Recommendations for Receivers

[.:.impossible]

Hey guys. I'm looking for a few places to start. I am going to be replacing my current receiver soon and am looking at the NAD 742. I haven't brought it home yet, but I've checked it out in the shop and read quite a few positive reviews describing it as musical in stereo, and when used in 5.1 or Pro Logic II, very convincing. I'm looking for something in this price range (under $500) that will be good for CDs and for small home theater.

I know the NAD 742 doesn't have many DSP listening features, but I'm not as interested in that to be honest. I am looking for a receiver with good electronics to reproduce good sound.

The receiver I have now sends some digital trash to the surrounds in Pro Logic.

Any comments about NAD? Any other recommendations?

Thanks.

[.:.impossible]

up. Any advice on NAD Receivers?

Thanks!

[Kevin Bresnahan]

I did a lot of research on NAD's receivers about a year ago and I got scared by what appeared to be a lot of quality issues with them. Apprently, there have been quite a few that are DOA. There's also supposed to be a very loud cooling fan. I was worried that this fan, which someone described as sounding like "airplane in the room" would drown out quite scenes on movies.

I eventually bought a Denon but I didn't like the user interface so I sold it and bought a used Rotel.

However, if I was in the market and I didn't want to look used, I would look closely at the Cambridge Audio 540R. The only negative I've read about this model is that it gets very, very hot during use. If time is not important, wait a few months until Outlaw Audio, an "Internet-only" company, comes out with their new HT receiver. Outlaw has a very good rep as the best "bang for the buck" in audio amplification. As an added bonus, their receiver is reportedly going to have a built in DVI switch... a nice feature for next gen video sources.

Later,

Kevin

[.:.impossible]

Thanks for the advice Kevin. I haven't heard much about Outlaw, so this is good.

I've also read about some problems with NAD, but I have a dealer around the corner, so I would be sure to have a working unit before I took it home. I like what I've read about them, and I have a friend in Charlotte, NC that uses an NAD. No problems there either. Outlaw is definitely in the price range... I'm in no rush really either. I can probably wait a few months.

[Kevin Bresnahan]

A good place to do some research is at the AVS Forums. I found this thread started just yesterday that seems to show that there are still some people having problems. In looking around the forums, I see that the Cambridge Audio 540R is getting good reviews so the heat may not be an issue. BTW, I saw the CA 540R for less than Spearit's price. In fact, I believe it was around $550 when I looked at it.

Another place to look into HT receivers is the Home Theater Spot or the HT Guide forums. The Audioholics are pretty good for generic audio advice. If you decide used is OK, make sure you visit AudiogoN often. I have bought most of gear from this place and not had a problem yet (knock on wood).

I think Outlaw Audio will be coming out with the 1070 by year's end. They have been working on it for many months and they planned to announce pricing/availability at the CE show in San Fran... too bad the show just got cancelled because of a labor dispute.

BTW, I eventually bought a used Rotel RSX-1055 for $800 from someone who advertised on AudiogoN. It waswas a lot more than I wanted to spend but so far, it's been great. The only difference between the RSX-1055 and this year's RSX-1056 is Dolby IIx, which isn't a big loss in my book. I use the thing in Dolby Digital or Stereo/Multi-channel audio (SACD/CD music) almost exclusively. I've seen RXS-1055's for as low as $700 on ebay (there's one at $650 right now). It is well worth that!

Later,

Kevin

[Dmitry]

Outlaw is a decent contender in $500 range. I would pick it over the NAD, especially if the conventional hi-fi esthetics isn't a concern. It's a bit goofy-looking.

[Kevin Bresnahan]

Outlaw is a decent contender in $500 range. I would pick it over the NAD, especially if the conventional hi-fi esthetics isn't a concern. It's a bit goofy-looking.

Dmitry, I agree the RR-2150 is very goofy looking (the 'R' supposedly stands for "retro), but the 1070 looked pretty good to me... at least the mock-up pictures I've seen from the CES show. Also, the RR-2150 is stereo-only and Impossible is looking for HT. The 1070 will probably be a good choice. I only wish I could've waited for it. I even put my name in to be a Beta tester but I never moved ahead on it once I got my Rotel.

Later,

Kevin

[Kevin Bresnahan]

Outlaw receivers:

1070 (AV):

and RR-2150 (Stereo only):

Later,

Kevin

[.:.impossible]

The 1070 is the receiver that you recommended earlier right Kevin?

Dmitry, once you move up here, we'll have to talk about this stuff. I really want to replace my receiver and am looking for something to play music in stereo, and watch movies etc in surround.