Rotel RSP 976 vs. Sherwood Newcastle AVP9080R

[ahorvitz]

I'm looking to upgrade to separates on the cheap. It looks like, through Craigslist- Boston, I can get the Sherwood for about $200 and the Rotel for $250 +/-. Has anyone compared these? Opinions? I won't have the option to test them, but at these prices, I'm inclined to get both and keep only the winner. I don't think I'd take a hit in doing so. As to the limited inputs available on the Sherwood, I don't see this as a problem for me.

As for power, I'm looking at 3 Adcom GFA 535's. From what I've read, they're not great, but good, and unfortunately, not bridgeable. But would they be powerful enough? Should I anticipate that this is a worthwile upgrade from my current Onkyo 575 receiver, with my current speakers? I think I know the answer, just looking for confirmation.

30% TV, 30% Music, 40% Movies.

Thanks.

[venomclan]

Hi ahorvitz,
I cannot comment on the Sherwood or the Rotel because I have never used them. As for the Adcom 535, I use one currently for surround duty. They are a good little amp and seem to perform beyond their 60 watt rating.

What really matters is what speakers you are using them with.
Are they bookshelf or towers?
How efficient are they?
How big is your room?
Do you have a sub?
Venom

[ahorvitz]

Thanks Venom. I'm running the speakers in my signature.

I do intend to upgrade my sub in the not-so-distant future. Once that's done, and I've got separates, I'll probably want to come off of the RT1000p's. I'd probably be open to trading "down" to the 800i's.