Zach P.

I had owned an onkyo years ago and had problem after problem which must not have been uncommon because they kept sending new ones or repairing the failed piece. They are definately on the cheaper side these days.I'll take a look at the XMC-1. Im in no need to rush. Seperates looks like the best option to me. From the small amount of reading and comparison I have done it looks there are dramatic differences in pre amps in quality of parts and features. The umc-1 definately covers what I need and the XMC-1 covers a lot of the wants.

I have set my mind on investing in some RF 7 II's and will be upgrading to the entire reference surround set up eventually. Already have a Parasound 5250 ( 5 ch. @ 250w/ch.) that I plan to hook up to either a receiver or pre amp. As I get more speakers I will get another amp to support them. I am currently looking at the emotiva umc 1, marantz sr7005, and others. I am looking to spend around $1700 or less. Any suggestions? pros and cons?

I am looking to completely upgrade from a box set home theater system to two RF 7 II's (fronts), an RC 64 II (center), and two RS 62 II's(surrounds). I am content with the Sony Bravia TV and PS3 I already own, although a 3D TV will be in order when the head aches do not accompany it. I will use the PS3 for music, movies and gaming. The entire system will be split 40/40/20 respectively. I am planning to have a 5.2 system right now. I have not been successful so far, but am looking for a set up capable of driving the RF7's (RMS 250w break @ 1000w) and RC 64 (RMS 200 break at 600w), both with the ability to be bi amped. Other lesser wants from the receiver would include internet connection, Satellite radio connection or included, two zones, ability to decode all/most audio formats coming from the PS3, and pre outs if the amp is a necessity. I have looked at multiple possibilities for getting the most out of the RF 7's and RC 64 from either a receiver alone or a receiver and amp. The two options I am looking at are either (1) bi amping the RF 7's and only driving the RC 64 with a receiver; denons, pioneers, and yamaha with RMS > 100w or (2) a receiver with an amp. The second option has not been thoroughly explored and I do not have much experience with amps. I raise the question for the amp as I have read multiple times that being able to push the RF7's up to 500w is an exhilarating experience; not needed, but definitely intriguing. The planned budget for the receiver or receiver/amp is in the $1000 to $2000 range with an intent of not needing to upgrade for a few years. I am searching for any and all input. If I have not planned accordingly to incorporate the speakers, or made an obvious oversight please let me know. Thanks ahead of time