Cambridge or Outlaw?

Lsi9 · May 2005

I need to update my audio sys. the denon i have is old
Im thinking of getting the cambridge audio 540r
i hear it has excellent sound for a receiver in that price range, but the out law 950 has my attention as well, im not sure if i could/should go over budget because the 950 is pre i would need to purchase a 5 channel amp, help!

AsSiMiLaTeD · May 2005

What is your budget? Separates are always the way to go if you can afford it.

If you buy the 950 though, be prepared to spend that much on an amps as well. You don't want to spend a whole bunch on a pre and then skimp on the amp...

Lsi9 · May 2005

what do you think of this receiver driving the LSi9s

[URL=://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=MARASR5500&product_name=SR5500%20Home%20Theater%20Receiver%20-%20Black]Here[/URL]

Ive had separates but me the soundquality is not much better, im sure if you spend thousands then that changes, but I also like a clean look to my home theater, less components

AsSiMiLaTeD · May 2005

I don't know alot about that receiver, but if you go with that one, you should get it HERE instead and save some cash.

Personally, I think you'd be better off with something like THIS if you're going with Marantz, or maybe even the 7300 for a bit cheaper.

You should also look at the newer Denon stuff if you're just wanting to upgrade, like a 3803 or 3805.

Then there's NAD and some other brands too...

And by the way, your link up above is broken

tryrrthg · May 2005

Look for a used Outlaw 950 pre. They should be getting sold a lot now that Outlaw has a new pre coming out. I've seen the 950 go for as low as $450 at audiogon in the last day or two.

Lsi9 · May 2005

darn this is all so confusing with all the features to consider now DVI switching is the new thing!
I want to make lsi9s shine but my budget is limited i wish receiver brands would state 4 ohm specs

that marantz looks good polkie thanks!
but then again its 2 years old
anything new that sounds good w/ 4 ohm speakers?

Lsi9 · May 2005

Ok guys Im leaning towards the Outlaw 950 if I can get my hands on it as well as the Audiosource 5.1 monoblocks (100 watts@ 4 ohms rated) that go for about 100$ each, whatya think?
anyone have the monoblocks?

gregure · May 2005

Honestly, just because you have separates, doesn't mean it will sound good. There is no way you can get quality amps for $100, even used. I'm not familiar w/ that brand, but I'd be very surprised if you got quality sound from them. Your 9's need current, not watts. Make sure you know what you're buying beyond cost.

I would also recommend Denon over Marantz. I've heard from some service techs that Denon receivers have better build quality, better amps, and less maintenance issues than Marantz receivers. Of course, neither would really drive 4 Ohms to their full potential, although the Denon 3805 would get you closer than a lot of other units.

Save up for a system that will really display the quality of your speakers, don't dump money into a less than adequate upgrade. The NAD T773 is a great receiver, which will drive your Lsi's well. I think it's around $1500 or in that ballpark.

If you can get an Outlaw 950 used, the 7100 amp is only $900, at 165 watts into 4 Ohms, I think that would be a much better investment than the other amps.

I would suggest B&K, even the 505/507 receivers are superb and would do your Lsi's justice, but at over $3000 per unit, that may be beyond your budget.

dorokusai · May 2005

I agree, as there are alot of separates that suck....it's a generic statement to say that they are neccesary for better sound.

Just because it's an "amplifier" instead of an AVR doesn't mean it's better by verbage alone....you have to start digging to find out why....it's usually the same old story, but thats when research is the next step.

ohskigod · May 2005

i can vouce for the Outlaw 950. a solid performer for the original price when new. Its a bargain at 699.00 on the Outlaw sight and an outright steal if you can get it for sub 500.00 used. I still use it in my home theater, and have no temptations to upgrade it.

for amplification, go used. youll get more for your money than with the Audiosource. get a 5 channel amp, or maybe 3 2 channel amps and go 6.1 (the outlaw will obviously support it). If your going to spend money, i wouldnt go with another reciever, especially if you got LSi's.

used amp shortlist based on my limited experience

Rotel (my fav for home theater)
Parasound
Carver (some wont agree with me on that)
Onkyo (m-501 or higher, an m282 will suffice for surround duty though)

Cambridge or Outlaw?

Comments