Sherwood Newcastle P965

[musicmorepower]

I have owned my Sherwood A965 and P965 pre-pro for about 2 years. Sherwood posted a new update to the firmware. After I attempted to load the new firmware my set up mic stop working. Sherwood tech support suggested that I re-flash it and it should work but it didn't. After that it wouldn't stay on, I would turn it on and it would turn off. I sent it out for service and got it back 2 months later unrepaired ( parts not available). So I opened the unit up and started the process of elimination, after I removed the DSP board the unit stayed on but there was no display. I emailed Sherwood with these results. I got an email from Sherwood asking me why did I think it was the DSP board causing the problem. I explained after removing the DSP board the unit stayed on but without a display and if possible they could send me a replacementDSP board. I have yet to get a reply. Should I just toss it or is there a solution to this? The wife has approved the purchase of the Yamaha RX-Z9, I plan to bypass the internal amps and connect it to the 7 Outlaw Audio 2200 mono blocks I just ordered. I am hoping this combination will work well with my Maggies ( MMGW MMGC MMG)and my Mirage OM200.

 

[Seth=L]

There is no reason to get such a large receiver as the RX-Z9 to use it as a pre/pro. It doesn't even have HDMI support, LOL.

I would suggest selling the Sherwood pre/pro as-is on eBay or Audiogon if you can't find or get replacement parts for it, certainly don't throw it away, if you you are going to do that just send it to me so I can play with it, I'll pay shipping.

What sources do you have to connect to a receiver or preamp/processor, and what display will you be using?

A receiver like the Onkyo TX-SR705, Yamaha RX-V1800, Denon AVR-2808CI would all work as great preamp/processors to feed the Outlaw Monoblocks you just ordered. Integra has a very nice pre/pro out for under $2000 that has awesome HD scaling ability along with every feature you could possibly think of.

IMO, the RX-Z9 is outdated and lacks the features that you might be looking for. It just doesn't fit with your criteria for the money, basically you would be paying for a few extra connections and a monster internal amplifier you wouldn never be using, and not to mention the rack space that tank would consume.

You owe it to yourself to spend less on a pre/pro or receiver and perhaps upgrade your subwoofer with your money saved, you win from basically all fronts.

 

[musicmorepower]

My system :
Panasonic DMP-BD10 blu-ray
Sony VGX-XL2A Digital Lifestye System
Sherwood P965 Pre / Pro
Sherwood A965 7ch amplifier
(2) Sony VGP-XL1B 200 disc dvd player-burner/cd /player
Hitachi 55PD8800TA 55 " plasma
7 outlaw audio model 2200 (enroute)
Magnepan MMG 4 MMGW MMGC
mirage OM200

Is there any real difference between the outlaw 990 and the Sherwood P965?
I ordered one last night only to find out that it is a clone of the P965.

 

[Seth=L]

My system :
Panasonic DMP-BD10 blu-ray
Sony VGX-XL2A Digital Lifestye System
Sherwood P965 Pre / Pro
Sherwood A965 7ch amplifier
(2) Sony VGP-XL1B 200 disc dvd player-burner/cd /player
Hitachi 55PD8800TA 55 " plasma
7 outlaw audio model 2200 (enroute)
Magnepan MMG 4 MMGW MMGC
mirage OM200

Is there any real difference between the outlaw 990 and the Sherwood P965?
I ordered one last night only to find out that it is a clone of the P965.

So you decided to order a pre/pro from Outlaw eh? I have heard they are the same, Sherbourn is also a version of the Sherwood pre/pro.

IMO, you should go with the Integra. It has a suggested retail of $1600 and supports all the newest HDMI features. It can decode the high resolution multichannel PCM from your Blu-ray player. The build quality is excellent as well.

 

[musicmorepower]

What about the Onkyo TX-SR805 I saw one on line for $899. I run my HDMI directly to my plasma from my blu-ray and my VAIO, I don't use any scalers and I run all 7 analog outputs form the blu-ray and optical from the VAIO to my pre/pro. I would like to get my hands on the HK AVR 7300 or the Pioneer VSX 9300TX, any comments on these? I think I am going to list my P-965 on Ebay (as is).

 

[Seth=L]

What about the Onkyo TX-SR805 I saw one on line for $899. I run my HDMI directly to my plasma from my blu-ray and my VAIO, I don't use any scalers and I run all 7 analog outputs form the blu-ray and optical from the VAIO to my pre/pro. I would like to get my hands on the HK AVR 7300 or the Pioneer VSX 9300TX, any comments on these? I think I am going to list my P-965 on Ebay (as is).

It would likely be better to use HDMI vs. the Analog outputs, HDMI will give you the ability to use the receiver or prepro's bass management and other audio settings not accessible in analog direct input. The Onkyo TX-SR805 is a good alternative, cheaper still would be the TX-SR705, and that seems like a better deal seeing how you won't be using the receiver's amplifiers.

I only suggested the Integra because it does feature a high end scaler and it is a pre/pro. Mid-fi receivers can work just as well as pre/pros, but some refuse to believe that.

 

[musicmorepower]

change

I am looking to upgrade my system, I have $3000.00 to spend. I currently have:
Magnepan MMG
Outlaw 990
2 Outlaw model 2200
Mirage OM-200
2 Klipsch SUB-10

I am looking at buying a new preamp, new amplifier(s), center and surrounds
any suggestions at the above mentioned price range