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New member Username: JwryePost Number: 1 Registered: Oct-06 | I'm trying to put together a new system to go with an HDTV I recently purchased. The speakers I am leaning toward are Ascend 340 SE for fronts and center, 170 SE for surrounds, and a Hsu VTF-3 sub. I do want a receiver that's great for video/DVDs, but I also listen to a lot of music, and I'm very picky about the quality of what I hear. I want a very clean, clear and detailed sound, yet robust and powerful. I also want to keep the cost of the receiver under $1000. Does anyone have any recommendations? |
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Platinum Member Username: Project6Post Number: 11194 Registered: Dec-03 | Very niiice set of speakers! Take a look at what Outlaw Audio has to offer. For the money I would highly recommend the Model 1070 Receiver. Really plays well with Ascend Acoustics. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 4605 Registered: Mar-05 | I'd take the $15 gamble and try this one first: http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SA-XR57S-Digital-Theater-Receiver/dp/B000FYZQSW And then, if that doesn't work out to your liking, get this: http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MARSR8500 There's a good chance the $300 Panny might satisfy you just as much as the $830 Marantz, as this thread testifies: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=720754&page=1&pp=30 |
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New member Username: JwryePost Number: 2 Registered: Oct-06 | Thanks for the suggestions. I looked online at the Outlaw 1070 and the Marantz 8500 (which is $899 at the above link, not $830). I have to say the Marantz looks like a great value, and I'm wondering how Berny thinks it stacks up to his Outlaw at basically the same price. It appears the Marantz has almost twice the power! Are their ratings inflated? And what would you say about a H/K AVR645 or a NAD 753? What do you guys think? |
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Platinum Member Username: Project6Post Number: 11221 Registered: Dec-03 | I would say that the Outlaw stacks up very well with the Marantz if not better. I would not base the decision on published ratings. The Outlaw has not been known to inflate their ratings. Soundwise I would prefer the NAD 753 over the HK, but HK is no slouch. However, you may take issue with some (not a representative of the whole line) quality control issues being discussed in this and other forums regarding the NAD HT receivers. |
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New member Username: PorkbellyBirmingham, AL Post Number: 1 Registered: Nov-06 | Remember the audio everyone hears is personal preference. I have the exact Ascend speakers you mentioned and a Harmon Kardon AVR 635 driving them. It is wonderful. The room where this system is located is about 11,000 cubic feet with lots of glass on one side and hardwood floors. Recommend you give it a try. |