Thinking of the next upgrade

[limashaynut]

I am starting to give some serious thought to my next upgrade for my HT/Stereo system. You can see the equipment in my system in my signature at the bottom of this post.

While I love my Denon AVR 3806 (120 WPC x 7), I want to try some seperate amps, and see what it will really do!

My thought is to upgrade my power (with the AVR pre-outs) to the left and right fronts. I want to get something at about 200 wpc, and free up the AVR to only power the sr and srb speakers anlong with the center.

The amps I am thinking about getting are either the Adcom GFA-5500 or a pair of Outlaw 2200 mono block amps.

The Adcom has (at least to my mind) a long well established reputation, and would seem to be a safe purchase. On the other hand, I have also heard a lot of good things about Outlaw.

One thing that give me some pause with the Outlaws is quite frankly their size, or lack of. While I know that size does not equal quality, I do have some reservations. Is heat going to be a issue with two or three of these stacked together? Can they compete with a monster size amp like the Adcom?

On the plus side, if I ever decide to upgrade the center with a 200 watt amp, it would be simple to add another Outlaw.

So how about it, any feedback on these two amps? Which way would you go?

[limashaynut]

I know what you are all thinking, what is he asking us for advice for? He just moved up from Polkie to Polkster! ;) :D

[cfrizz]

Get a 2 chnl & an Outlaw, or just get 3 Outlaws. Heat should not be a problem.

[GATOR3000]

My gear is similar to yours. Also thinking of an upgrade. I would go with Cinenova Grande Earthquake 3 (300W x 3 into 8 ohms/600W x 3 into 4 ohms ).

This is what wingnut4772 said in the other thread about the Earthquake;

“Oh my sweet Lord..what an amp. I did not expect such a HUGE difference. I was not convinced that I should even get it because I could not imagine anything sounding better than my set up with the Outlaws but man oh man..was I ever wrong!

Instant amazing difference in clarity, soundstage, imaging, bass response. I am hearing things that I never did before. The soundstage is phenominal. Spacious and smooth. I knew amps were important but I did not really realize how much they affect the actual sound.”

This unit is big and heavy 125 lbs. IMO worth all $$$ :)

[limashaynut]

The Cinenova Grande Earthquake 3 sounds like a monster! I will have to look in to these, I had not heard of them before. At a 125 .lbs, I guess you can lay around enjoy listening to it while you recover from throwing your back out installing it! :p :D

[GATOR3000]

The Cinenova Grande Earthquake 3 sounds like a monster! I will have to look in to these, I had not heard of them before. At a 125 .lbs, I guess you can lay around enjoy listening to it while you recover from throwing your back out installing it! :p :D

Yes, this unit is heavy and the size is a bit bigger than my 3806, but well worth it. I know one guy who has one (5 channel not the 3) and he said it is awesome.

5 M2200 would run you around $1200 something. I think you can get the 3 channel x 300W 8ohms for $1300-$1400. The Earthquake will smoke the Outlaw. If you have the $$ I would get the Earthquake 3 channel for now (L/C/R) drive the S & RS with your Denon 3806 and later get the other two modules for Cinenova to make it 5 channel. Also, Cinenova is 4 ohms stable so if you decide to go with 4 ohms speakers later on you will be all set.

IMO this would be an a$$ kicking setup! :)

Cheers

[GATOR3000]

I know what you are all thinking, what is he asking us for advice for? He just moved up from Polkie to Polkster! ;) :D

I know what you mean, but we all have to start somewhere. The members on this forum are very helpful and understanding. There is no stupid question/advice and if the question has been discussed before, someone will guide you to the appropriate thread. We are all learning and communicating. That is why we are here. Besides, this is a nice hobby!

:D

[Skynut]

FWIW I heard somewhere that the outlaw XLR input and outputs are not truely ballanced.
I heard they were wired internally the same as the RCA's.
I would not want unballanced XLR inputs. What's the point?

I really like my new Sherbourn but of course that skews my opnion.
It did make a noticeable difference in my system but now I want to upgrade something else.