Budget seperates system: thoughts?

[mikejz84]

Hey all, I have been thinking about building a new audio system. I have a budget of about $1000. My current speakers:
Mains: Polk Audio RTA 11t
Center: TBA (probably Polk CS 100)
Surround: JBL N26
Sub: Cambridge PSW-1

I have had the idea of separates implanted in my mind by an audiophile friend, While I only have $1000 or abouts now, I want upgrade in the future. I am leaning towards used gear. Right now In my mind I figure on getting 3 MA-500 Monoblocks (about $350), and Surround Pre-amp (yet to be determined, suggestions welcome) and for the time being use an old Sansui amp I have to drive the surrounds. Is this all worth it, or is there a better way?

[Frank Z]

Try this...

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11608

[mikejz84]

Nice, but I want a little more power

[criverajr]

I think these would drive your speakers nicely, send me an email and we can talk.

[mikejz84]

I really did not plain on buying anything yet, I just starting to think of my options. I am not plaining on buying anything for atleast 5-6 months.

[wallstreet]

Sorry, budget and separates don't go in the same sentence. The cheapest 5.1 surround pre-amp is made by Outlaw audio which goes for $8-900. And that my friend, is your entire budget. The next step up from entry level separates would be Rotel. I believe they're about $1700. Of course these are new prices, but I think you'd be better served going the integrated amplifier route.

[dragon1952]

Yeah.....it's much easier to build a budget 2-channel system. When you start getting into separates for home theater it's not easy.

[jltrdavis]

You should be able to pickup a Harman Kardon Signature 2.0 pre and matching 2.1 amp for less than $1k. You may also be able to get a Rotel rsp-976 / rb-985 for around $1k.

Check out audiogon. Seem to be able to get a pretty good deal on used stuff there.

[mikejz84]

Right now I have two ideas.

1. The HK Sig2 preamp (about $450 on ebay) along with the matching amp or another amp (MA-500 monoblock or a NAD amp)

2. A Prologic Preamp with a 5.1 In (Like the Carver CT-25.1AV, which I saw go for under $200) Along with a DD/DTS decoder, like the Technics SH-AC500 (sub $200) along with the required amps.


Opinions?

[jltrdavis]

There are many old "5.1 Ready" preamps but in my experience their Dolby Digital performance leaves something to be desired compared to newer units. I'd stick with a built-in Dolby Digital / DTS unit.

Also check out the Sherwood Newcastle AVP-9080.

[danger boy]

mikejz84,

I went the route of almost seperates myself. I have three MA500 Marantz amps like the ones you're looking at. THey are fine amps. I would suggest that you either go that route. or look for a three channel amp.... they may be hard to find.. but I think Adcom makes such an amp. Might save you a few bucks there instead of the MA500's. If you buy the MA500's online.... you have to consider shipping costs too. The amps weigh about 15lbs each boxed... maybe even more.

I too would some day like to go true seperates. What i did.. was use my Marantz SR5000 receiver as the preamp. I know it's not nearly as good as seperates.. but that's the best I can afford currently. So i use a Adcom 5400 125wpc X 2 to power the mains. and the three MA500's (also 125wpc) to power the center and rears.

good luck.. maybe you should get what you can for $1000 then add the rest of the components as cash flow becomes available. There is no reason to try and squeeze it all out of 1 grand. I usually wait for that killer deal on Ebay or Audiogon and snipe someone for some awesome deals on used gear.