's virtually new seems like a great price. How is the cosmetic condition? If it looks new, my vote would be to get that one.

 

[cfrizz]

I'd go for the Rotel.

 

[Highbar]

I'm with the group on this one. Go Rotel

 

[Lordoftherings]

Follow my advice.

First: Get that Rotel RMB-1095 multichannel power amp (best value, better amp).

Second: Forget about that Cary Audio Design Cinema 11a pre/pro.
* If you're looking for a pre/pro, get the Onkyo Pro PR-SC886P ($900).

Cheers,

Bob

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

So where would I pick up the Onkyo for that price? I am pulling the trigger on the Rotel so I am hooked up Power wise. My question then would be do I get an AVM50v for $3800 or save my money and get this Onkyo and enjoy the extra cash in pocket? Decisions Decisions, I need a voice of reason.

 

[PENG]

So where would I pick up the Onkyo for that price? I am pulling the trigger on the Rotel so I am hooked up Power wise. My question then would be do I get an AVM50v for $3800 or save my money and get this Onkyo and enjoy the extra cash in pocket? Decisions Decisions, I need a voice of reason.

By going with Rotel and Onkyo (or Integra) will save you $3500. If you add that to your original budget for the L/R speakers you will likely gain more on sound quality for serious 2 channel music listening. A pair of B&W 800 series Nautilus, KEF reference series, Dynaudio (in the same price range), or Paradigm Signature series would be great.

Technological advances seem to have narrowed the performance gaps between extreme high end electronic gear and mid range products such as the Rotel and Anthem, so ultimately it is the speaker that determines how truthfully (fidelity) the sound can be reproduced in a given acoustic environment.

 

[cfrizz]

+10 on what Peng said. Take whatever money you save on electronics & put it to a pair of speakers.

If you can audition a pair of Dynaudio Focus 220's & a pair of Polk LSI 15's speakers do so. And any other speakers that catch your eye.

And with having the Rotel amp you will have what is needed for them to operate to their full potential. (They are both 4ohm speakers which require much more power)

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

Iagree that the money should be spent in speakers but I've already settled in on the Studio 100's, CC-690 and ADP-590 surrounds. Does the Onkyo come in silver? I am not sure if I'm ready to step up to the signature line since I am buying everything at once for mostly home theater use.

 

[PENG]

I forgot the link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C76CQ6?ie=UTF8&seller=AOK2P0ZR3L2AZ&sn=Accessories4less

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

SO go with the 885 or the 886? Were there any significant changes between the 2? There is a $200 difference which I am not concerned with but I am wondering which one is better regarded?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Here's the voice of reason.

So where would I pick up the Onkyo for that price? I am pulling the trigger on the Rotel so I am hooked up Power wise. My question then would be do I get an AVM50v for $3800 or save my money and get this Onkyo and enjoy the extra cash in pocket? Decisions Decisions, I need a voice of reason.

Here, for $999.99 -> http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKPRSC886/Onkyo/PR-SC886-THX-Ultra2-Plus-7.1Channel-3-Zone-Preamplifier/Processor-/1.html

* Save your money and go with this Onkyo Pro PR-SC886P Surround Processor. It is thee very best for that money and would easily compete with units costing 3 to 5 times more!
(And just forget about that AVM50v, it's very good, but it's expensive).
*** Bettter save your money for next year improvement Anthem D3 v3/ARC2.

-> With the extra cash, get a bigger subwoofer or two, and buy tickets for the Rolling Stones concert or Classical Opera, whatever rock your boat.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

A no-brainer.

Does the Onkyo come in silver?

SO go with the 885 or the 886? Were there any significant changes between the 2? There is a $200 difference which I am not concerned with but I am wondering which one is better regarded?

1. No, it comes only in black (also gold, but in Japan and perhaps UK).

2. The 886 for only $100 more, is a no-brainer. Much more useful features with the HQV Reon video processor and Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume, plus THX Ultra2 Plus with THX Volume Plus. So, go with the 886, it easily worth the $100 difference, period!
The 886 is the latest and the most well regarded.

They both have XLR connectors for all channel outputs, and XLR inputs for 2-channel inputs.
* At $999.99, the PR-SC886P is an absolute bargain, a no-brainer purchase, an extreme value, a top notch performer, a complete package, a gargantuan piece of high technology, period!

Bob

Note: The 885 used to be only $529 refurb (about a month ago or less), but is now $899.99
At the time of it's low price, it was the better value, but now the 886 is the better value, period!