Receiver vs Processor & Amp Question

[Darkaine]

Hello all,
I was just curious for some opinions on whether or not it would be overkill to use a separate amp and processor on my system. I have Rti 6's in front, Csi 3 center, Rti 4's rear, and Csi 3 for rear surround. My apartment living room layout won't allow for a 7.1 system. I am considering either a Harmon Kardon avr-230 or 330, but have started looking into the possiblity of separate amp and processor, possible outlaw audio equipment. Is it worth the extra money with the speakers that i'm currently running?
thanks for the help

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

That's actuallya nice set up, all you'd need to do is add a sub one day when you move out of the apartment....

Anyway, I don't think anyone here will tell you NOT to go separates...it's just a matter of what you can afford. There's nothing to do with your speakers that should keep you from going separates, your speakers are worthy of anything you want to power them with (within reason). I would not throw down $8000 for one of the Krell set ups, but I'd look for good prices on a processor and amp. You should be able to end up with something really good for under 1K.

I've never heard the Outlaw, but alot of people here seem to love it.

[jdhdiggs]

Unless you are planning to move to a larger place or getting substantially more difficult to drive speakers, there is no absolute need to move to seperates. The sound quality may improve, but I doubt it would be a good use of your $$$ at this time. IMO...

[Frank Z]

Increasing the volume isn't the only reason to get into seperates. Increased sound quality is a major factor for most people that upgrade to seperates. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with using a receiver, but the next step in the evolution of a receiver based system is the addition of a seperate amp or jumping in feet first and getting a seperate amp and preamp.

[Darkaine]

actually i already have a sub too, my neighbor has one as well so we tolerate each other :) , it's only a JBL Pb-10 but it works well in the small room. I was thinking that i may just get the avr-230 which has preamp outputs and slowly add separates as possible. I was just wondering if the sound quality difference with the separates is pretty big?
thanks again

[pjdami]

If you haven't bought anything yet and can afford it I vote for the seperates vs. using the receiver as a prepro. Do it right from the get go and you'll be rewarded with a very sweet sounding system.

[Ron-P]

Increasing the volume isn't the only reason to get into seperates. Increased sound quality is a major factor for most people that upgrade to seperates.
Exactly.

I bought 4 Adcom Amps (GFA-535s), a Klipsch dd/dts pre/pro and an Outlaw ICBM, all for just under 1k. The increase in sound quality was quite noticeable. Having experienced both worlds, I'd recommend going separates. It's a bit more expensive, but well worth it.


Peace Out~:D

[Darkaine]

well to be honest the only reason why i'm looking at the avr-230 to start is b/c I can get one for around 200 bucks. That said i don't have to have a new receiver right away, my current one is dolby digital and will work. What would you recommend as a reasonable priced preamp/processor?
thanks again

[Frank Z]

For someone that is just getting into seperates I would strongly recommend an Outlaw 950. It has all the features you'll need/want and the price can't be beat for featues you get. Add an Outlaw 7100 amp and you're ready to go. Even if you don't need the extra 2 channels, you could bi-amp your mains for improved 2 hannel performance. You'll be hard pressed to find another brand that will offer the same features and performance for the same price (less than $1600 for both...brand-spankin' new).