New Equipment Recommendation $2000 budget

[masman71]

I have a budget hovering around $2,000 for a receiver or a pre-amp amp combo. Haven't been in the market in a while and need some recommendations as to what I should check out.

I am going to be upgrading my speakers to B&W 805S for the fronts and 803S for the rear channel, so whatever equipment needs to be able to run these speakers. Also, does anyone have a good quality A/v store they recommend in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I have been to Marvins in Fort Worth, but would like to check out some other stores for different selection.

Thanks in advance

Also, I came across the Sunfire Grand Receiver-3 while looking at what is available in the market. I think it is out of my price range, but I was curious what everyone thinks about the brand and that receiver in particular.

[clearwaterms]

more info please... Do you need HDMI switching? number of channels? Music / Movies?

[masman71]

I only plan on using the equipment mainly for 5.1 television and movies, but I do intend to use the same equipment for 2-channel listening. I Probably will not ever use it for 7.1. I do need HDMI switching. Let me know if I am missing something.

Thanks again

[clearwaterms]

would you consider used gear?

[Chris D]

masman, if you are looking at the Sunfire III, I think somebody's selling one here in our Pawn Shop for dirt cheap.

[Ovation]

The Sherwood Newcastle receiver just unveiled at CES seems like a good option to examine. Onkyo/Integra make some receivers in that price range that offer switching for HDMI (I own an Integra and really like it, so I'll state my bias). Denon and Yamaha and Pioneer Elite are also among those to consider. Cambridge Audio have a new receiver out as well and I believe it has HDMI switching. Its amp section is quite nice (I've always liked CA gear and own a CA DVD player) but it likely has fewer "bells and whistles" than the others I've listed. Anyway, that would be my list of contenders at 2000$ and under.

[rick c]

Out of curiosity why are you going to be using the 803s as rears .Would'nt the 805s as rears be better.

[masman71]

Sorry, I will be using the larger speakers as the fronts. I got confused with the model numbering.

By the way, would the recommendations be much different if I don't make HDMI switching a necessity?

[Ovation]

I would still be looking at the brands I listed above, but I would add Outlaw Audio gear to the mix if HDMI switching is not a concern.

[Azeke]

Just a quick thought, I would also consider a two-channel amp for the fronts, if you're purchasing a receiver, and if your budget allows.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[clearwaterms]

Just a quick thought, I would also consider a two-channel amp for the fronts, if you're purchasing a receiver, and if your budget allows.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

how does mixing and matching amps in a multi channel atmosphere effect the sound? I would think you would stand to gain a higher quality sound by putting in a dedicated amp with a dedicated power supply. however, if you only amped the front two channels, wouldn't you stand to lose significant timber across the front three channels, if you were still amping the center channel with the reciever?

Sorry, just trying to learn thanks.

[Azeke]

how does mixing and matching amps in a multi channel atmosphere effect the sound? I would think you would stand to gain a higher quality sound by putting in a dedicated amp with a dedicated power supply. however, if you only amped the front two channels, wouldn't you stand to lose significant timber across the front three channels, if you were still amping the center channel with the reciever?

Sorry, just trying to learn thanks.

Not really, if you amp the 2 front channels, this would be primarily for 2 channnel listening if you are so inclined. The remaining channnels including the front channnel would be used primarily in a movie setting. However, in order to retain your timber, you should ensure all speakers are calibrated (also the same speaker brand , and same speaker quality across the fronts, if possible), via a SPL meter, or auto-calibration via your receiver. Hope this helps.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[natural]

If you're looking for a receiver in that price range, I'd look at Yamaha, Denon, Outlaw Audio, or Marantz. Probably Outlaw Audio over the others as firmwear can be upgraded through the interface on their items.