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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's avatar
lightfighter2018 OP
87 posts
 
@caphill


I actually acquired a newish ATI 2007 for a good deal, from a friend so I went with it. My next foray will be to get a new/gently used 2ch amp for L&R.

But, for now I think I will enjoy the amp for what it is -- but my next immediate step is to get some decent XLRs and power cords and usb cables.

So - if you have any recommendations on cables - I am listening.

After that, I will focus on saving for a 2ch that is a bit ’better’ than the Rotel’s of the world.



caphill
680 posts
 
Unless you upgrade your speakers IMO the Rotel or the NAD alike will be sufficient enough for your current speakers. 

There are many good cables out there. Audioquest, Transparent, Kimber Cable, Nordost, Shunyata Research, Chord Cable to name a few. 
The Shunyata Venom, which is an entry level model from Shunyata, are awesome for the money. For your setup, I would look for a Shunyata Venom HC power cable, speaker cables and XLR cables. For USB, I would look for a Transparent Premium or an Audioquest Vodka or higher. 

lightfighter2018's avatar
lightfighter2018 OP
87 posts
 
@caphill

Thanks.

Will check out the recommendations.

should I consider upgrading the terminations for the PC of the Venom?

How does the Venom compare to the Morrow Cables PCs?

caphill
680 posts
 
Which Morrow Audio cables are you comparing it to? 
lightfighter2018's avatar
lightfighter2018 OP
87 posts
 
@caphill 

Not one in particular because I don't know enough about either.  But if you were to compare both equally - which product in the Morrow line would be equivalent?

I guess the next question is 'in general' is Morrow a better product line?  If we were using cost as a guide - at $175 for the Venom HC -- would the MAP1, 2 or 3 be closest to the Venom HC?

I would consider the MAP 2 or 3 if they were superior even if they cost a bit more. Partly because Morrow has a trade up program for a 40% discount on new purchase. And It seems Morrow gets some decent feedback from Audiogon members. That is why I was asking if they were worthy of consideration.

I was also looking at power cords and ran across Pangea.  Have any valuable information about Pangea and whether or not they are equivalent to Shunyata or Morrow as value added product vs the esoteric stuff?
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