[tangvtien]

May I ask which Pre/Proc/Amp/Rec allows the highest sound quality within the range of $200-1500(2.1 Stereo of course)? Do you prefer Separates or a Receiver? I do not need the bells and whistles as I prefer the highest sound quality receiver.


I did audition the Rotel RC-1070 and RB-1070 along with the B&W DM603-S3 and as of now that is my favorite due to sound clarity. However those listed above is pretty pricey and would ask if there are better choices within those price range. Anything that sound similar to this set is preferable.

I am considering the PSP T45/T55/T65, KEF iQ9, Paradigm Monitor 11, and Monitor RS6 Speakers so the recommendation of the Pre/Proc/Amp/Rec would most likely be for those speakers.


Few considerations- Panasonic XR55, Denon 2807, Pioneer Elite, Yamaha, Marantz, Outlaw Audio.


Thank you in advance.

 

[jacob_coulter]

I would recommend the Harman Kardon HK3480 Stereo Receiver. I really like the sound of Harman Kardon, and this model puts out 120 real watts.


You can find them for around $250.


The models you have listed are more high-end, but I honestly think you would get 95% of the performance with the Harman Kardon for a lot less money.

 

[tangvtien]

Thank you for the response, and how important is the source? DVD-Source.

 

[scorch123]

tangvien,


Some things I have learned from limited experience - just my opinions:


Pick the right speakers for your room and your tastes. Huge speakers in a tiny room, tiny speakers in a huge room will both sound bad in different ways.


Pick the amp/receiver/integrated amp with proper specs to drive those speakers.


Pick the preamp/linestage source switcher that accomodates your source(s).


A good quality source is quite important - make sure to get one that plays the music formats you need/want. Just as important is good quality source material to play.


*


Can you describe what kind of sound you're after? What kind of music do you listen to most?


- Steve O.

 

[Ou8thisSN]

While I havent auditioned your speakers, we recently upgraded to separates for our Klipsch speakers with Rotel's separates, namely the RSP-1068 pre/pro and the RB-1080 amp. I just love it, its showing me the depths of our system I've never heard before and I'm rediscovering our CD collection all over again. If you can afford it, I do hope you seriously consider separates. After having receivers for so long, I seriously cannot contemplate going back. Unless you have a very pressing need for all the features that receivers have (eq, room correction, hdmi switching, etc), you really should go for separates and in that route, Rotel gives you a very uncolored sound that wont break your wallet. I've heard good things about Outlaw too but never auditioned their stuff.

 

[tangvtien]



Quote:
Originally Posted by scorch123 /forum/post/0


Can you describe what kind of sound you're after? What kind of music do you listen to most?


- Steve O.

The clear sound of the RC-1070 Preamp and RB-1070 AMP. I auditioned the same set of speakers(B&W DM603S3) through the Rotel RSX-1070 receiver and the difference was of course noticeable. The separates have more details and clearness when compared to the Rotel RSX-1070 receiver.

 

[scorch123]

tangvien,


My first "hifi" loudspeakers were B&Ws. If I could take my experience today back to college, I probably would have chosen differently. For example, I recently heard a vintage pair of Spica loudspeakers in the same room as my old B&Ws, and those sounded VERY clear and accurate.


If you haven't already picked out your speakers, I'd audition more. If you can audition by borrowing speakers and setting them up in your room, you will learn a lot about your room, what works with you (and others that might be living in your home, too), and what does not. Tht way after you make your final decision, you probably won't want to upgrade for a while.


In my opinion, that "clear" sound will be shaped most by your loudspeakers, then speaker placement and room acoustics, then your electronic gear & tweaks.


- Steve O.

 

[tangvtien]

Thank you.

 

[SMS1977]

Tangvtien:


I just recently bought some new speakers (energy RC 30's), and I was also looking at some of the same ones you are looking at, most notably the Monitor Audio RS6's. My advice would be as follows:


1. listen to as many brands of speakers that interest you as you can;


2. listen to different types of music (i.e. not just jazz or classical which will sound clear, detailed, etc. on any decent speaker)


3. once you narrow it down to a couple of pairs of speakers listen to them on more then one occasion (preferably at different dealers) before you buy them.


When I went looking for my new speakers I went to my usual hi-fi store and he played me the energy's, which I initially didn't like (I thought they were a bit too laid back, they were being powered by a bottom of the line Yamaha 2 channel, and also thought that my guy was directing me to products he carried). However, he told me to that I might like paradigm's or monitor audio or B&W.


So I went and listened to a bunch of speakers elsewhere and almost bought the monitor audio RS6's because they had enough bass for me and sounded really clear and detailed (bear in mind that the store had them bi-amped and hooked up to top of the line pre/pro's that I could/would never buy).


Anyway went back to my local guy to ask him what he thought of the RS6's and it was my lucky day becasuse he had a pair to demo. So I heard the RS6's side by side. This time both were played on arcam equipment (avp700/p1000) and neither were bi-amped. I found that the "clarity" and detail of the RS6's to be tiring and annoying after about 30 mins.


Long story short first impressions aren't always the best or what you should go by.

 

[tangvtien]

Ah thanks, I don't need the latest video upconversions but mainly sound quality. A few other recommendations were to find the lowest priced receiver with pre-out and to purchase a crown xls-202/402 amp. What are the opinions on that?

 

[scorch123]

tangvien,


I have never owned a receiver - I can't comment on that.


I own three Crown XLS 402B pro audio amps and use them for surround sound HT. I've had mine for almost three years with zero issues. I had to mod them so their cooling fans were silent. Also, you have to watch out for ground loop hum caused by an unbalanced 1/4" TS or RCA to XLR balanced connection.


I got my pro audio amps because I was initially on a very tight budget, and I tried a set of them from my local Guitar Center. They were a step up from my Yamaha integrated amp - that's for sure.


- Steve O.

 

[tangvtien]

Thanks for the replies, I decided to purchase a Denon AVR-987 and a Panasonic XR-57K(No restocking fee for returns) to compare with an old Onkyo receiver on my Infiniti 2000.6 Reference Speakers. The difference was NOT very noticeable in SQ. Could it be that the DVD Player($100) be the main cause of the similar sound? If so, I should invest in a better dvd player perhaps?

 

[tangvtien]

Could I wait for the Onkyo 805 receiver which has the Burr-Brown DAC and expect it to perform exactly the same as the Denon 3930 in terms of sound quality from dvd music videos? Or are there better alternatives? Such as a Panasonic XR55 and a high end dvd player? Again sound quality is top priority for dvds.

 

[Jonomega]

Being completely honest, for 1500$, I would buy the Rotel RB-1080, RC-1070 in a heartbeat. I have the 1070,1070 matchup for 1200$ and I like it a lot.


I run 2.1 with B&W 804s and ACI maestro XL.

 

[mattburk]

check out the emotiva rsp-1, It has a great review over at secrets