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=sherwood+A-965+amplifier&hl=en&um=1&sa=X&oi=froogle&ct=title

http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:XTNPU3WSTZEJ:www.sherwoodusa.com/pdf/A965_from_TSS_review.pdf+sherwood+A-965+amplifier+reviews&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=us

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

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

[merrymaid520]

I also use a yamaha 1300 with a BA Ref. 200.1 amp to run my ascend 340 SE's (LCR). I think it sounds awesome! The amp adds a bit of punch and clarity the yamaha just cant do. (moreso at higher volumes). I think having a quality receiver as a pre/pro and a decent powerful amp really is the best bang for your buck. Unless you really have tons of $ to burn on expensive seperates:)

Good luck with your search!

Brandon

[Gov]

Emotiva LPA-1 $499 shipped!! Use you Denon as a pre/pro. You will be quite happy I think!

[qqkltb]

Emotiva LPA-1 $499 shipped!! Use you Denon as a pre/pro. You will be quite happy I think!


Hey Gov, I don't won't to half step for this upgrade. Do you think the LPA-1 would be a noticable improvement? Have you heard the Emotiva MPS-1, if so what did you think?

[Gov]

In my opinion, running very efficent easy to drive Ascend speakers, the MPS-1 would be totally unnecessary. You will maybe notice a 2db gain with the MPS-1 at ear bleeding levels, hardly worth the extra money. I even spoke to Emotiva about this. I was told that the MPS-1 is only better than the LPA-1 if you are running very inefficent low ohm speakers. You know speakers that dip as low as 2 ohms or so. The Ascends do not do this. Also, if you have a very large room the MPS-1 might prove to be better in that case only because you may get that 2db gain at high SPL's. The LPA-1 is very good bargain and truly one (if not the best) deals in home audio going right now. Try and find a negative word about the LPA-1, I have not yet.

And, no, I have no heard the MPS-1.

[qqkltb]

Hey Gov, I decided to try the Emotiva LPA-1 just recieved it today, couldn't wait to hear it. After hooking it up and listening I'll have to admit, you were 100% correct, this thing is a beast. This is exactly what I was looking for. I can't believe you can get this sound and built quality for such a low price. $499.99 shipped is unheard of! :)

[Gov]

Hey Gov, I decided to try the Emotiva LPA-1 just recieved it today, couldn't wait to hear it. After hooking it up and listening I'll have to admit, you were 100% correct, this thing is a beast. This is exactly what I was looking for. I can't believe you can get this sound and built quality for such a low price. $499.99 shipped is unheard of! :)

Glad to hear it!! It is a great deal!!! What are you using as a pre-pro the Denon?

[qqkltb]

Yes, I think I'll hold on to the denon until I can find a Preamp with HDMI at a reasonable price. Thanks again for the heads up

[Gov]

enjoy!