[Thomas P.]

I could use some help here. I have a 3K budget, a Denon 4802, 2 Polk subs stacked(wife to be hates the size of them together), and the upgrade bug bitin' my butt. I looked at the Rotel today and I like it. Now, do I get a 5 channel amp and use the 4802 as a preamp? Do I try to find a 7 channel amp? Do buy the 5 channel and a seperate 2 channel amp? Do I sell the 4802 and buy a preamp and an amp? Do I just buy an amp and a small Carver sub? Do I buy the 5803? I'm puzzled. Perhaps I should do nothing? Where the heck do I find these choices in L.A.?

[Thomas P.]

I guess from the number of responses I should do nothing.

[Adam.Gonsman]

Thomas,
Beleive me, the members of the board can always find ways to help you spend money.

You list your receiver and your two subs, I presume cause those are what you're considering upgrading right now. But what do you have in the way of other speakers? Usually upgrading your speakers is the single most dramatic improvement you can make. But it depends on what speakers you're listening to already. If you already own a 4802, you may likely have speakers that couldn't begin to be upgraded on only $3k.

The 4802 is already a beast of unit. Although selling that and putting it with your budget, you'd be in a very nice position to move into some nice seperates.

Help us get a better feel for the rest of your system so we can more accurately help you find the weekest link that should be upgraded next.

[Khoa Tran]

get a 5 channel amp and use the 4802 as a pre/pro then go out to your local 7/11 and get some snacks =)

[Thomas P.]

Adam and Khoa, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I have Polk RT 100's as main speakers, and 4 800's. I was looking at a Rotel 5 channel amp. I am thinking of a 7 channel amp but there are those who maintain that the best way to go is with a 5 and a 2. I have never had seperates and quite frankly I am a bit over whelmed by the thoght of the learning curve.

[Khoa Tran]

Okay, Tom you know what, once you step into the seperates world i don't think you'll ever go back. It's just that simple, no matter how expensive the receiver is, seperates will bet it out fair and square. I believe you should audition and audition, get the feel of seperates, then decide. It's your money, it's your ears, you decide...Instead of looking at the carver subs, try looking at some earthquake subs...

[Ricky T]

Tom,

The Denon 4802 makes a fine prepro; keep it as it's far from outdated. You should get a 3 or 5 channel amp, and let the 4802 drive the rest with its healthy amps. There are plenty of used amps available in the Hardware for sale area.

Some models to consider (there are many):
- Outlaw 755 200x5 (~ 1200 new)
- Denon POA8300 120x3, three monoblock design
- Parasound 2205A 220x5 (~ 1200 used)

One new, big bad sub probably will make a bigger sonic (and cosmetic) improvement.