Hey Guys,

I have decided to upgrade to separates from my good ol Onkyo receiver. Since I have a budget (max. 3K) I have ended up trying to decide between the Onkyo 950/770 and the NAD T163/T973. Although the retail price of the NAD is much more I can get it on the net for much less (remanufactured, or damaged box). Actually I can get it for only $400 more. Now, considering the almost equal price, which would you get? The only advantage I can see for the NAD is that the pre-processor has an RS232 port and can be upgraded (Upgrade for Dolby IIx for exmaple coming soon). The amp is weaker (140 watts vs. 200 watts, but a 60 watt difference is not really noticeable. Has anyone had the opportunity to hear both systems????

Also, will I hear a REAL difference upgrading to separates? I am not an audiophile (I wont spend hundreds on a cable for example)but I am very picky about good sound and will spend more if it sounds better. I do not want to make a 3k investment for something that I can not notice!

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Outlaw? You may want to edit a little...

This is Outlaw's forum. Thus, I'll recommend Outlaw for the unbeatable price/performance ratio. However, amplifier performance really depends on what speakers you'll be using. If you list that, you may get some more advice...

Unfortunately I have not had a chance to hear the NAD gear. Based on specs, the NAD T163 and the Outlaw 950 are very similar. Sonically, I wouldn't expect a significant difference either - some of Outlaw's people have worked for NAD in the past. The NAD would likely be a good product, but after more than two years I still really like my 950. A co-worker with a lengthy background in high end two-channel audio recently moved to a Rotel 1068 (similar to the NAD and the 950) with a Rotel amp, and after he got it he came to listen to my system and found mine to be excellent.

As for the upgrade from receiver to separates, I can only describe my background: the upgrades from Yamaha receiver to Outlaw 1050 (later with an Outlaw 750 added) and from 1050 to 950 were both definitely noticeable improvements.

What speakers are you driving? Is the 950/7100 combo an option if you are on a limited budget?

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gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

Ooops, The speakers. I currently have the Kilpsch Reference line: RF-3 tower speakers for front, RC-3 for center, and RS-3 surrounds. In addition a KSW-12 sub.

I want to buy something that I can grow into not out of. So although I have a 5.1 setup now and very efficient speakers, I am looking at the 770 (I dont think I will need more power than that, ever).

The 770 would definitely be an amp you could use for a long time, with a wide assortment of speakers. It sounds like a smart move to go ahead and get that now.

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gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links