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In Reply to: OTOH, I'd still rather have separates. posted by Harmonia on November 18, 2004 at 19:32:21:
I think the reason for the "rage for receviers" is that it is all in one box, fewer interconnects, less chance for error for the "less knowledgeable".
Follow Ups:
Actually, I'm getting a receiver 'cause it's (relatively) cheap, offers more features-per-buck than a seperate, provides good-enough amplification for surrounds, and does it all in one box, in that order of importance.I was bouncing between getting a nice, used surround processor and a multichannel amp, and a really nice, year or two-old receiver. For the same price, you just can't get a seperate surround processor with all the features as a medium/high-end receiver. For $800, I can get a last-year model Yamaha receiver with:
-Just about every surround decoder available (Except PLIIx)
-Automatic speaker level adjustment with microphone
-Very flexible bass management (important for my maggies)
-Easy on-screen setup
-Component video switchingA similar seperate surround processor at that price wouldn't have half the features (I was looking at used Meridian 561, Rotel and Lexicon gear) Then tack on a good quality 5-channel amplifier that's rock-solid at 4-ohms (the Yamaha has no problem with maggies) and you're looking at another $700-$900. So for about twice as much you're buying some flexibility (not *that* much more, the Yamaha has pre-outs and can be used as a standalone processor), but loosing a bunch of nice features and using up more rackspace.
I'd love a Meridian 561 sitting on a nice NAD or Adcom multichannel amp, but the flexibility you gain is far outweighed by the features you loose and the price you pay.
I would go with the Meridian 561 as it has nearly the features of the Yamaha receiver - although a few a "manual" such as the speaker level adjustment with an inexpensive SP meter. You will be listening, not to the features, but the design of the system, which the Yamaha will not be able to compare to the 561. I've owned a 561 for about 3 years and think it is truly great. It also has a very comprehensive set-up interface that is accessed via the serial port on the back through a PC. Very easy to use and customize. You would also have more amp options and the 561's can be had fairly inexpensive on the used market. Good luck.
B&K receivers are basically seperates in one box. The preamp sections are the very same as their seperates. Very flexible with audiophile sound.
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