New to Separates... need advice

[Mr Peabody]

Do you have $3k to $5k or is that what you will be building up to? Certainly making use of the old Yamaha makes sense and just adding a 2 channel amp will be the most cost effective but you will still be limited by the quality of the receivers preamp section. A couple of non-separate suggestions first. The Arcam AVR 300 will do everything you are looking for at about $2k. Very high quality music reproduction, all the latest surround decoding and 7 channels of high quality amplification. There is also a very good integrated surround amp from Primare that costs about $4k. This Primare piece will easily compete with any separates in it's price, actually for $4k I don't think you will find anything to beat it. If you have to do this in steps you have already been given some good brands to look at. I would suggest listening before you buy though. Some of the mentioned brands, although recognized as good quality, still have a different sound than others. For instance, I find Arcam & Creek fast and dynamic, where Rotel seems to be very layed back in comparison. I do not like NAD, I find their sound watered down or thin. Then you have amps like Bryston or Krell that I call "beauty in the beast" because they have excellent sound while being able to deliver it with brute force. Amps like this would probably be over kill for Def Tech but I wouldn't shy away from a good deal on one. For $3k to $5k for a total preamp/pro/pwr package you will have to stick with Rotel, Adcom or maybe B&K. The other brands will get out of your price range when going with separates. Anthem may be another option. Their preamp is about $3k but their amps are pretty reasonable. They also have 2 levels of amps, one being better than the other.

[kexodusc]

Just another alternative for you - I've been really impressed with the few Outlaw Audio systems I've listened too as well...prices are pretty good. Those M-Blocks they sell are great for building in stages.
But yeah, audiogon.com or even ebay is probably the most cost-effective way to start out. Generally people take good care of their equipment.
NAD, Rotel, and Adcom are very good (but very different) and can always be found for sale 2nd hand at a decent price.
The best part about building in stages with 2nd hand equipment, is you can usually re-sell the stuff for about what you paid for it as you continue to upgrade.
Cheers!

[psonic]

You have posted 3 or so threads on this board...

You need to get and audition, in this price range there is no clear winner... all have strengths and maybe a few weaknesses, none of us have had all amps in this range side by side, all we can do is make suggestions based on our partial opinions...everyone is going to have their favorite, but it really boils down to what you like.

[stevos2005]

You guys are absolutely right about going out and auditioning. Def Tech's sound great for home theater, but I found them a little lacking in music, compared to B&W. I really like the B&W sound, and found it very detailed. My listening/HT room is relatively small (14' x 14') so the Def Tech's powered subs would be overkill.

I also got a Denon DVD-2900 for the price of a DVD-2200, with 24-bit Burr-Brown DAC's (with on board Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-A, SACD) that I'm planning to hook up to the Yamaha's directe 6 channel discrete input, so basically the Yamaha won't degrade the sound that much.

I'll probably try to find a used pair of B&W CDM series speakers for now, and then upgrade to the B&W 700 series as I'm able to.

The $3 - $5k is what I'm eventually planning to spend for 7 channels of amplification and a pre-amp/processor (with all the Digital 7.1 formats and preferably DCDi and component video upconversion). I would be willing to go a little higher if it were worth it.

So I'm looking for an amp that will work wonderfully (by that I mean a precise, clear, true to life, but not harsh or tinny sound) with B&W CDM's and B&W 700s. People have suggested Rotel gear for B&W. I haven't heard any Rotel amps though. I wouldn't mind a warm sound, just as long as it's not rolled off. How are NAD's, ATI's, Rotels, or anything you care to comment on with B&W speakers? I appreciate your help. Listening for myself made a big difference.

Thanks!

[manek]

NAD is good....!!!