HipCheck

Well, the deal is done - unless there are problems, of course! I was flirting with a demo NAD surround, but yesterday the new NAD C751 surround was thrust in my face with a prety nice discount, and I bit and bought it. I already have some old speakers that will turn this apartment into a nice little HT. I had already listened to the 760 with my Klipsch's, but when the newer model 751 was CHEAPER than the 760 demo, well, I may have spent $175 more than I planned, but I won't have to buy power for at least 3-4 years. THANKS for the help! And might I leave you with a hootin' GO BLUE! Jason

Well, after some web research, it seems like the NAD C340 and a tuner might be the way to go. My questions though: should one automatically upgrade to the NAD C50?? Anyone used it? Also, of the different Rotel tuners out there, which ones are recommended (of course keeping RF-3's in mind on all this)? If I go separate, are is there an interconnect that works 'better' with tuners to an intergrated? I'm doing my best to not rush out and just get something, and these are questions that you all seem to know well. I definitely want to be happy where I put my money. Take care, all, and thanks again.

Although watching any Boston team skate is fun, I can only utter 2 words in reply: GO BLUE! I might have to look into the combination of components. Dare I say that NAD and Rotel are not sold by the same shops that I've been working with. And my 'discount' seems to be no more than 8% so far(on the RF-3's - SOME wire inc). Uggh. And the NAD discount? Looks to be slim to none. Discounts on the "combination" from each shop? I'll be sure to pick up some candies on the way out! Now, more power is always welcome. Is there that much noticable difference between those tuners? To some extent, I am thinking of this purchase being replaced with a HT receiver in mind in a few years - keeping this component(s) for a 2nd stereo somewhere or exchange/upgrade. So, I'm not sure how much juice I'll need before being a homeowner (wife's grad school approaching - can you say "married housing"?!). The wait continues. I haven't been able to do much solid listening over the weekends because of my role as a coach of the University of Michigan's Club Hockey Team. Our travel schedule so far in 2001 has been brutal. So I will not be able to heed your advice on trying the separate components this weekend - off to Indiana for the MCHL League Playoffs., with Nationals the first of March. GO BLUE!!

Great advice. At this moment, I have running (on loan) a NAD C740 and a Rotel RX-975. Immediately, my impression is that the Rotels are very much present onthe high end, pretty good mid and low. NADs are warmer, not as crisp on the high end, and really nice too. I'm pretty sure there is a price difference in favor of NAD. Seems like they both have enough juice for the RF-3's. Both high quality stuff, for sure. Right now I'm leaning towards this NAD. Tomorrow, off to buy a lottery ticket and re-do this not even completed, 1 week old system! There's SO-O-O much out there. I'm hooked. Photography equipment...Stereo gear...hockey gear...stereo gear...savings...stereo gear...rent...stereo gear...food...stereo gear...

Just picked up a pair of RF-3's and am psyched. Yes, I'm now in the family! After a few months of trying out some speakers in my apartment (sorry, neighbors. i LIKE living on the top!) and lots of research, esp on the web, I am still undecided on how to power them. Why? Because I have a few constaints: (1) The main one: cash I'm trying to keep it below $600 (~$400-500 plus tax and all that jazz). I had a few nice demo's for ~$740 (5.1 surround), but the amount of money I had for this purchase declined. (2) I need a receiver. Although the wife LOVES the new speakers, she/we are NPR junkies and really want to listen to the radio on this system. I am basically ready to decide between Rotel and NAD. I have 2 very helpful stores in my city that have been loaning me anything I'd like to try. I also will not be able to get surround speakers for a few years(?), so I can pretty much drop a surround power source. Should I grab a NAD C740 or piece together some Rotel pieces? There's a great Rotel RX-975, but that's getting a bit too high for me @ ~$800. I WAS going to go that high, but for now, it's best I drop my price point. I'd appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks in advance, folks! Jason