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In Reply to: A/V Preamp posted by Ron on October 28, 1999 at 21:16:33:

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.

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My comparison may be instructive.