I'm building a new HT system, will be my primary viewing system....NOT my primary listening system.

Equipment will be Carver A-705x amp, DefTech Protower 400's L and R, DefTech CLR 2500 center, DefTech BPX rear. Only going to use these ..... no room for others.

Been looking at the 950 and leaning that way, but can get a good price on used Denon 8000, Marantz AV9000,and Sony ES9000...Preamps....about half the cost of 950. They don't have newer Surrounds, but not sure I'm going to need them with only five speakers in the setup??

I'm leaning toward 950 cause I'd rather have features I don't use....then not have them and need them.

One thing I'm hesitant on is the others (non-950) may sound better on music.

Thoughts??

Jimmy

Jimmy,

I guarantee that the 950 will sound as good as or better than those preamps with DD, DTS-CD, SACD and DVD-A MC music.

Buy a cd preamp if your into stereo, IMO.

They won't come with a 5 year warranty.

They won't come with the Saloon.

They won't come with outstanding CS.

They won't give you discount rights on the next-gen pre/pro from Outlaw Audio.

I think you will be pleased with the music capabilities of the 950. When it comes to sound I would be more concerned with speakers. The more faithful the system can produce the recording the better or worse it can ultimately sound. I have CDs that I thought sounded fine until I upgraded my system, now their flaws almost make it painful to listen to. This is not the 950's fault, it's the recording. So expect a change in sound if you purchase the 950, for better of worse. Just realize that the 950 is providing excellent reproduction capabilities, unbelievable for its price. PS: You will not believe how great well recorded music sounds.

Alejate,

Well said

For all it's worth, I mix music professionally, and I have a 950 in my rack to check the quality of the final sound.

Just a note re: the Sony 9000ES. I have had one since 1999 or so, and it has been a pretty good performer in my theater, but it's showing its age now. The remote control is awful, and it has some lipsync problems with dolby digital sometimes, especially from HDTV feeds for some reason. Also doesn't switch component video. The upgradability factor of it was a huge plus. I paid about $1550 or so for it (new) and I got 4 years out of it. I upgraded the firmware 3 times with a serial cable and a laptop. All 3 updates were significant improvements. I had it mated with an outlaw 750.

I'm dumping the 9000ES now for a new preamp. I think I'll buy a 950, but I'm a little worried about its age. Not sure dumping a 4-year-old piece for a 2-year-old one is a smart idea. Sorry, guys, but that's what it feels like to me. I'll probably still do it, as it seems to be an outstanding piece that can stand toe-to-toe with virtually any multi-channel pre-amp. But, it doesn't quite have the state-of-the-art-newness-factor that I'm looking for.

FWIW, Eric

My sony is working well....but I need another...and for the features...even being two years old...the 950 can't be beat. Or at least I can't find anything that comes close.

wow,
Has it really been 2 years already? I recieved one of the first 950's. It just doesn't seem like it has been that long.

On to the topic at hand. The 950 is just head and shoulders better than any of the Sony equipment I have heard. I do like a nice Marantz, though I do prefer the 950 over one by enough of a margin that if I had it do over again (with the prices you are talking) I would still get the 950.

I would stay away from a used Marantz AV9000.

I purchased one on EBay before the Holidays for $800. The unit would not process audio from any of the analog inputs and would constantly reset its digital audio settings. Other than than it's a very nice product.

Research on Google Groups led me to two other cases of very similar symptoms from AV9000s.

Lucky for me the seller was extremely cooperative and refunded ALL of my out of pocket expenses. The unit is still under warranty and so he will be able to get it repaired and upgraded at no charge.

All said and done I love Marantz products and have nothing but praise for the AV600, MA500s or MA700 that I have owned for many years.

For the record I purchased a Model 950 last week and have so far been very happy with the performance and technical support.

So far the only thing I would add to the 950 would be video dubbing capability which the current version does not support. This is a must for us TiVO folks like to watch DVD while backing movies to VHS from the TiVO. If this includes you then I found a pretty reasonable work around which I would be happy to share with the group.