Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Two new systems, $5,000 each (ballpark)

in reply to:
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He's heard the other two, but what can I tell him about the Axioms??
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Order yours first, set them up and give him an audition. Then your brother will know if they are right for him.

I'm new and researching a home theater also. I have been looking at Outlaw equipment. Sold only over the internet. I called them and they were very helpful. I'm looking at a preamp/processor and a seperate amp. They explained that this provides much better sound but it is quite a bit more expensive (about $2200) than the Denon. I figure I only upgrade/change this every 7-10 years and what's another thousand bucks? Good luck!

The question I have then, how much better sound from a pre/amp system then the Denon can I get? Companies I would be looking at are NAD, Outlaw, Harmon Kardon, any others? I don't mind spending a bit more on components because I'm saving money on the speakers.

So, mono block amps, 7.1 amps, or a combination??

Anybody got ideas??

You should try to do some in store listening test between receivers and separates and see if you hear a difference. Many people claim there will be little or no difference in sound quality.
Since you can get the very nice Denon 3805 at cost, you would probably be unwise to pay retail for separates. If you find the Denon lacking in power, you could always add an outboard amp - using the Denon as a processor and possibly the amp section to drive your surrounds.

Good idea, I'll have to compile a list of stores that carry all these units. I already see the problem with only certain brands here than there, and differernt in-store setups affecting my overall listening experience. We'll give it a try.

I also get some price breaks on NAD, Pioneer, Onkyo, Harmon Kardon, and a few others. Nothing like half price, but a substantial amount off retail never hurts. That info may have been helpfull at the start of the post, but I didn't want to influence everyone's comments simply on price. It's the sound that matters, and price, high or low, is just part of the game.

Before I go hunting for something possibly better than the Denon 3805, what do you think of the NAD T973/T163 combo?? Would that be a killer add to these Axioms at just over double the price for the Denon??

Here is an option. You may want to wait untill ALL the info is out on it but I have been very impressed with the product line. Take a look at the Emotiva Ultra Light that av123.com is coming out with. If you do want to go with seperates this is a very nice inexpensive option (about $1200.00 for both if you preorder).

Here is a link. You will have to scroll down a little.

http://www.shows.soundstagelive.com/shows/ces2005/showstoppers3.shtml

Side not: Please do not jump on me for mentioning av123.

David, the comments of Outlaw or other amp manufacturers about "much better sound" are pure marketing nonsense. If you like the features and price of the 3805, get it because no sound can be better than the transparency that it offers.

Hi JohnK, As you know I'm very partial to my amplifier . But in all seriousness I would like to better understand your viewpoint on this. This is just hobby to me and it's not brain surgery so what ever you say might help me better understand the amp versus receiver debate that always seems to happen here. You input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Tom

If it were me, I'd look at the NAD amps. They are very highly regarded.