new guy...need amp

[szhleppy]

i've been reading through the messages the last couple weeks, and ya'll seem to know a thing or 2 about audio equipment.

i decided that the LSi9's were the way to go for main speakers on my system, and my local audio guy almost had me sold on a system that included a denon amp (2805) along with the LSiC, LSi Rear channel, and PSW404. fortunately, i decided to do a little research first and ran across a used pair of LSi9's for sale on this forum. well, now I have these speakers and want to listen to them...

i want to set up a quality "mid-range" (although probably more towards the low range of what most of you have) home theater, which will in reality be used for music listening more than anything (jazz, rock, blues...).

i think that the NAD T763 would be great, but am concerned about some of the issues revealed in other forums. also, i have recently convinced myself that separates would be ideal. so....

1. any recommendations for a preamp?

requirements: multizone capability, great sound processing

2. any recommendations for an amp(s)?

not necessarily a monster right away....maybe something that would run the LSi9's for now, but could be moved to the outdoor speakers or sub or ...etc. later and replaced with a better/more powerful amp.

i am not in a rush to have a HT setup, and am more interested in buying quality as i can afford it. i.e. i don't need to buy the center, sub, and rear channels now, but do need a quality preamp and amp or AVR to expand on. let me know what you think and thanks in advance!

oh yeah, budget you ask? i would like to keep this first purchase around $2K (preamp and 1st amp or AVR)...and i don't necessarily have anything against quality used equipment.

[sowen010599]

What's your budget?

[Dennis Gardner]

Welcome to the forum!! Never apologize for the type of system you want to build or the brands you seem to like. We all started out with meager music or HT setups and many still enjoy their original choices. The fact that you are looking for something better than a Walmart all-in-one solution puts you in good company here at CP!!

Congrats on getting your 9s. They are top notch speakers!

For seperates, used 2 channel preamps and solid amps will be your best value.

I personally would choose a NAD or HK receiver and build on that.
It would be good quality for both 2 ch and HT and is expandable.

[TheGrayGhost]

Courtney,

I ran a full set of LSi speakers with a Sherwood Newcastle.

The Newcastle R-965 receiver is outstanding for music (and home theater) and easily drives the 4-ohm LSi speakers. The R-965 firmware can be upgraded by the user and includes auto speaker setup with microphone. Sherwood is working on a firmware upgrade that will add auto EQ.

The MSRP is $2000, but can be found for a street price less than that.

http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Audio/r965.asp

[okiepolkie]

Check out this forum post. It was pretty recent, and it dealt with some of questions you are asking.

Receiver vs. Separates (http://http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=22583&highlight=outlaw+audio)

I still recommend the Outlaw setup for the price and quality. Also, if you order the pre/pro and amp(s) together, then you get $100 towards a future purchase. You could then wait the 31 days for it to kick in, then order some cables, a subwoofer, or whatever else they offer.

Enjoy your 9's.

[del44]

szhleppy, I recently got the Rotel rsp1068 pre-pro with the rmb1075 and rm1070 amps. Great sound with HT or 2 channel. If you don't plan on 7.1 for awhile then the 1068/1075 is a good buy. I have no complaints with this setup. And it won't break the bank either.

[Dennis Gardner]

del44,

I can't believe how much difference the new paint made in your HT!

Looking good! I bet that Rotel gear made your system just that much more solid.

Dennis

[del44]

Thanks Dennis, The new paint really made the room seem more warmer and easier on the eyes. The red acoustic panels stand out more than the pics show. The Rotel gear made a great improvement. Once you go to seperates you don't go back.

[szhleppy]

Thanks for the info everyone. I have an appointment this Saturday with the local Sherwood dealer (assuming I make it back from Boston in time). Here are my current options:

1. Sherwood Newcastle R965

I like that this is phono ready and upgradable, along with the USB connectivity.

QUESTION: My final goal is a 5.1 setup, with a zone 2 that will consist of only patio speakers. Would it be a waste to use this amp to power the surrounds, center, and zone 2, while using separate amplification to power the mains and the sub?

I think that this AVR would be sufficient for my needs, but would consider adding amplification in the future as the budget allows based on the postive performance increase everyone notices when going from an AVR to separates or adding amplification.

2. Sherwood Newcastle P965 with Carver amplification

Looks like this has higher quality components that the R965. Also, allows much flexibility for me to build on. However, it also may be excessive overkill for my ultimate goal (if that is possible!)

3. NAD T163 with Carver amplification

Want to keep the NAD in mind until I hear the Sherwood. Although NAD sounds great, I am concerned with the technical issues as opposed to Sherwood, which appears to be much more stable.

Thanks again everyone. I will most likely have more questions before I pull the trigger....