2. home-theater
  3. 139056-119892

MidFi multi channel solution needed for HT.

Due to financial position currently, I can't purchase what I want, so to fill the short term need ... I need a multi channel solution below a $4000 threshold. My speakers demand plenty of high quality power to perform at their best, so I am looking to fill that void that was once filled with high end 2 ch separates. If anyone could comment on their own experiences with any of the below solutions I would appreciate it.

Looking for anyone to comment or suggest on their experience they addressed themselves or have helped others reach a well thought out conclusion on same topic. I am looking for a best quality AVR or separate solution. Not necessarily one with the most features. Budget is $2k-4k

Looking for suggestions from those that have had experience with high quality AVRs or midfi AV separates. Entertaining the following products / companies, not in any particular order.

Considering the following AVRs

NAD t777v3 - great sound has Dirac, but unclear if replacement is coming shortly
Arcam -- buggy and unreliable track record but great sound
Cambridge cx200 - no RC to speak of other than REW 3rd party
Lexicon RV9 - unproven track record since Harman acquired them.
Rotel RMB1580 - expensive
Anthem MRX720 - rumor has it that ARC is 2nd to Dirac.

Not considering any other AVRs as a powered solution. But, I am considering a possible use of denon or marantz avr as a preamp as a midfi separates setup, but not sure how the sound quality would compare to the above AVRs.

1. Outlaw 976 with 5-7ch amp ( ati, monoprice, outlaw, rotel or other midfi amp)
2. Midfi AVR such as ( denon 6x00 or Marantz701x ) with separate amplifiers

My biggest stumbling block in the decision process is whether or not the Outlaw 976 will be 'better' than any of the listed solutions on the preamp and processing end of things. And I am hesitant to jump on board with the Outlaw 976, due to major omissions ( no upgrade path, no network or usb connections ). And the tech support is questionable. But if it sounds hands above the rest, I would gladly consider it.

Looking forward to hearing what others can suggest.

current components:

b&w cdm9nt with matching center ch
Kimber Kable 8tc
Kimber Kable ICs



Thx in advance.
lightfighter2018
lightfighter2018 OP
86 posts
 
Auxinput.

Thx.

Quick question. Unrelated.

I have a possible line on some lightly used Acurus a200x2 and a100x3 amps. Approx 200 hrs of use in 12 years. - Owner claims. 

These are Mondial amps.  Not newly resurrected Acurus. for $600 seems like a decent deal, but do you think they would mate well with my b&w's?  

Thx.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Best I can tell, the Acurus/Mondial amps are a slightly colored / slightly liquid type of sonic signature - much like the liquid/lush cleaner type "Class A" amps, such as the older Krell (or new Krell iBias) or even a little like Levinson (though, not nearly as liquidy sounding as Mark Levinson is).  If this is the sound you're after, you could give it a try, but I suspect the warm sounding Marantz may create somewhat of a mush/mess with this amp.  If you got a very clean HT processor, such as the Anthem, then the Acurus might have been an interesting "coloration" on the sound.  The Acurus is not completely clean/clear when compared to other amps.  I would take that "200 hours" with a huge grain of salt! lol.

----
The Rotel amplifiers are going to sound a lot cleaner and clearer and they mate well with the B&W speakers.  There is an Emotiva XPA-5 "Gen 1" on audiogon for $699 OBO.  The Emotiva is a very fast amp, but if you load it with Furutech fuses, it sounds quite good.  It may be a good match between Marantz processor and B&W speakers. 

----
There is a Rotel RMB-1582 for $699.  It's only stereo, but you could start with that and then look for another good resolution 3-channel amp. 

---
Just ideas.
lightfighter2018 OP
86 posts
 
thx.

will consider those for sure.


lightfighter2018 OP
86 posts
 
In my search for amplifiers I have run across various deals on the following:

Bryston -
B&K
Parasound - older - HCA stuff?  
Lexicon ( rebadged bryston? )
Proceed ( Mark Levinson? )
Sunfire Cinema Grand
McCormack 
Classe -

I know Rotel and Parasound Halo's have been recommended several times, and I am keeping my eye for them. But in the mean time, what/which of the above ( with or without a fuse mod ) would be a good fit for my CDM9NTs?

 Any solid advice is appreciated.
caphill
678 posts
 
The Rotel will pair better with your B&W. 
More to discover