separates vs. receivers

slyreb

I am relatively new to the board, have read what you all have to say, and have really gained a great deal of knowledge in a very short amount of time, but need solid advice...

I really would like to buy a good set of used separates (amp/pre-amp/tuner) for a 5.1 setup, but have not really had good luck finding anything. From what I can gather, it looks like a good fit for me would be (2) 3-channel amps (for future 6.1 expansion) to power everything and a good tuner & pre-amp. I have primarily looked at Adcom, Parasound, and Outlaw but would be open to most anything. Any suggestions on model #'s or general input?

If you don't think I can swing the used separates for about $1,000, what receivers would you recommend for about the same money.

Just received all of my upgraded speakers. RTi150 (fronts), FX500i (rear), CS245i (center), PSW202 (sub). Yes, I bought the towers from Crutchfield. Just couldn't pass them up because of my budget.

Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

nemos2

Welcome to the board!

I will throw my 2 cents in.

I just started the move to seperates not to long ago. I would highly recommend it.

A few questions for you first :

1. What are you using now? anything?
2. Are you going to be more music or home theater?

I have an outlaw 755 and love it. I am using a denon avr 2400 as my pre/pro. Outlaw is a great deal, and the products are rock solid. I would look at the 7100 for your needs, I know that might be a bit out of your range, but it is worth it.

If not, my Denon has been a solid preformer. Look at the the avr 2800.

Please post back with a little more info.

slyreb

I started with a RM500II/Kenwood receiver setup about 7 years ago and it performed well for my novice needs at that time. I now want a versitle system and upgraded to the speakers listed above. I listen to music and watch movies with equal frequency. I really just want good bang for my buck. Like I said, I'm not scared of used equipment. I've had good luck with it lately and the new stuff is just too far out of my price range. I've read here that the RTI150's are power hungry and really need an amp to do them justice. They sound good with my Kenwood, but I can't turn the volume up too loud or my receiver overheats and shuts down.

I plan on upgrading my sony DVD to something rated better. I need an am/fm tuner and a dolby decoder in the preamp as well. What other info will help you? Thanks for the feedback.

racer4551

What is your budjet on amp and pre-amp?

nemos2

IF you have a reciever already, check to see if you can pre-out some signals, and then just get a rock solid amp for now, and upgrade peice at a time, to cut back on the amount spent at any one time.

If you can upgrade peice at a time, it can give you more options, as you might be able to spend more on a single piece. I would look into that route.

I am sure you know, but if not, check out audiogon.com for used stuff. It's like ebay for audio gear.

I highly recommend the outlaw stuff. Great build quality, great price.

slyreb

Racer, let's say my budget is about $1,000 for amp(s) and preamp/tuner. I know I'm asking alot, but please humor me anyway. Thanks.

izafar

$1000 can get you a pretty decent setup. For used items look at ebay. You can get a carver AV series 5 chanel amp (there are various available on ebay starting from $200 to $600) along with a Denon AVR 2802, 2803 or 3802 reciever.

Here are some good listings from ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3082713610&category=39793

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3082169730&category=39793

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3082356923&category=14973

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3083111635&category=14973

If you want to go new then you can get Klipsh 5.1 pro media reciever along with the outlaw 7100 amp.

Telemundo

speaking of separates....i need one of your expert advice here....
those of you that has separates obviously wants the cleanest sound out of your speakers. But, i've also heard that the center channel is the only channel that should really be kept away from rest of the signals to make the most difference in movies, since center carries well over 50% of the audio load. So, with that advice kept in mind, should I: go with a solid receiver at the $1000 range and get the Outlaw M-block 200 watts to drive the CSi5 alone OR get a preamp (model 950) from Outlaw and use their 770 amp to drive all the speakers (200wattsx7)? I'll be using the speakers mainly for 80% movies and tv watching and 20% for music. My room size is about 10 feet wide, 13 feet long, and 8 to 10 ft tall. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Frank Z

Outlaw 770 and your good to go all the way around.

Jonesy

$1000 can do alot of good when you're not afraid of used gear. I'd look for a used amp and a new reciever to start your adventure into this insane hobby .

Check Audiogon and Ebay for 2-channel amps from Rotel, Adcom, Parasound, B&K, Aragon, Outlaw, Sherbourn and the like. A decent reciever with pre-outs like a Denon, Onkyo, Marantz, HK, Pioneer, NAD, B&K, will do wonders when the load from the mains are lifted from it's amps. You are then free to add a nice 5-channel amp when the budget allows.