Need Advice

[qqkltb]

I am currently using the Denon AVR3806 to push my 340 SE's (LCR) and 170 SE's rear. The Denon is nice however I need more. I'm thinking about selling the Denon upgrading to another Reciever or maybe seperates. I have about $1700.00 to spend. Before this setup, I had at that time the top of the line Outlaw Audio system 970 prepro and 7700 amp which was very nice but had to sell because of financial issues. So now I'm ready to improve my system. I listen to 90% music 10% movies. I've just treated my room with acoustical panels and bass traps Big Big improvement. My room is 15x16 7 foot ceiling. HDMI capability is a must. What receiver or seperates would you buy and why?


Current Setup:
DENON AVR3806
PS3
SQUEEZEBOX 3
DISH NETWORK HD
ASCENDS 340 SE (LCR) W/SANDFILLED STANDS
170 SE (REAR)
Philips 50 inch Plasma
HSU VTF-3 MK2

[curtis]

What do you need "more" of? What do you feel is lacking?

[chas]

How do you feel the 3806 compares to the Outlaw combo you had?

[qqkltb]

The Denon sounds thin (for lack of a better word) at high volumes and seems to fall apart. I guess I'm looking for more headroom and a smoother sound at high volumes. The outlaw was close but it too sometimes sounded bright to me, could've been because my room had no treatment.

[curtis]

How about trying an external amp for starters?

[qqkltb]

How about trying an external amp for starters?

Yes an external amp is the direction I think I may go, any suggestions?
How do you think the Denon would do using it as a pre? I like the Denon at low to medium volumes.

[gagamaggot]

If it were my money and I didn't want to buy used, I would look at the Emotiva special for a MMC-1/LPA-1 combo at $1499 w/ free shipping. Why not when you have 30 days to demo?

Is the lack of HDMI keeping you from just going back to Outlaw?

Also, did you use commercial of DIY treatments? Any chance you have posted the details elsewhere?

Cheers,

James

[qqkltb]

Yes the lack of HDMI is keeping me fron buying Outlaw

I'm using DIY treatment.

[curtis]

Yes an external amp is the direction I think I may go, any suggestions?
How do you think the Denon would do using it as a pre? I like the Denon at low to medium volumes.

Since you seemed to like the Outlaw, pick up a used one, or a used ATI. Maybe try 2-channel at first.

I have little experience with Denon receivers, but since you have it already, give it a shot as a pre/pro and see what you think.

[Galwin]

I purchased a Boston Acoustics A 7200 amp and switched my Yamaha RX V1400 to pre amp duties with excellent results. Like your experience with Denon, I found the Yamaha to be bright. The BA is no longer available but with the exception of cosmetics is identical to the the Sherwood Newcastle A 965. The reviews are extemely positve. I have listed some links with information below.

http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_a965.html

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...oogle&ct=title

http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=7&gl=us

http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_hsb600.html

http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/sherwood.htm