Sherwood Newcastle 972 vs. the world

[rolyasm]

I know, I know. Another this vs. that thread. And, the Sherwood isn't even out yet. Probably another six weeks away. Well, here is my setup.

Atlantic Technology 6200e system with 4200 surrounds 7 speakers
Powered by Atlantic Tech Amp 7 x 120watts
Infinite Baffle 4 x 15" Avalanche by Ascendant Audio
Sub powered by Behringer EP2500
EQ'd by Behringer FBQ2496
Epson 7500ub
110" Screen Research Matte White 1.0 or 1.1 gain
Toshiba HD-DVD D3
Panisonic BD-60 BluRay
Xbox 360

I am getting rid of my Atlantic tech. P-2000. It has been great, I just kind of want to upgrade. It doen't have a few things I want.
My M-audio external sound processor died, so I can't do any more in-room measurements unless I buy another. So, I am interested in a receiver/pre that has a good setup and EQ.
That brings me to the upcoming Sherwood 972 with Trinov. I know it could have lots of problems when it comes out and may not work as stated, but for arguement sake, lets assume it will work as intended.
http://www.sherwoodamerica.com/site/newcastle/receivers/R972.html

The other receivers I am looking at are the Onkyo 906, and the Denon line-up, either the 3808 or 4308. I know there are a lot of threads about Denon Vs. Onkyo, sorry to add another. Is there anything anyone can see that really just sucks about the Sherwood or a reason why I might want to try something else? It is the cheapest of the three. I do like that it accepts RF commands, and since I don't have a Universal remote yet, it might save me a few hundred on that. I don't know what digital/analog polling is. Do many people use the second HDMI output for anything? Lastly, since I can't take in-room measurements anymore, I thought this might be a good substitute. My room is a little difficult for speaker placement and I am guessing some really good EQ will only make it sound better. By USB the Sherwood allows you to upload, share, modify your response. Sounds kind of cool. How would the Trinov compare to the Adyssey PRO version. My friend has an 806, which works pretty well, but what is the difference between the pro and non-pro version? Thanks for any replies...

Roly

 

[tom67]

Ahhhh the venerable R972........42lbs of sinew and technology unparalled by the other makers. Seriously, Equalization had been a lost art in recent years and this one has a very special system....some would argue that the wide variety of set up parementers of most recievers, are to some extent "equalization" and that is true to an extent, but I'm sure some day soon all receivers will have something analagous to the Trinov system.....I dont know anyone with this unit, but a friend has the 965 which he loves and has been most reliable.....

 

[tcarcio]

I had the 980 and the980r for years and I loved them so I can only imagine how nice and dependable this new Sherwood will be. I have an Elite now and it is very nice for the money but when I upgrade I will definitly look back to Sherwood. If you go with the Sherwood I have no doubt that you will be happy. At 52lbs that thing is a beast. Geez, now I want one.....

 

[engtaz]

Sherwood is busting the butts to put out new GUI's and other features to get back in the mix. Very favorable setup at the 2008 SOTU.

 

[rded]

You know I've been waiting for this receiver for over a year now? Sherwood Newcastle is king when it comes to dragging their feet. They make great products but I can't wait forever so I figure I'll just get the Arcam AVR 600 instead-nuff said.
BTW to answeryou question about 2nd HDMI, my receiver has a 2ndary HDMI out but its just idle.

 

[Bluesmoke]

This was supposed to be the first HD codec receiver..... It is now the last...

 

[mnnc]

I have a Boston 7120 and now using it as a pre/pro with matching amp. Same as Sherwood/Outlaw but better built I think as the recv'r alone weighs 70 lbs...ok 68 lbs. Why the other basically same models don't weigh the same...? no idea. I love my Sherwood 'clone' and can only imagine the same sound with convenience of hdmi, lossless decoding, etc. What does this thing list...about $2000? and now the blk color will match other gear.

 

[rolyasm]

yes, I think I have seen pricing at just under $2,000, but the receiver was supposed to be out last year so who really knows.

I was hoping someone would comment on what this receiver might be missing that I might really need or why it might not be the best option, apart from the never-ending wait. Or, IS it the best choice?

 

[jostenmeat]

The other receivers I am looking at are the Onkyo 906, and the Denon line-up, either the 3808 or 4308. I know there are a lot of threads about Denon Vs. Onkyo, sorry to add another. Is there anything anyone can see that really just sucks about the Sherwood or a reason why I might want to try something else? It is the cheapest of the three. I do like that it accepts RF commands, and since I don't have a Universal remote yet, it might save me a few hundred on that. I don't know what digital/analog polling is. Do many people use the second HDMI output for anything? Lastly, since I can't take in-room measurements anymore, I thought this might be a good substitute. My room is a little difficult for speaker placement and I am guessing some really good EQ will only make it sound better. By USB the Sherwood allows you to upload, share, modify your response. Sounds kind of cool. How would the Trinov compare to the Adyssey PRO version. My friend has an 806, which works pretty well, but what is the difference between the pro and non-pro version? Thanks for any replies...

Roly

A URC RF-20 with blaster is $80 shipped. One thing that it cannot do as with the better models is separately control two different systems.

Pro Audyssey entails hiring a pro to come over with laptop. Since you will fork out some hundreds of dollars, of course you want everything finalized. There really isn't a set price, and it is negotiable, but if you didn't hire him for any other aspect or sales, I wouldn't get your hopes too high.

There is also the route of buying the Pro installer kit at considerable cost, but they will not train you unless you are a pro CI.

The most enticing thing about Trinnov for some is that correction can be turned off above 300hz. The most problematic freq area is below that threshold because, I think* I've learned, the distribution of these modes is wacky.

AFAIK, no Onkyo receiver can support Pro, and only the 5308 out of the Denon receiver line. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[rolyasm]

Jostenmeat: So I see it has zone 2, but you are saying it doesn't do as much as the others? Can you explain more?