[Travis]

I am currently running a Denon 3805 to a complete Axiom setup and can't help but think that I could get more out of my system. I am thinking about moving the 3805 upstairs and going the separates route in it's place. Here is what I am looking to accomplish, so please tell me if I'm nuts.

I am running a 7.1 setup so the new processor has to have the equivalent of DPLIIx. I have a total outlay of about 2700, (I know not a lot by today's standards) but would like to keep it under this if possible. Used is an option to keep costs down. Here are some of my thoughts?

Processors: RSP 1066, B&K Ref 50, Outlaw ?, Lexicon MC1

Amps: I would prefer one that packs 7 channels in which would be ATI, Sherbourne, ?, but am open to combos (have room if needed).

Any advice or suggestions are appreciated. I guess the biggest question is, would going to seperates be a night and day difference? Those of you who went from a receiver to sep., did you notice a big enough difference to justify the cost?

Thanks,
Travis

[Wyatt_Y]

OK, here's my .02

Night and day difference - I just went from a Carver C1000A (5 x 200w@8ohms/300w@4ohms) to a Lexicon MC-8 and Gemstone 7 x 200w@8ohms/400w@4ohms) driving 4 ohm,fairly efficient speakers. Given the similar power capabilities and discounting the 5.1/7.1 difference and the newer decoding formats, the pure audio performance is very close - I wouldn't say "night and day" difference. But you've got to take into consideration the receiver you're starting with and it's power output & speaker impedance capabilities.

Now you've got a full-featured, late model receiver. I think you'll be hard pressed to find comparable separates within your budget (including all processing and switching capabilities of the 3805) that will significantly surpass the 3805's power output...

A better starting place might be to keep your receiver and use it as a processor and get something like the Outlaw 7x200 amp to drive your speakers. I don't know the efficiency/impedence of the Axioms to know if they might be taxing your receiver when driving 7 speakers. Another option would be to get separate amplification for your left+right+center and let your receiver do the surrounds...

Those are my pennies!
Wyatt

[Travis]

Wyatt,

Thanks for the reply. That's the answer I thought I'd get. The 3805 is a pretty capable receiver in it's own right. The Axioms are very efficient speakers. The M60's and QS8's are 8ohm and the others are 6 ohm. They have a sensitivity of around 91 db if I remember right.

Here's the next question concerning keeping the 3805 and adding an external amp. I have all my speakers set to small with a xover of 80 hz as per THX recommendations. If I add say a Rotel 1075 or even say I step up to the Parasound 2205, am I going to notice a difference in the extra watts with that efficient of a speaker. Also seeing as they are all set to small with most of the bass being sent to the sub?

[mackie]

When I added amps to my 3803 to drive my paradigm speakers with the crossover set to 80hz, I didn't notice much difference.