reciever vs. seperates - Technology Forum - Home Theater, Computer, Televisions, Personal Electronics and more!

ITRocks · 08-01-2006, 07:04 AM

Am am going to be purchasing a new HT soon, likely from definitive tech, 5.1 or 5.2 channel (might upgrade to 7 channel eventually), and all I have right now is a cheap sony 100w/c 5.1 reciever. The speakers are going to be there flagship bipolar towers with comprative matching center and surrounds, rated at 91 and 90dB/m/w. Now I know this will work to run the speakers, but it is sorta outdated (only has pro logic 1, and doesn't have neo 6 or the other newer multichannel convertors) and only 100w. So should I update to a newer reciever with all the good new stuff, or go with seperates? The speakers retail at about $7500, so I want a nice power source to compliment them. It also can't be too expensive, preferably not over $3000. Is it reasonable to get seperates for that price, or just a nice reciever? And I would like some suggestions on brand or specific models if you can please. Thanks

Semona · 08-01-2006, 07:04 AM

Yes, that is about where you reach the point at which your receiver choices become slim and separates are within reach. Take a look at the offerings from www.outlawaudio.com and the Emotiva line at www.av123.com (they have a deal for $3300 for their top stuff)

TechBoy · 08-01-2006, 07:04 AM

Seperates would be the best way to go. There are some decently priced processors and HT amps around. On one of these threads there is a Anthem processor for $1500. It is very nice. Some seperates brands you might consider: Sherwood Newcastle, B&K Components, Outlaw audio, Sunfire, Earthquake Cinenova (the last two have very powerful amplifiers considering the price).

The same companies listed above have very good recievers as well (Earthquake I'm not sure about). You might also consider an upper-end Denon. I have seen Definitive paired up with Denon many times and has always sounded great to me.

ITRocks · 08-01-2006, 07:05 AM

thanks, I'll look at the stuff

Cyborg · 08-01-2006, 07:05 AM

Another good processor/amp combo would be a Rotel RSP-1068 paired with a Rotel RMB-1075. Both of them together are $2,700 retail (you might be able to squeeze out a better deal than that though).

The RMB-1075 is 125W into 5 channels @ 8 ohms (all channels driven). A very clean amplifier for the money... I'm using its bigger brother (RMB-1095) right now driving my Dynaudio Audience system (with a REL Brittania B3 sub). Very happy.

Semona · 08-01-2006, 07:05 AM

I didn't think of that. Rotel is very good. Definitly look into Rotel they are a great buy. If you make an investment in Rotel products you will not be dissapointed. Nikko I nearly forgot you still may want to take a look of this forum. It is a Anthem Preamp/processor it is very good as well.

TechBoy · 08-01-2006, 07:05 AM

If you go the separates route, make sure it has the features you want. The entry level ones often lack things like HDMI switching which can be a big plus.

Outlaw probably has more to offer in the entry level separates department than anyone else.

ITRocks · 08-01-2006, 07:05 AM

Okay, since I am fairly unfamiliar with amps/receivers when it says "Frequency response 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.1 dB" does that mean at +/-.1 db it will only support a frequency responce between 20-20kHz? So like say I have crazy mians that get a response from 10-40kHz, from this amp anything outside the 20-20kHz range won't show up. I know we can only hear from 16-20kHz anyways, but I also know that above 20kHz helps speed up the speaker resonsivness. And does the low range not matter anyways since I will be running a sub?

I'm really confused with the Emotiva line. They have this

Emotiva BPA-1Bridgeable Power AmplifierThe Emotiva BPA-1 is specifically designed for multi-channel home theater, stereo two-channel, zone two power and passive subwoofer applications.
75 Watts x 2 into 4 Ohms / 150 Watts x 1 into 8 Ohms.

Cyborg · 08-01-2006, 07:06 AM

Their site is so confusing. I had never heard of this company before untill now I would do some heavy research about their stuff to make sure it is safe.

The site leads me to believe that it comes with the seven modules and then you must install them. If the case alone costs that much then that doesn't sound very worth it to me. I would contact the company and find out from them because they don't come out and say on their website.

The other amp you mentioned doesn't look ideal for your a application. If in fact the MPS-1 does come with all seven channels then is the cheapest, most space conservative, most powerfull, and the best looking option.

ITRocks · 08-01-2006, 07:15 AM

AV123 Makes one of the more popular ID speakers and I've read a few things about their electronics. They have a pretty active forum and will be happy to answer questions.

A frequency response of +-0.1 db means that the frequency response from 20 hz to 20Khz won't change more than +-0.1 db. 1 db is usually considered the smallest change in volume a person can notice. That's a good spec as are the rest of them.

Some amps are modular so that you can install additional modules as needed. It's not a bad idea, but it's not very common.

A bridgeable amp basically means you combine two channels into one. The is a common feature and much more so in car audio. One thing to be careful of when bridging amps is the THD usually increases. Which may or may not be noticeble.

FWIW I own 2 outlaw amps and they work great. Check out Rotel and Parasound too.