upgradeable processor w/ powered speakers HT setup

Gregg - Check out the Aragon Soundstage pre/pro. I personally am very satisfied w/ mine, although I've never had an opportunity to compare against the big names like Theta, Krell, EAD, et al. The guys at Mondial (now merged w/ Klipsch) are super nice and offer great support on their products. Reviews on the Soundstage are available @ Audioreview.com. It will also be upgradeable to future formats. Best regards...

Tburn

Tburn

The Soundstage looks like a great product but pricey. I'm trying to stay under $1500.

Gregg

I used to own a Denon AVR-4800 receiver that I used as a SSP only. It sounded fantastic. You should explore perhaps a Denon AVR-3802 (note: I have not actually heard this piece), which would cost around $900 and try it as a SSP only. The AVR-4802 would cost more $$$ but I don't know how much better it would sound. Try 'em out and see for yourself.

Greg:

I have checked out the 2002 Winter CES photos (which are also linked at) "Audio Asylum" last week (and has downloaded them as well), and from what I have seen, Acousitc Energy has a new home theater setup that they'll be coming out with in the "not-too-distant" future. This is probably the set you are talking about. This set can come as a complete system if you choose to get the optional processor that Acoustic Energy is offering as an option, right along with the remote control. But, if you like, you can also choose to get just the speaker system without either the processor or the remote control, and you should come out under $800.00. From what I also seen in the photograph, you could be able to buy the pieces individually also. But you may want to check this out for yourself just to be sure.

But what I would do right now if I were in your position is, if that would be at all possible, go ahead and buy the Acoustics Energy Aego as you are planning to do (that is, choosing to omit their processor and the remote control that comes with it) and teaming it up with a good $800.00 receiver such as the Denon AVR-2802 (which offers some of the latest technology at a reasonable price, and offers an upgrade path as well).

What do you think about that??

--Charles--

Greg:

Oh...... by the way, you can check out the photos for yourself. They are listed at "www.AudioAsylum.com". Just click on the CES coverage link, and they should be in there somewhere.

--Charles--

what does everyone think about going with the soon to be available Outlaw 950 pre/pro? again, my main objective is to get a reasonably priced processor that is somewhat future-proof...(what do you mean i can't have my cake and...!)

gregg