CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

CxTurbo · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 387 Location: Ontario, Canada

I am contemplating on selling my SC-35 and getting separates.

Either the Outlaw and a five channel amp or the Emotiva and a five channel amp. Once they have been in the wild longer with more user reviews is when I am thinking. Later on, I would add in a pair of mono blocks for my mains.

I am a believer that good speakers and good amps never HAVE to be replaced. I have been struggling with this since I bought my first AVR, and now with the resurgence of these lower price Lower bells and whistle processors, I have re-awakened my WANT of separates. I am sick of buying new AVRs when the amp sections are fine but new Audio/Video formats require use of newer hardware. I figure if the internal EQ is lacking in these one could always add a MINI DSP 10X10 or something to take up the slack in tuning to the environment.

Thoughts?

James

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:43 pm Post subject:

If it's regarding power, then use the preamp outs and feed separate power amps. If you're ballsy, disconnect the power amp power feed from the power supply (if it has a connector that allows you to do that) and the whole thing will run a lot cooler to boot.

Can't comment on the processing section..

CxTurbo · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 387 Location: Ontario, Canada

It's mainly because of the easy upgrade path and having a set of stout amplifiers for life only needing to replace/upgrade the processor should the need arise.

Power is one reason but the Ice amps in the Pioneer are nice. Not super power hungry either being of a class D design.

Regardless, I am also thinking sooner then later as the value on the SC-35 is decreasing daily and well, I prefer not to loose my shirt completely on the ordeal.

Don't get me wrong I love this AVR but I am left wanting.......... The story of my life I suppose. Never happy with what I have/done and need to do better.

James

HogPilot · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 1:44 am Post subject:

I use an SC-07 in my theater, and I have to say that the audio processing - especially the MCACC room correction - leaves little to be desired. I think Curt has a great suggestion in just using the pre-outs on your SC-35 to feed an external amp or amps. That's what I do with my main channels - I have a Bryston 4B-ST driving my L/R channels since they're rather large and also full range.

I still haven't really found a reason to upgrade the 07 even though it's several generations old, because it does what I want with all the HD audio codecs, and I have an external VP so I don't care about any of the on-board video processing stuff.

However I definitely know how it goes with the upgrade bug, it's hard to fight sometimes Smile

CxTurbo · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 387 Location: Ontario, Canada

The amps would be a good start I suppose. That way I could wait on real world reviews for the processors.

Damn decisions.

In the relm of AVR's it is decent for what it is, an AVR. I always do MCACC then touch it up if I used it at all. As I also have an external processor I just use the AVR as a switcher and pass the video through. Always too many bells and whistles that I never use in AVR's also.

Guess I need to start searching for options.

Thanks for the input.

James

HogPilot · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 2:44 am Post subject:

FWIW with respect to the new Emotiva pre-amp, I seem to remember a lot of less-than-favorable feedback on their last attempt at an AVR. They make outstanding amps, but I would definitely wait for some significant end-user reviews from people you trust before looking to buy the XMC-1.

Nashou66 · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 3:29 am Post subject:

I'm definitely getting the Outlaw Pre. but not sure when.

Look for some nice used Amps James. then pooge them ! Wink

I love my Adcom 5503. 200 watts across the front 3 Channels. Then I have two stereo adcom 80 watters for the surounds.

Athanasios

CxTurbo · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 387 Location: Ontario, Canada

I have to find those articles and read them sometime.......

Regardless, I will for sure be looking out for some amps. I have been looking at the X-series amps from Emotiva but have not decided on anything as of yet.

James

HogPilot · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 11:02 pm Post subject:

CxTurbo · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 387 Location: Ontario, Canada

I kept up with most of those UMC-1 issues early on. I was on the pre-order list but declined after I heard of the problems when my turn came around. That is when I bought my Pioneer AVR as the Integra pre/pro that was in b stock at the time was sold out.

Hind sight.

I will not be buying an Emotiva pre/pro without solid reviews from end users. The XMC-1 has been in development almost as long from my understanding and am doubtful Emotiva will release another product not thouroghly tested and generally bug free. I would hope the UMC-1 tough Emotiva something.

James

WanMan · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 9668

I choose to stay away from the UMC-1, too, and just bought the XPA-5 amps (two of them) during a holiday sale price. Love them. I figured processing would change a lot sooner than amplification so I mated them with a $700-800 (street price, MSRP !$1200) Denon receiver using their preouts.

CxTurbo · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 387 Location: Ontario, Canada

Wan,

I thought it as you that bought the XPA amps and loved them. I was also looking at getting an XPA-5 then a pair of XPA-1's for the fronts at a later date. The XPR-5 would be nice but not sure if I could swing that one just yet.

Glad you are still enjoying those amps.

James