Receiver vs. Seperates

[Unregistered]

Putting together a new surround sound setup. And looking for some advice on what to power it with.

Front: Polk LSi 15
Center: LSiC
Rear: LSi FX
Sub: SPL 1200 II

Now, Initially I was going to go with a Denon AVR-3805, however, the more reading I do on various internet forums I've come to the conclusion that the AVR-3805 might be a bit underpowered and even if it has enough power, that more power is better. Now I'm thinking of going with a dedicated 5 or 7ch amp and then either using the 3805 has a pre/pro or getting an Outlaw 950 . I'm also considering going with the Yamaha RX-Z9. Disregarding the price differnece, can anyone help me with some pros and cons as well as what you would do.

Thanks

 

[Jack N]

You didn't state what your goal is, or how you intend to use your system. In a nut shell, if your system will be used more for theater, a good quality receiver such as the Denon you refer to would be a very good choice. In fact, it would be a good choice for anchoring a music reproduction system as well. I wouldn't suggest separates or external amplification unless you're really serious about music reproduction, and will be using your system far more in this role than in a theater role strictly because of the cost factor involved. In my particular application, my ratio of music vs theater is probably 90% or more for music, and the remaining few percent for theater. This is why my home theater set-up is drastically lopsided in favor of audio reproduction vs video. Not only do I use my receiver like most people do, but I also use it as a pre-amp for several (basically 8 mono-block & 3 LFE sub) amps which power additional speakers within each channel. Obviously this setup is drastic overkill for theater, but sounds exceptional for music reproduction. So use your goal or intended use to determine how far you should go on the audio side.

 

[Buzios]

First, what's your goal. Rule of thumb of course is that separates are better. But do you have the speakers and cables to support separates. Else you could go for a high end receiver like the B&K Components AVR507 which really is like having separates. I like Rotel as well. But having owned the 3805 I can honestly say that it was perfect. It's just that I ended up upgrading my speakers to higher end speakers and loved the sound of the B&K. I looked at separates but the extra cost for high quality cables made me back off and I already had very high quality cables to go with a receiver

 

[gene]

Rule of thumb of course is that separates are better. But do you have the speakers and cables to support separates.

Bruzios, who is feeding you these rules of thumbs?

1) Separates are NOT always better than flagship receivers. In fact, in most cases separates fall short when being compared to receivers within the same price class.

2) Quality cables need NOT be expensive. In fact if you are looking for cheap, but high quality cables, try Bluejeans Cable. They use all Belden cables and quality terminations. In most cases, spending more just buys you cosmetics and snob appeal.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

To add to that, the 3805 is not under powered. I have a 2803 and it is fine. How loud do you want it to go and how long do you want to keep your hearing?

 

[Unregistered]

Bruzios, who is feeding you these rules of thumbs?

1) Separates are NOT always better than flagship receivers. In fact, in most cases separates fall short when being compared to receivers within the same price class.


RX-Z9 is better than separates in the next price classes. You will need to spend $$$$$ in separates to outperform this receiver