Seeking Advice For Old System

[RobJ]

Hello,

I have been lurking in this forum for a few weeks since I decided to get back into audio. I was an avid enthusiast for a number of years until a wife, kids, and career took precedence and also control of my wallet. Now I am looking to get back into audio again. Don't laugh-but my current system consists of the following:

Sherwood Newcastle AM 9080 Amp
Sherwood Newcastle R945mkII receiver (using it as a pre-amp)
Sherwood Newcastle cd980T cd player
Platinum Audio 808 Speakers (anyone remember them?)

I used the amp in a home theatre setting initially but when I upgraded the family room home theater sytem, I moved the amp into my dedicated music library room and have used it in a 2 channel set up. Overall, I have been very happy with this set-up. I have had these components since 1999 and they still play wonderfully after all of these years. I have had urges to sell them at times but they have given me much enjoyment and value, they almost seem like family

I am wondering if I should make some upgrades. I still want a dedicated 2 channel system and will certainly upgrade my speakers. I am also considering adding a Logitech Squeezebox Touch so I can have more internet/home server options for my music room. As this system still plays well, I just wonder if I should upgrade the amp and receiver as well? Are new amps/pre amps better today? Any ideas will be appreciated!

 

[slipperybidness]

New amps/recievers better? Not really, the general consensus is that the sound quality is the same (that technology hasn't changed much in the last 30 yrs or more), just the new models have more features, bells and whistles.

If only for 2 channel listening, I would use almost all the budget to upgrade the speakers as that is biggest improvement you will see. And, not what most people want to hear, but invest in acoustic treatments for the room, as that will give you a bigger improvement than newer electronics.

 

[zieglj01]

A good amp with power, is good - regardless of age.
And yes I remember Plantinum Audio, designed by Phil Jones.

 

[markw]

If you're talking two channel system, no worries: Not much has changed in that arena in a long, long time. If you want to change something meaningful, look at speakers.

FWIW, my flagship system uses a tuner/preamp made around 1990 and the power amo is from the late 90's. My speakers are a bit newer but yeserday's good two channel system is still good today.

Now, if you're talking HT, well....

 

[RobJ]

Thanks for the advice. Good to know that amp technologies have not changed much. I guess I will keep this sytem as is but will upgrade the speakers. I know that there is a debate over whther amps have different tonal qualities. I have read on other forums describing the Sherwood Newcastle amp as having a "soft" and "darker" sound than other amps. I do not think I buy into that regarding this amp. It has always provided the "oomph" I needed and I know speakers are more important for tonal qualities. Well my wife will be disappointed that I am not downsizing my equipment anytime soon! Thanks again!