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I would like to replace my Onkyo 909 pro with a good preamp. I have Adcom amps 565 monoblocks & 555II. How about the Sony TA-E9000ES. Or should I consider replacing all my stuff with a Denon 5700 A/V reciever?
I was thinking receiver vs separates too. So I compared the Denon 5700 to Rotel separates costing $4500 (985, 991, 983 I think). The sound was quite different and at first I thought the wires were crossed and the left and right channel were switched between the two setups. Then I realized that the difference was in fact a 3D effect and my brain was confused because I was expecting a small difference and it was a huge difference! The separates gave a three dimensional effect to the music and the Denon gave a flat "soundstage." I was amazed. This was no Pepsi challenge! I used blind, double blind, mulitple variables (two different CDPs, setups, different rooms, cables, etc.). The speakers were Martin Logan Aerius-i by the way, which are closest to the Magnepan 1.6QRs I have on order. I was listening to the receiver and separates in stereo 2-channel mode because I think that is more critical than movie soundtracks. The music was classical, jazz and a little rock.I don't know why there is such a difference but I urge you to listen for yourself. I also auditioned the Classe pre/pro and amp combination for $5000 and will probably go that way rather than Rotel. I hope you can get a good audition too, because that's what you really need.
Yes, I believe separates are the way to get the best processing. Denon's 5700 is a great unit, but it really lacks the dimensional processing. I am considering the Sony TA-E9000ES processer....fairly well rated in Audio magazine...I believe it was the April issue. There are lots of Lexicon DC 1 units available on Audioshopper cause owners are upgrading to the MC 1. What do you think?
There is a Lexicon dealer here but no Classe. I am ordering the Classe in a couple of months and I could compare then, but I won't have a used DC1 comparison. Some people rave about Lexicon and others pan it badly. Nobody pans Classe. I am just hoping it will work out. Lexicon, in my opinion might be good but the DC2 is really spendy (5K?) The Classe for $3K seems like good quality for medium price. Everything else is $4-5K+. Can't answer your question, really.
The Classe is a good unit. Also consider the EAD TheaterMaster Encore (also $3k) and Theta Casablanca. These are all a distinct step up from the Rotels of the world.
Ron,
We seem to be in the same boat together. This is my first venture in to high end audio/video and I am a bit confused as to whether I should purchase a high end reciever or go with seperates. I am working from my speakers back and I know they are great (Dunlavy's new SM-1 studio monitors)so I don't want to compromise their abilities. I look forward to any comments you get to clear matters up.
Hey, thanks for your response. The Denon 5700 is a great unit but I have lots of amplifiers (Adcom) and am more interested in the quality of the AC3 or DTS processing. Denon's 5700 processing is not rated as good as some stand alone units such as the Parasound 2500. Yes, I looked into Lexicon MC1 too expensive even used. I am considering the Sony TA-E9000ES very well rated. Yes, it is difficult to make a decision...everything seems to be changing sooo fast. In any case, I believe separates are the way to avoid instant obsolecsence. I welcome any comments. Thanks.
Here is where I think the separates have an edge over the receivers today;
bass management.Most pre/pros give you more flexible bass management, an example being more crossover options than just 80Hz (what most receivers have).
This means if you have full range mains it may sound better to cross them over at a lower frequency than 80Hz to a subwoofer (such as 50Hz or 40Hz), and also create a smoother transition. It also depends on the crossover slope (6db, 12db, 24db) and this can also be an important attribute when matching subs to mains.
Just my rambling thoughts as I also attempt to select the right equipment.
BruceD
Yes, I am considering separates. Do you have any experience with the Sone TA-E9000ES processor?
Well built, cheap to buy.Sounds quite good as a HT decoder on DD,dts,DPL. Better than a receiver but no match for the real high end processors. No better or worse than the likes of the popular Yamaha DSP-A1 , Denon AVR-5700 and other mid-fi HT gear. Compared to the best the Sony is rather harsh and bright.
Adequate on music. All analog signals are converted to digital, which wouldn't be too bad except the on-board DACS are mediocre.
Lacks a few essential HT features like a separate recording path.
The latest remote still sucks and eats batteries.Overall not bad for the money but strictly mid-fi.
michael w
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