Sunfire vs ICE

[nooshinjohn]

I do not want to start a flame war with this post. I am comparing my current rig to a Pioneer Elite...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&item=370195502647

I feel the weakest component in my current setup is my Yamaha and am looking to replace it with something better when I came across this. My question comes down more to the power section of the Pioneer vs. my Sunfire. I concede already that the Pioneer is a far superior piece of gear as a pre/pro is concerned. Am I better off just looking for a better pre/pro or getting the Pioneer and be done with it. I run my setup 70/30 between music/movies.

thanks guys

[leroyjr1]

The Pioneer Ice is COLD and the Sun-FIRE is HOT. Hope this helps.:)

[nooshinjohn]

LMAO.... I thought the same thing but being cool can be hot too. Just ask that Hilton chick. Any opinions on the amps?

[ben62670]

Buy a solid pre and buy a solid amp. Be done with it.
Ben

[leroyjr1]

I would talk to Sherardp as he has the Ice and Fire setup.

[John K.]

John, you don't detail why you "feel" that your 861 is a weak point, since it would appear to be excellent as a pre-pro. If you mean that some processing feature that you want is missing, then consider a receiver which includes it. For example, the Denon and Onkyo receivers which include Audyssey auto-calibration and room equalization.

As far as the amplification itself, there doesn't appear to be any good reason why your present Sunfire wouldn't be at least as capable as the Pioneer which you mention. There's no special magic in either the "ICE" amplification technology or any other. As long as there's flat 20Hz-20KHz frequency response with inaudibly low noise and distortion(which is typical these days), nothing more is possible from an amplifier.

[ben62670]

All amps that spec 20-20khz with the same distortion specs do not sound the same.
Ben

[WilliamM2]

I think your weakest link would be that you have a surround system with four different series of speakers, and no sub. You'd gain a lot more with just a sub, than from changing your pre or amp.

Besides, the Sunfire seems to be a great amp, far outperforming the Pioneer.

[Sherardp]

I run my SC07 as a pre, I have it paired with Sunfire/D-Sonic Amps. If you want the in your face processing the elite has to offer, go for the SC-05. and use it as pre/pro

[mantis]

I run my SC07 as a pre, I have it paired with Sunfire/D-Sonic Amps. If you want the in your face processing the elite has to offer, go for the SC-05. and use it as pre/pro

I agree. You already have a nice amp, why not just add a nice preamp like using the SC-05 or 07.

Nothing wrong with the SC-09 , I actually am debating if I should buy it myself.

Dan

[heiney9]

As long as there's flat 20Hz-20KHz frequency response with inaudibly low noise and distortion(which is typical these days), nothing more is possible from an amplifier.

That's about as poor of information as you can give..........laughable as well too!!

Here's some reading for you to explain a few things that makes a great amplifier.

http://passlabs.com/pdf/articles/leaving_class_a.pdf

http://passlabs.com/pdf/articles/distortion_and_feedback.pdf

There's a WHOLE lot more to an amp than flat response and low noise.

H9