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Need a processor and matching amp for about $1k

Have been playing with horns lately and got a pair of Klipsch KLF-20 speakers (horn tweeter and mids w/two 10 inch woofers). The whole family seems to enjoy them as we have been using them in a 2.0 HT system watching movies. (I have a totally separate system for 2 channel music) Works great if you are sitting dead center but pulls to the closest speaker otherwise. So I found a center KLF-C7 (large horn and two 8 inch mid/woofers) to match to try a 3.1 set-up. As I am a 2 channel guy I need some advice. Got $650 in the Klipsch speakers and have an Outlaw LFM-1 EX 12 inch Subwoofer. I have searched for used sets of pro/amps but they are either not paired up or the processor has no HDMI ports. I am currently using an NAD 2 channel C270 amp (120 watts) and preamp set and am pretty happy with the balance. It is set up in our living room that is about 12’ x 28’ with a vaulted ceiling, we are 10 feet away from the 55 inch LCD. Left side is closed to form an actual corner, with an opening behind us to the kitchen, and the right opens up to the front of the house/dining room behind us in a split foyer home. The Klipsch are very dynamic and have good clarity for dialog and we have no problem with having enough power. Thinking they need be mated to electronics that are a tad on the warm side of life. I am trying to keep the price down to $1000. Is the Outlaw 975 pro/5000 amp combo a good fit?
bottleflow

Showing 5 responses by willland

willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
You are right about the KLF-20 being dynamic.  They are beasts that play loud and clear.  I have been using an NAD pre-pro/Acurus amps combo to drive my Klipsch RF-63 system and the combination is wonderful.  The 63's are probably not quite as revealing as the KLF-20s but do also excel with dynamics.

As mentioned maybe a used or refurbished flagship AVR or near flagship would help keep your cost in line with your budget.  An NAD T775HD2 may be an option but it comes in about $300.00 over your $1000.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/receivers-nad-t-775hd2-t775hd2-3d-ready-home-theater-receiver-with...

Or the T765HD2 at your $1000.00 budget.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/receivers-nad-t765hd2-t-765hd2-3d-ready-av-receiver-with-warranty-...

Bill




willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
I am very happy with my NAD T175HD pre/pro. Found here on Audiogon from Spearit Sound for $899.00 refurbished. Not "latest and greatest" Atmos capable but very musical(for a pre/pro) and Audyssey MultEQ XT.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/processors-nad-t175hd-t-175hd-preamp-processor-with-manufacturer-s...

Oh, I think Outlaw(ATI) builds nice stuff at it’s price point and target market.

You could also look at some of the Marantz preamp/processor offerings at A4less.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marav7702/marantz-av7702-11.2-channel-networking-a...

Bill
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
Refurbished can have many meanings.  

1)Returned, deemed defective and repaired and then sold as refurb.
2)Returned not wanted(for any reason) and then sold as refurb.
3)Cosmetic flaw, returned and then sold as refurb.
4)Damaged during shipping, repaired and then sold as refurb.

I am sure there are others.

And yes, HDMI has not been the most reliable standard but I have had great luck with 95% of my HDMI pieces.

Bill

willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
With my NAD pre/pro, I have my mains set to 50Hz, center to 60Hz, and surrounds set to 80Hz.  I would think NAD's AVRs of the same generation would have the same capabilities.  The NADs have a great feature right on the remote to boost/lower surrounds, center, and subwoofer.  Also tone controls can be engaged(bass & treble boost/lower) for the mains and center channel dialog boost/lower.  You can even disengage Audyssey and apply tone controls where needed or not use them at all.

Bill
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
If I am not mistaken, the NAD AVRs(T765HD, 775HD, 785HD) of the generation as the T175HD all have the same preamp section which should equate to the same sound quality. The T757 is of a slightly newer generation but it falls under the T765HD and has the lesser Audyssey version or no EQ at all.  Though it may be upgradable with one of the MDC modules.

Bill
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