Help with next upgrade (1 Viewer)

[EarleD]

I am currently planning an upgrade for a Christmas present from my wife. I know its only August but money doesn't grow on trees and planning and saving for a purchase is half the fun.
See below for my current equipment.
I am thinking about getting another amp the power the center channel or maybe a new receiver.
When I added the B&K amp to power my mains there was a huge sound improvement. In 2 channel there was no contest the clean power of the B&K made my speakers sing like never before. In HT I noticed a definite improvement in the clarity/dynamics of the center channel. Would adding another amp for the center channel make such a noticeable improvement?
The Denon 3200 doesn't have preouts for the rears only the 3 front channels.
Or...
I have been looking at receivers. With the Denon 4800 on clearance at Tweeter for $995, the Outlaw down to $499,and the Denon 3801 going for $600 at Tweeter things are getting interesting.
I know that the 4800 will most likely be the best upgrade(not to mention that I have a old Adcom 60watt/channel amp in the closet for the rear centers), but it is most likely out of my price range right now. Hard to imagine it was $2000 only 2 months ago.
The Outlaw sounds like a great deal but the limited S-Video inputs, not to mention its slightly lower power output than my 3200 makes me nervous. Of course with my B&K amp,another 3 channel amp could take care of that. Are the adjustable Xover's on the Outlaw global or variable for each speaker?
The 3801 appears to be a damn good HT receiver and with the B&K running the fronts it should be great for 2 channel. I also have a old set of no name wall mountable speakers that could be used for the rear centers.
Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Earle
------------------
Reciever: Denon AVR3200
Speakers: Klipsch KG4.2's/KG2.2v/KSB 3.1's/SVS 20-39's
Amps: B&K Ref 4022(mains)/Fidek 600 watt(subs)
DVD: Toshiba 3109
Laser Disc: Pioneer CLD-1090
TV: Sony 32" monitor
2 pair of Aura Bass Shakers

 

[EarleD]

No thoughts at all?

 

[Jeremy Hegna]

Earle,
Yes, it is a good time to upgrade. That's the only question I saw in your post It does look like you're looking in the right areas.
The Denon 3200 was a fine receiver in it's day, but it has been outgunned by the new competition. DPLII is one format that most will tell you to find when purchasing something new right now. That's probably why you are seeing such significant cuts in prices with the 3801 and 4800. They don't include it, nor are they upgradable.
With Satellite and Cable...as well as video games, music, and VHS....DPLII will certainly add something that wasn't there before. It looks like you are a picky shopper and use your gear for a long period of time. With this in mind, I would look at some of the Onkyo gear, the new Denon gear (02 model #s), and some of the Pioneer Elite equipment, Sony ES, and Kenwood's new Soverign line-up.
DTS-ES and DD-EX may or may not be something you desire, but DPLII is something you will want now and in the future.
Jeremy

 

[EarleD]

This is the question I was really interested in.
"When I added the B&K amp to power my mains there was
a huge sound improvement. In 2 channel there was no contest the clean power of the B&K made my speakers sing like never before. In HT I noticed a definite improvement in the clarity/dynamics of the center channel. I took this as a side effect of relieving the reciever of powering the mains. Would adding another amp for the center channel make such a noticeable improvement?"
Jeremy,
Other than 3-4 non DD DVD's I have no Pro-Logic
software, so DPLII is not that important to me. I do want DTS and I have room for the 6th speaker(s) for DTS ES or EX.
Thanks
Earle
------------------
Reciever: Denon AVR3200
Speakers: Klipsch KG4.2's/KG2.2v/KSB 3.1's/SVS 20-39's
Amps: B&K Ref 4022(mains)/Fidek 600 watt(subs)
DVD: Toshiba 3109
Laser Disc: Pioneer CLD-1090
TV: Sony 32" monitor
2 pair of Aura Bass Shakers
[Edited last by EarleD on September 01, 2001 at 11:51 AM]