I'd suggest looking at the outlaw line. I do not have first-hand experience, but have heard nothing but positive reviews. www.outlawaudio.com
-
Get an exclusive sneak peek into our new project. >>> Click Here
-
Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.
Pre/Pro advice
I am looking to upgrade my receiver to a pre/pro. I would like to stay below the $2000 (although $1500). I do all of my video switching via an external extron switcher, so I have no need for video. I currently have 3 digital sources, in the system. I would like a system that will accomodate 7.1 if possible with either PLIIx or Logic 7. RS-232 is a must for my system integration. With my existing system I am using only dolby digital, DTS, or ProLogic, so i have no interst in the many different DSP sound fields.
I really don't want to use a receiver as a preamp, although I am sure it is a fine solution.
I have looked at the:
BK50
Lexicon MC-1 or DC-2 (used)
sherwood newcastle P-965
any other to consider or other advice?
Itai
I really don't want to use a receiver as a preamp, although I am sure it is a fine solution.
I have looked at the:
BK50
Lexicon MC-1 or DC-2 (used)
sherwood newcastle P-965
any other to consider or other advice?
Itai
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
1 - 20 of 53 Posts
Quote:
The Outlaw 950 does not have RS-232.
| Originally posted by efritz I'd suggest looking at the outlaw line. I do not have first-hand experience, but have heard nothing but positive reviews. www.outlawaudio.com |
the outlaw does not have 7.1 as far as I know.
Itai
Itai
The Outlaw 950 is a 7.1 Pre/Pro but it does not have RS-232 or PL2X. It is a very fine piece though IMHO.
Lasher
Lasher
If sound quality for music is important, I'd also add the Cary Cinema 6 to your list. I can vouch for its excellent music capabilities and from what I gather is best in its price range (retail $2500, but I'll bet you can find it for $2K if you shop around).
Doesn't have all the elaborate setup options, but for pure sound quality can't be beat in its price range.
Doesn't have all the elaborate setup options, but for pure sound quality can't be beat in its price range.
Sherwood Newcastle P-965. Do a search on this forum and see how well it is regarded for a sub $1,500 pre/pro.
The sound quality for music (Stereo & SACD) was important to me when I started my recent system upgrade. I’m using a Newcastle P-965/A-965 combo with ELAC FS 207.2 speakers (CC200.2 center) and can vouch for its outstanding music capabilities as well as its HT sound quality. The P-965/A-965 combo has a street price that is about the same as the Cary Cinema 6 MSRP.
Quote:
You may wish to look into one of the the newest 7.1 pre/pro/tuners in your price range, which is the NAD T163 v2.0 (note the version number 2.0). It has DPL IIx and sells for a little under $1500. You can find more information here .
| any other to consider? |
Quote:
I'm interested. What do you expect the RS-232 port to provide? A control interface? Firmware upgrade capability?
"RS-232" is simply a connector and electrical interface specification. There's nothing in the spec about what it's supposed to interface to.
| Originally posted by cubesys RS-232 is a must for my system integration. |
"RS-232" is simply a connector and electrical interface specification. There's nothing in the spec about what it's supposed to interface to.
Quote:
It depends upon what they will allow/enable it to do, because RS-232 can do a lot. It can be used to both automate and update if they want the product to do so. It can even add control for options you do not normally have via the remote.
RS-232 in A/V gear usually provides at least a way of interfacing with either a PC or a purpose designed home integration controller/system. And many also will accept firmware upgrades via the RS-232 as well. And more than likely you will start seeing a lot more pre-pros and mid-range/upper range receivers becoming equipped with them in the future. And in cases like the Yamaha RX-V2400 and RX-Z9, the Yamaha receiver editor software allows you some optional control over the receivers, that you are not even offered just by the remote or front panel buttons. And from what I understand, I think a few Pioneer Elite receivers have such a program available now also.
For example. I have 3 Sony DVP-CX777ES 400 disk DVD changers that are RS232 equipped, all hooked up via a small PC that using a small 13" LCD touchscreen. And it shows all my DVD's, and all I really need to do now is "touch" the title of the movie I wish to watch on my TV. And I have other programs that can control my sound system in the same manner through the RS-232, and it can also output IR commands for the TV via the "Slink-E" controller with a IR emitter, that I also have in the system. And I also have a pocket PC with a wireless card, so I can control the PC and everything it's hooked up to even without getting up and using the LCD touchscreen setup.
Such programs are easy to find, and not really that expensive. Although they are by no means cheap either...
One that's just for the Sony ES DVD changers is "DVP Genie".
http://www.ibtcorp.com/dvpgenie/default.asp
And another source, that has a "suite" of programs. Is the Cinemar "Lobby" series of programs.
http://www.cinemaronline.com/
| Originally posted by DMF I'm interested. What do you expect the RS-232 port to provide? A control interface? Firmware upgrade capability? "RS-232" is simply a connector and electrical interface specification. There's nothing in the spec about what it's supposed to interface to. |
RS-232 in A/V gear usually provides at least a way of interfacing with either a PC or a purpose designed home integration controller/system. And many also will accept firmware upgrades via the RS-232 as well. And more than likely you will start seeing a lot more pre-pros and mid-range/upper range receivers becoming equipped with them in the future. And in cases like the Yamaha RX-V2400 and RX-Z9, the Yamaha receiver editor software allows you some optional control over the receivers, that you are not even offered just by the remote or front panel buttons. And from what I understand, I think a few Pioneer Elite receivers have such a program available now also.
For example. I have 3 Sony DVP-CX777ES 400 disk DVD changers that are RS232 equipped, all hooked up via a small PC that using a small 13" LCD touchscreen. And it shows all my DVD's, and all I really need to do now is "touch" the title of the movie I wish to watch on my TV. And I have other programs that can control my sound system in the same manner through the RS-232, and it can also output IR commands for the TV via the "Slink-E" controller with a IR emitter, that I also have in the system. And I also have a pocket PC with a wireless card, so I can control the PC and everything it's hooked up to even without getting up and using the LCD touchscreen setup.
Such programs are easy to find, and not really that expensive. Although they are by no means cheap either...
One that's just for the Sony ES DVD changers is "DVP Genie".
http://www.ibtcorp.com/dvpgenie/default.asp
And another source, that has a "suite" of programs. Is the Cinemar "Lobby" series of programs.
http://www.cinemaronline.com/
You can also configure the MC-1 over the RS-232 port and save settings to a PC. I've never tried it myself. I can't remember the name of the util.
Quote:
In this case, you really get what you pay for.
| Originally posted by Cliff Watson The P-965/A-965 combo has a street price that is about the same as the Cary Cinema 6 MSRP. |
If you plan on SACD or DVD-A multi-channel audio, forget the Lexicon MC-1 or DC-2. They have no multi-channel analog inputs, and the Sony TA-P9000es units are a very difficult find.
Quote:
Actually in this case you get MORE than you pay for.
| Originally posted by HTCrazy In this case, you really get what you pay for. |
I'm doing the same research as you for a few weeks now. I currently have a B&K Reference 20 but am looking to move up to a 7 channel prepro.
Since you've listed B&K then you'll want to wait a few weeks. The new ref 50 is coming out with DLII and other enhancements. Another unit to look at slightly above the ref 50 would be the Anthem AVM30. Above that would be the Aragon Stage unit and others. There are some amazing used McIntosh and Krell stuff out there too if you don't need the absolute latest and greatest.
The Outlaw, Rotel, and Sherwood while being great pieces of equipment are considered entry level by some and should be compared to each other because they're at similar pricepoints and features.
My decision is for the Anthem AVM30 but I have no dealers in my area but a large chain electronics store. I'd rather deal with a smaller shop so I'm leaning toward the B&K Reference 50 when it comes out.
Since you've listed B&K then you'll want to wait a few weeks. The new ref 50 is coming out with DLII and other enhancements. Another unit to look at slightly above the ref 50 would be the Anthem AVM30. Above that would be the Aragon Stage unit and others. There are some amazing used McIntosh and Krell stuff out there too if you don't need the absolute latest and greatest.
The Outlaw, Rotel, and Sherwood while being great pieces of equipment are considered entry level by some and should be compared to each other because they're at similar pricepoints and features.
My decision is for the Anthem AVM30 but I have no dealers in my area but a large chain electronics store. I'd rather deal with a smaller shop so I'm leaning toward the B&K Reference 50 when it comes out.
†The Outlaw, Rotel, and Sherwood while being great pieces of equipment are considered entry level by some and should be compared to each other because they're at similar pricepoints and features.â€
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
For driving my point home to StereoJeff that the Newcastle is under-priced for the quality it provides and will be talked down by the penis-measuring folks.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
For driving my point home to StereoJeff that the Newcastle is under-priced for the quality it provides and will be talked down by the penis-measuring folks.
Quote:
You're welcome. 
| Originally posted by Cliff Watson †The Outlaw, Rotel, and Sherwood while being great pieces of equipment are considered entry level by some and should be compared to each other because they're at similar pricepoints and features.†Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For driving my point home to StereoJeff that the Newcastle is under-priced for the quality it provides and will be talked down by the penis-measuring folks. |
I just want to warn everyone that the level of hype about the Sherwood stuff is the same as it was for Outlaw a few years ago, which unfortunately I bought into.
I was excited to find Sherwood's booth at CEDIA, expecting to go home with some new gear. I listened for about 15 minutes to their admittedly less than ideal setup, but was trying to hear anything that sounded vaguely high end about the gear. I was very disappointed.
Maybe in a different system, setup, whatever, the gear IS all it's touted around here, but on the basis of what I heard, be very cautious before ordering it unless there's an easy return policy.
I was excited to find Sherwood's booth at CEDIA, expecting to go home with some new gear. I listened for about 15 minutes to their admittedly less than ideal setup, but was trying to hear anything that sounded vaguely high end about the gear. I was very disappointed.
Maybe in a different system, setup, whatever, the gear IS all it's touted around here, but on the basis of what I heard, be very cautious before ordering it unless there's an easy return policy.
1 - 20 of 53 Posts
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
AVS Forum
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
WilliamR
940 Replies
BASSAHOLIC
514 Replies
bass addict
401 Replies
Recommended Communities
