Budget seperates system: thoughts?

mikejz84

Hey all, I have been thinking about building a new audio system. I have a budget of about $1000. My current speakers:
Mains: Polk Audio RTA 11t
Center: TBA (probably Polk CS 100)
Surround: JBL N26
Sub: Cambridge PSW-1

I have had the idea of separates implanted in my mind by an audiophile friend, While I only have $1000 or abouts now, I want upgrade in the future. I am leaning towards used gear. Right now In my mind I figure on getting 3 MA-500 Monoblocks (about $350), and Surround Pre-amp (yet to be determined, suggestions welcome) and for the time being use an old Sansui amp I have to drive the surrounds. Is this all worth it, or is there a better way?

Frank Z

Try this...

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11608

mikejz84

Nice, but I want a little more power

criverajr

I think these would drive your speakers nicely, send me an email and we can talk.

mikejz84

I really did not plain on buying anything yet, I just starting to think of my options. I am not plaining on buying anything for atleast 5-6 months.

wallstreet

Sorry, budget and separates don't go in the same sentence. The cheapest 5.1 surround pre-amp is made by Outlaw audio which goes for $8-900. And that my friend, is your entire budget. The next step up from entry level separates would be Rotel. I believe they're about $1700. Of course these are new prices, but I think you'd be better served going the integrated amplifier route.

dragon1952

Yeah.....it's much easier to build a budget 2-channel system. When you start getting into separates for home theater it's not easy.

jltrdavis

You should be able to pickup a Harman Kardon Signature 2.0 pre and matching 2.1 amp for less than $1k. You may also be able to get a Rotel rsp-976 / rb-985 for around $1k.

Check out audiogon. Seem to be able to get a pretty good deal on used stuff there.

mikejz84

Right now I have two ideas.

1. The HK Sig2 preamp (about $450 on ebay) along with the matching amp or another amp (MA-500 monoblock or a NAD amp)

2. A Prologic Preamp with a 5.1 In (Like the Carver CT-25.1AV, which I saw go for under $200) Along with a DD/DTS decoder, like the Technics SH-AC500 (sub $200) along with the required amps.


Opinions?

jltrdavis

There are many old "5.1 Ready" preamps but in my experience their Dolby Digital performance leaves something to be desired compared to newer units. I'd stick with a built-in Dolby Digital / DTS unit.

Also check out the Sherwood Newcastle AVP-9080.

danger boy

mikejz84,

I went the route of almost seperates myself. I have three MA500 Marantz amps like the ones you're looking at. THey are fine amps. I would suggest that you either go that route. or look for a three channel amp.... they may be hard to find.. but I think Adcom makes such an amp. Might save you a few bucks there instead of the MA500's. If you buy the MA500's online.... you have to consider shipping costs too. The amps weigh about 15lbs each boxed... maybe even more.

I too would some day like to go true seperates. What i did.. was use my Marantz SR5000 receiver as the preamp. I know it's not nearly as good as seperates.. but that's the best I can afford currently. So i use a Adcom 5400 125wpc X 2 to power the mains. and the three MA500's (also 125wpc) to power the center and rears.

good luck.. maybe you should get what you can for $1000 then add the rest of the components as cash flow becomes available. There is no reason to try and squeeze it all out of 1 grand. I usually wait for that killer deal on Ebay or Audiogon and snipe someone for some awesome deals on used gear.