Sherwood Newcastle AVP-9080?

[P-Dub]

Does anybody have any experience with the Sherwood Newcastle AVP-9080 preamp/processor?

I'd be using a HK PA5800 to power and it would run my existing Energy speaker setup. Unless I pickup a set of Paradigm Monitor 9's for cheap next week.

I've been thinking of a receiver with pre-outs as an intermediate step to seperates, but I just this and thought, hmmm...

The only thing it doesn't have is an optical out, but seeing as I don't have that at the moment, I don't think I would miss it. It's got S-video switching, which is something that I need.

It sure looks sexy.



Key Features
• Dolby Digital (AC-3) Decoder Built In
• DTS Decoder Built In
• RF Demodulator for Laser Discs Built In
• 6-Channel Direct Input
• 20-Bit A to D and D to A Converters
• Dolby Pro Logic Surround/Dolby 3 Stereo
• RF, Co-axial, & Optical digital Inputs
• Analog Bypass for Purist
Stereo Reproduction
• Switchable Phono Input
(Moving Magnet/Coil)
• Left, Right and Center Tone Controls
• Tone Direct
• On-Screen Display from Composite
and S-Video
• RNC-100 Universal Remote
• Programmable Video Input Labeling

Audio/Video Features
• Two 24-Bit DSP 56009 Motorola Processors
• 4 DSP Modes
• Source/Feature Memory
• 8 Pre-amp Outputs
(LF/2 Ctr/RF/LR/RR/2 Sub)
• 5 Rear Panel A/V Inputs (Including S-Video)
• 6 Audio Inputs
• Front Panel A/V Input (including S-Video)
• Dual Independent Video Record Out Selector
• 3 Video Outputs w/ S-Video
(1 Monitor, 2 VCR)
• DVD Input Switchable to
Component Video In/Out
• Dynamic Range Control

Tuner Features
• 4 Gang Quartz PLL Synthesized
Digital Tuning
• Programmable Station Name
• Direct Frequency Input
• Preset Scan




Paul

There are three kinds of people in this world; those that can count, and those that can't.

[Trevor Schell]

Hey Paul!,,
Treat yourself,,Go For IT!!

Don't know much about it, but it sure does look very nice. 8O




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Kevin P]

The AVP-9080 is a nice piece of gear. I have a friend who owns one and he loves it. The only thing with it now is its age, it doesn't have the bells and whistles the newer pieces have. No 6.1 anything, and it doesn't auto-detect the bitstream. You have to select DD, DTS, or PCM from the remote or the front panel. But other than that it's a well built piece of gear and it sounds great too! You won't find anything better for the price you mentioned.

KJP




Official Computer Geek and Techno-Wiz Guru of HTGuide - Visit Tower of Power
My HT Site

[Brandon B]

It's replacement is supposed to come out in the next 6 months, if you're not itching to do it now.

Basically will be the same unit updated with PLII and all the other features of their new top receivers, but with better noise and performance specs.

BB

[SiliGoose]

Here's a link to the replacement: http://www.sherwoodusa.com/2002produ...HTML/P958.html

The 9080 cannot be beat for what it's available for. However, I'd gladly pay $1000 more for something that autodetects incoming bitstreams. I cannot imagine what a pain in the ass that has got to be.

The P958 ought to remedy that problem.




-Sili

[Brian Bunge]

The lack of auto detect really isn't a big deal. I've got the R-945MKII receiver (first receiver on the market to do onboard DD & DTS decoding) which also does not have auto detect. The only time it is ever an issue is if I want to watch a DTS movie. Then I have to switch from DD to DTS. Otherwise, once you set up the audio mode for each input it will remember that each time you choose that input. For example, on my receiver I have VCR1 set for DPL and it always comes up in DPL mode; CD is set to stereo and always comes up in stereo mode, etc.

If you can get the unit under $500 then I'd say go for it!

Brian