Upgrading to Seperates (1 Viewer)

[Todd_Kam]

My current system includes:

Reciver: Sherwood Newcastle R-863
Front: Paradigm Studio 40s
Center: Studio CC
Rear: Axiom M22ti

I'm having trouble deciding between upgrading to the Outlaw 950/7100 combo or keeping the R-863 to use for pre-amp duties and put all the money into an amp. What do you guys think?

Forgot to mention budget is $1500-$2000

 

[Arthur S]

Todd

You don't mention a subwoofer. I would spend $500 (delivered) for an HSU VT-2. After that I would upgrade the video portion of your system. Something with built in line doubling, but not flat screen. The flat screen adds hundreds to the price and is not that big a deal, although it is nice.

You will hear and see more spending your money this way than upgrading your electronics.

Artie

 

[Robert McClanahan]

Go with power first.At least double your current power.You will not regret it.

 

[Daryl Furkalo]

I went from a Pioneer Elite receiver powering my Studio 40's to a Rotel RMB-1075, definitely the way to begin, MORE POWER!

 

[Todd_Kam]

Somehow I completely forgot to mention that I do have a sub, SVS 20-39cs+ so that is taken care of. So a power upgrade is next on the list of things to get.

 

[Arthur S]

Todd

What I can tell you is that I went from a 100 watt per channel Nakamici receiver, that has excellent sound quality to a 400 watt per channel Citation 7.1 power amp. All I can say is the Citation held up very well compared to the Nakamichi. On a scale of 1 to 100, I would rate the Nakamici a 9.5 and the Citation a 9.6. Still, I always wanted a big ass amplifier and this thing while not physically huge, weighs between 70 and 80 pounds.

Artie

 

[Ricky T]

Artie,

The small 0.1 rating difference could be due to: your speakers not needing more than 100 watts and the citation's bridged 450W is not as good as the unbridged 150W (some have cited this). Have you tried the Citation unbridged for your mains and your center? Also, I think a classic Nak receiver's amps are probably more solid than the Sherwood 863's.

Todd,

Would you buy used or demo?

 

[Todd_Kam]

Yes I'd certainly buy used or demo gear

 

[Ricky T]

Todd,

I can suggest a few 3 channel amps under 1200 used.

Bstock with warranty, Citation 7.1 150x4 from very reputable Link Removed for $995 (retail 2800). Use it as a 3 channel amp. Later, if you go with 7.1 and a prepro, just pickup a 2nd Citation.

Also:
parasound 2003 220x3 (800)
acurus 200x3 (600)
bryston 5bst rated 120x3 -- tested 160x3 (1200)
lexicon 312, same amp as 5bst (1000)
rotel 993 200x3 (700)
adcom 5503 200x3 (895 bstock, also at JSV's)