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Which processor? Linn, Rotel, Outlaw, Meridian?

I have a great Linn 5 channel amp, great Linn Espek/Ekwal speakers, a good Velodyne sub, and a crappy Onkyo receiver as the processor. I am looking to upgrade and get a new processor but cannot spend more than $1500. Music/movies are 50/50 on this system.

I can pick up an OLD Linn AV5103 for under $1500.
I could buy a brand new Outlaw for $1099.
I could buy a Rotel 1066 for about $700.
...or a Meridian 568 for under $1500.

I don't believe anything will be future proof so I don't mind buying used gear. However, would "brand new" Outlaw chips be better than older chips? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Also, SACD, DVD-A is not a big deal for me. PLII would be nice but not necessary.
rushrx
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
Definetly keep the Linn synergy and go with the 5103. Pick up another 5125 amp and buy some Aktiv cards for those Espeks and be prepared to be blown away. :)
bondmanp
1,832 posts
 
FWIW, I home demo'd a Rotel 1068 and the Sherwood/Newcastle P-965 at the same time about two years ago. Although a close call, the Sherwood, which should sound much like the Outlaw (they are both produced by Sherwood) bested the 1068, especially in terms of soundstage dimensionality, top-end extension and feature-set. Since the 1068 probably is an improvement over the 1066, between the Rotel and the Outlaw, I'd go for the Outlaw (which is a no-risk purchase, since they have a 30-day return option).
jamesw20
270 posts
 
Linn is pretty practical given your othre Linn components. However, the Meridian 568 is a wonderful piece. I've owned both and the meridian is hands down a better unit, IMHO and others per previous threads. Narrow to these two and forget the others. It will simplify your search through the audiogon and other threads.
muzikat
930 posts
 
Linn and Meridian, even older pieces, eat Rotels, Outlaws, Onkyos, etc for lunch :)
chadnliz's avatar
chadnliz
3,737 posts
 
Rotel for movies holds it own any day of the week against the overpriced gear mentioned above, to say Rotel gets eaten for lunch is just silly...music is a diffrent story but for movies it is an excellent value, if you want bragging rights then spend more, but if you want real world performance at a very reasonable price get Rotel, if you want to look at better then Rotel Lexicon would have to make you audition list.
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