Pre/pro short list

2+2
2+2 Posts: 546
edited May 2005 in Electronics
Well, after a major buying binge this past year, it seems that I am getting to that point where I am pretty close to where I want things to be....the only exception is my TV and my pre/pro in my main rig #1. I am using my HK 230 as a pre/pro and have been impressed with it but I am sure it has its short comings.

I am considering replacing the HK 230 with one of the following and wanted to know if there should be any other items that I should consider in the same price range...cost is an issue esp. since I want a TV.

I am looking for something that straddles the hi-fi/mid-fi boundary with multiroom capability and a learing remote.

Rotel 1068 (has no tuner!)
Outlaw 990
Sherwood/Newcastle P-965

I am also open to going the upgraded receiver route although many of you hear seem to disagree with that approach...

Rotel 1056 or 1067 (Receiver)
Sherwood/Newcastle R-965 or R-865 (receiver)
HK 435 or 635

Any others I should add to the list for consideration?

Edit: Forgot to mention that use is 90% music 10% HT...so it must be musical....
System 1: Martin Logan Vantage, Rotel RC 1070, B&K Reference 200.2, Music Hall DAC 15.2, Yamaha 2300

System 2: LSi15 w/db840, Marantz SR8400, Rotel 1080, RM6800 (C&S), Sony X2020ES

System 3: LSi7, Yamaha SW215, Music Hall Maven, Music Hall MMF CD25 w/627opamps

System 4: RTi100, Harman Kardon AVR 230, Panasonic DVD
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Comments

  • okiepolkie
    okiepolkie Posts: 2,258
    edited May 2005
    They are all good choices.

    My choice on the ones you mentioned would be the 1068. It is reasonably priced and has a lot of good features. It also compliments your current amplifier setup as well.
    Tschüss
    Zach
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  • TheGrayGhost
    TheGrayGhost Posts: 196
    edited May 2005
    I assume you know that the Outlaw 990 and Newcastle P-965 share the same Etronics platform.

    The Outlaw 990 has added DVI switching and balanced analog preouts. The Newcastle P-965 has a better learning remote based on the MX-500 remote.

    The street price of the P-965 is about the same as the Outlaw 990.
    Best Regards, Cliff
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  • jmierzur
    jmierzur Posts: 489
    edited May 2005
    Not sure of the price or availability in the US, but I would have a look at the Anthem AVM-30. Firmware AND hardware upgradable from the manufacturer.

    I have been a Rotel fan for the past 12 years. The 1098 (and I think the 1068 as well) use different quality components in different channel paths. Look at Club Rotel for details.

    I will be upgrading to the AVM-30 or D-1 one day soon (I hope).

    Edit: Do you have a multi-channel amp? All I see listed in your signiture is a two-channel amp.
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited May 2005
    AVM-30 and b&k ref 50 are both a little more expensive, but _really_ nice. Ref 50 doesn't have any kind of DVI/ HDMI switching, AVM-30 will be adding it soon (allegedly this fall). Supposedly it'll be upgradable if you buy one now, but I'm holding off till it ships with 'em.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • 2+2
    2+2 Posts: 546
    edited May 2005
    okie, yeah the Rotel...I just dont like the fact that it doesnt have a tuner....I dont listen to radio much but still, it seems expensive for what you get...I can pay less and get a tuner and 5chs of amps in the 1056 (not to mention the interconnects.....although it is my understanding that 1068 sounds better...


    GrayGhost, yes, I am aware that they are brothers....I like the features of the outlaw but like the looks of the Sherwood much better....

    Great...I will take a look at the Anthem and B&K...I have actually heard the receiver that B&K makes... sounded pretty good....never heard Anthem tho...

    jmeizur, if I get a pre/pro instead of a receiver, I will yank the HK PA5800 (80x5) from my office rig and use that for surround duty and multi room duty....I will use the HK 230 for the office rig....
    System 1: Martin Logan Vantage, Rotel RC 1070, B&K Reference 200.2, Music Hall DAC 15.2, Yamaha 2300

    System 2: LSi15 w/db840, Marantz SR8400, Rotel 1080, RM6800 (C&S), Sony X2020ES

    System 3: LSi7, Yamaha SW215, Music Hall Maven, Music Hall MMF CD25 w/627opamps

    System 4: RTi100, Harman Kardon AVR 230, Panasonic DVD
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited May 2005
    I have the Sherwood and it is really nice. I bought it new for $1050.00. If you PM me I can give you the info. I have not heard the 990 but I had the Outlaw 950 and the Sherwood is far beyond it. The 990 may sound similar since it is based on the p-965.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,777
    edited May 2005
    Get that Mac from your father.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • jmierzur
    jmierzur Posts: 489
    edited May 2005
    Originally posted by unc2701
    AVM-30 and b&k ref 50 are both a little more expensive, but _really_ nice. Ref 50 doesn't have any kind of DVI/ HDMI switching, AVM-30 will be adding it soon (allegedly this fall). Supposedly it'll be upgradable if you buy one now, but I'm holding off till it ships with 'em.

    A four year old AVM-20 will be hardware upgradable to make it as up to date as a AVM-30 that ships with this feature.
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  • gregure
    gregure Posts: 871
    edited May 2005
    I'll add another vote for the B&K. Either the 507 receiver or the Reference 50 S2 would be an exceptional choice. I find B&K to be extremely musical (some would say too warm, but those I've heard say that tend to like Primare, which is way too flat and bright for music in my opinion).
    It's not cheap, but it has a tuner, and is upgradeable to their newer software when available, however that does not include hardware such as DVI/HDMI inputs and switching. Plus, the Ref 50 comes with a $200 universal remote which is computer programmable to input all of your other components, and is very functional and user friendly.
    Current System:

    Mitsubishi 30" LCD LT-3020 (for sale**)
    Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand (Rosewood)-Mains (with Audioquest Mont Blanc cables)
    CSi5-Center (for sale**)
    FXi3-surrounds (for sale**)
    Martin Logan Depth-Sub
    B&K AVR 507
    Pimare CD21-CD Player
    Denon 1815-DVD Player
    Panamax M5500-EX-Line Conditioner
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  • 2+2
    2+2 Posts: 546
    edited May 2005
    Thanks for your suggestions....Athems are too expensive. B&Ks are definately nice but I am being offered a Rotel unit locally that I am seriously considering....

    F1....LOL.......
    System 1: Martin Logan Vantage, Rotel RC 1070, B&K Reference 200.2, Music Hall DAC 15.2, Yamaha 2300

    System 2: LSi15 w/db840, Marantz SR8400, Rotel 1080, RM6800 (C&S), Sony X2020ES

    System 3: LSi7, Yamaha SW215, Music Hall Maven, Music Hall MMF CD25 w/627opamps

    System 4: RTi100, Harman Kardon AVR 230, Panasonic DVD
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  • Phil Dawson
    Phil Dawson Posts: 288
    edited May 2005
    I have a B&K Ref 10 upgraded to a 50 - yes the upgrades are worth it. I love it and use it 98% for music. Even though you may getting a tuner with whatever unit you buy, check out the quality of that tuner. The B%K tuner is crap and I have heard that there are other brands out there that are the same. It seems that the manufacturers think that no one listens to radio anymore.
    Good Luck, Phil
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,536
    edited May 2005
    The list got considerably shorter today. Hope you enjoy the new gear Daniel. Let me know if you have any questions.
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  • 2+2
    2+2 Posts: 546
    edited May 2005
    Thanks Mark..I am hoping to get things hooked up for 2ch listening at least tonight but we will see as time is kind of tight these days...

    In case people are wondering, I picked up a mint 1068 from Mark this past weekend who was gracious to offer the pre/amp for sale to me upon seeing the thread...
    I will keep an eye out for a really cheap tuner to add to the system as I hardly listen to radio.....
    System 1: Martin Logan Vantage, Rotel RC 1070, B&K Reference 200.2, Music Hall DAC 15.2, Yamaha 2300

    System 2: LSi15 w/db840, Marantz SR8400, Rotel 1080, RM6800 (C&S), Sony X2020ES

    System 3: LSi7, Yamaha SW215, Music Hall Maven, Music Hall MMF CD25 w/627opamps

    System 4: RTi100, Harman Kardon AVR 230, Panasonic DVD
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  • del44
    del44 Posts: 686
    edited May 2005
    The RSP-1068 is a good choice. The matching RT-1080 is a nice tuner. I recently aquired one on audiogon for $300.00 shipped. Good price for a really nice tuner. Although I don't listen to the radio alot either. They'er great together. Ebay is another place to check.
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