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Re: Amplifiers
#94571 05/25/05 02:39 AM
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bug: I have a question for you. Are you going to use the pre outputs on the 3805 to drive a big amp?

I have decided that my next receiver or seperates MUST have a good selection of video switching options and be software upgradable. By video switching, I mean 2-3 composite inputs and 1 output as well as 2-3 HDMI/ DVI inputs and 1 output.

I have been looking at many websites and I sort of like the 5 channel, 200 watt amps made by Rotel, Outlaw and the Emovia. Comments on the three, both pro and con, would be welcome. However, I am not exactly thrilled with the video switching of the surround processor seperates and am not so sure about the software upgrades. I do need to go back and look at Outlaw and Emovia again.

However, the notion struck me that I could get a good 5 channel amp now (always can add a two channel for 7.1 later on) and get a relatively "cheap" referb receiver that has all the proper switching (as long as it has the preoutputs) until the overall market catches up with whatever video formats and switching become standards.

Any thoughts as to what brands/models have the video switching that I am looking for?

I was looking at the Denon 3805 and it has pre outputs and the composite input/ outputs but no HDMI/ DVI inputs or outputs.


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Amplifiers
#94572 05/25/05 04:11 AM
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Rat,

That will be the next buy, but don't know how big. 200 wpc at 8, 300 at 4. Those numbers will work well with my new M80ti's.

I'm very pleased with 3805 component switching since I can only connect to my Sony plasma with component. The new 4086 has DVI or HDMI but I'm not sure. Outlaw's new 990 has DVI. The new models for 2005 releasing this spring and summer should have the newer video connections. What you need will depend on you video unit.

I'm leaning towards Outlaws monoblocks because I can start with 2 or 3 and add more later. Emotiva, as indicated in an earlier post, is going to sell the chassis and 2 blocks for apx 1099 and extra blocks for 249. Outlaws 3 block special is 857 with free freight.

I agree that a less expensive receiver like my refurb is a good start in a ever changing market.

You can spend all night reading the forums about products. I spend time at Outlaw's, Av123's, S&V's and other forums. A lot of great stuff.

When I buy, it will be on the internet and will be from an outfit with a return policy. After trying the 60's and moving up to the 80's, I'm really pleased. I would have paid the freight to send the 60's back. It was nice for them to send prepaid labels since I traded up.

Re: Amplifiers
#94573 05/25/05 12:06 PM
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The new Denon 4806 will be out this week, I believe. We should start seeing some user reports very soon. It looks quite interesting.

Before I go to an integrated receiver, once again, I think that I will give seperates a long, hard look.


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Amplifiers
#94574 05/25/05 04:00 PM
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You know the saying. It's obsolete before you get it home.

You jump in there with a 4806. We need a resident expert.

I say that as I sit on the fence about amps

Sending you a PM



Re: Amplifiers
#94575 05/26/05 02:43 AM
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I would be interested in hearing user comments on the Denon 4806, but I can't say that its currently high on my shopping list. At $3500, I'm not sure that there aren't much better alternatives. Anyhow, the jury is still out.

I went back to the Outlaw website and took a second and third look at their new 990 pre/ processor and their 5 and 7 channel amps. That 990 really looks nice for the price. It is really loaded with features and it has DVI switching and internet upgrade capability. I currently have no intention of going 7.1 any time soon, so maybe the 5 channel amp would be all that I would need. Only problem is that they currently do not have an amp that "matches" the 990. They do, however talk about one, but who knows when? Of course, with seperates, does it really matter if they match?

If Ajax is lurking, I notice that you also post on the Outlaw board. Anything that you care to add?


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Amplifiers
#94576 05/26/05 03:07 AM
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They have a 755 amp that is 5 channel 300wpc@4 and a 770 7 channel 300@4.

Try this Outlaw 755 .

You could get the 755 and add 2 monoblocks later to take you to 7.1

Re: Amplifiers
#94577 05/26/05 03:19 AM
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I found this review of the 990

Outlaw990

Re: Amplifiers
#94578 05/26/05 03:22 AM
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Bernard, I was watching the Aviator. A long, but worthwhile movie. I enjoyed it.

If you check out that thread, you'll find that that is my one and only post on the outlaw forum. I have never heard the 990, so I can't attest to it's build, or sonic, quality. But, it seems to be a feature rich preamp, at a price which, though reasonable, is definitely out of MY price range. I'm not real crazy about it's looks, but that's just me. I'm sure many will like it's appearance.

I posted in that thread on the outlaw forum, and in a similar thread on the av123 forum, because I was surprised that many were comparing the 990 to the soon-to-be-released Emotiva UL preamp. I think they have very different target markets. I don't find the ULs stunningly beautiful either. I like the looks of the Parasounds!

I see the UL and it's amp, as a budget level combo with basic, but not skimpy, features, going for $1300 for the pair, which can open up the world of separates to many who could never afford to go with an Outlaw preamp/amp combo, or, for that matter, any other preamp/amp combo currently available. Does anyone know of a $700 preamp that is worth discussing? (I mean that as a genuine question, NOT a challenge).

I see the 990 as as a feature rich, entry level preamp. I use the term "entry level" based on price alone, and not quality. Many of the preamps we hear so much about seem to cost considerably more. Based on it's features, the 990 appears to be a real bargain. The 990 alone is $1100. With the least expensive Outlaw amp currently available, the price for the pair is $2000. I suspect the new wave of Outlaw amps will be more expensive than the current group, so the price for a pair will be even more expensive.

So, many people are trying to compare a $1300 budget combo, to a feature rich pair that goes for $2000 or more. Apples and pears, to me.

I'm assuming that both preamps are well made, quality, units that sound very good. Obviously if one unit sounds measurably better than the other, all this is moot.





Jack

"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
Re: Amplifiers
#94579 05/26/05 12:30 PM
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That's funny! Sure is strange that the only post you make over there, I happen to read. Small world, isn't it?

I agree with your analysis of the UL versus the 990. Those two surround processors are in two different leagues. The 990 is so much more feature rich. But, then, again, it is about 50% more expensive. I can't remember the last time that I got MORE than I paid for, but I sure can remember the last time I got LESS than I paid for. LOL!!!

I started looking at newer audio gear because of a potential "lip sync" problem that I may experience with the new HD TVs that I am considering. I am not really sure that there actually is a problem, but there have been reports of some "issues" by some new owners. Anyhow, my current HT receiver does not have the ability of correcting for this "lip sync" nor does it have composite video jacks. It only has one optical input and no optical outputs. It has, however, been a very good and reliable unit. It has 150 watts per channel and can drive my M80s as loud as I want to listen.

I have taken a "hard" look at the Denons, Rotel, Outlook and a few others. I saw the Rotel's at a local dealer and they sure looked nice. But, I think that their surround processors (switching features) are a generation behind what others are currently offering in their "new" units. I still remain undecided. Some of the Denons look nice but the 4806 and 5805 are a little pricey. Not out of the price range, but if I get one of them, I want to make sure that I will be satisfied with it for a long, long time.


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Amplifiers
#94580 05/26/05 06:25 PM
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I have 2 friends with Outlaw 950s, and although a very nice processor, I was not knocked over by its sound quality.

I have a new Integra DTC 9.4 and an old Sony TA E9000ES which I picked up for $400 new B Stock on ebay (about 25% the cost of the Integra). The Integra has multichannel in for SACD/DVDA, THXII, and all kinds of cool features. For HT and music I like the sound of the Sony better.

I've seen some good prices on used Marantz processors which also sound very good. As Axiomites know so well, quality and price are not necessarily coupled values.


Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
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