Separates on a budget

[John Keller]

Dear audiophiles:
I am a total “newcomer” in the Home Theatre domain considering buying my first set of separates (pre/pro and power amp) for 7.1 set-up and do need a little help. My budget for pre/pro and power amp is only about $3000, unfortunately enough…
Many contributors highly recommended Outlaw 950 pre/pro model over many others. Quite frankly, I have my doubts in this regard: as far as I understand, this device is not able to decode new formats like HDCD, Dolby Headphone, DTS 96/24, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, and it is not possible to upgrade the software this model comes with (?!).
I was very impressed with the sound quality of Anthem AVM-20 / PVA-7 combo with KEF Q7 speakers, but the price is too high for me ($5200 CAD for Anthem demo pair)… A friend of mine (not a seasoned specialist himself, I am afraid) recommended to consider the following separates:
1. Adcom GTP-860II preamp/7607 poweramp
2. Sherwood Newcastle P965 preamp/A965 poweramp
3. NAD T163 preamp/ T973 poweramp
4. Outlaw power amplifiers models 770, 7100
Are these components sounding good and reliable at the same time?
Alternatively, should I save some money and go for Anthem AVM-20 / PVA-7 combo (or AVM-20 + Outlaw 770)?
I have also heard that some audio enthusiasts question the quality of CS 49400 microchips (I have no idea what they are for and why people seem to not like them…).
Far too many choices… Consequently I am totally and completely lost and do need your help badly indeed! Please give me a hand…

Respectfully,
John

P.S. Is it advisable to mix components from different manufacturers: Sherwood Newcastle P965 preamp and Outlaw 770 poweramp, for example?

P.-p.S. What are the most important specs to look for? Are the following parameters important?
THD <0.1% at rated power
IMD <0.1% at rated power
Frequency response: 5 Hz-100 kHz
Output impedance: <0.4 ohm
Damping factor: >100
Input impedance: >10 k ohms
Slew rate: 50 Volts/microsecond

 

[jeffsg4mac]

John, I have owned seperates since the 80's and I have always thought that was the best way to go, however, as of the last few years I have unlearned what I have learned. Read THIS This would be a far better choice then any of those units you mentioned both in sound quality and features. If I ever go back to seperates it will be the ultra-high end stuff; other than that it is just not the best way to spend your money with recievers like this and others like it out there. Go take a listen to this and some of the others mentioned on this site, for $3000.00 you can buy a very high-end receiver and still have the option to add another amp in the future if you think you need more power.

The short version is: if you are on a budget, then don't go with seperates.

 

[av_phile]

I would agree with the above that if you're on a budget, going separates may not be the best way to go as there are excellent receivers out there that can deliver more value for the money.

However, there is still a case to be made in favor of going separates on a budget if you have the patience and some knowledge to look for pre-owned equipment or those display unsold stocks going for less than half their SRPs.

But, with the choices you have, I would go for the NAD or Adcom separates if they're within your budget.

 

[Hipgrncln]

Anthem woes

I too am interested in where this thread goes as I too want to update my equipment. My additional concern is that I need more power(sounds political doesn't it) to push my Martin Logans. This is where I'm at for at least today.

Outlaw equipment..... good value but in need of updating

Denon..... 3805 great but not enough power
5805 great but 4K

Anthem..... no dealer locally and I don;\'t have prices for the A5...P5... and MCA 5 and unclear on specs etc

Parasound..... mostly to costly for me but the 2205 ???

Please help and Thanks in advance for info and a GREAT SITE !!!!

Bob J

 

[Shinerman]

There is also the option of going with a mid level AV receiver like a Denon 3805 or Yamaha RX-V2400/1400 and then adding an AMP. This way you get the power you crave and all the latest digital formats from the AV receiver.

Just a thought?

Shinerman

 

[av_phile]

I too am interested in where this thread goes as I too want to update my equipment. My additional concern is that I need more power(sounds political doesn't it) to push my Martin Logans. This is where I'm at for at least today.

Outlaw equipment..... good value but in need of updating

Denon..... 3805 great but not enough power
5805 great but 4K

Anthem..... no dealer locally and I don;\'t have prices for the A5...P5... and MCA 5 and unclear on specs etc

Parasound..... mostly to costly for me but the 2205 ???

Please help and Thanks in advance for info and a GREAT SITE !!!!

Bob J

Martin Logan planars really need muscle to make them truly sing. If you need more power, try auditioning Aragon and Rotel multi-channel amps as well. BTW, what's you current amplifer power rating?

 

[Hipgrncln]

The HK 7000 has only 100w per channel. I'm sure I do need more power. Wondering if the Denon 5803 bi-amped might be the ticket or what ???

Bob J

 

[av_phile]

You can always try. Biamping without the use of active electronic crossovers between the preamp and power amp and bypassing the speaker crossovers make little sense to me.

 

[LeadTrac]

I agree with Shinerman. I have a Yamaha 2400. I use it as a preamp and run it through an Adcom GFA-7605 power amp with very good and enjoyable results. I get a nice warm sound, good separation and power to spare. It is also an excellent way to work your way into separates.