I got a Onkyo sv717pro receiver and no standalone amplifier like what this kenwood seems to be, but wondering if the receiver is a suitable upgrade from my Onkyo?

  • Regular_Speed_4814@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    The way most people do it is with an A/B switch. I’ve found that the best way for me is to blindfold myself, have someone switch one on without any information given and then demo both. This way you don’t get the whole placebo effect. A lot of times the one that sounds better is the one you WANT to sound better. I’ve had some cheapo 90’s units that sounded better than my nicer 70’s era stuff that most people would argue are trash.

    That being said, if it sounds better to you then it’s better. So really, go with what your ears are telling you.

  • uamvar@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    Very cool! I love the old ‘industrial’ look far more than today’s stuff.

  • DarthSyphillist@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    The Kenwood has a future for certain. The NAD earned the moniker “Not Always Dependable” due to their precarious circuit design and the tendency to carpet bomb when a component decides to end its own life.

    • Billiamski@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      Did NAD’s quality control drop off during a specific manufacturing run?

      I sometimes wish my NAD 3020 BEE would die so I can replace it. But those precarious circuits are still going strong after 22 years. It was also my experience with a previous NAD amp (gifted to a mate) as well.

      I only have a few doubts that it’ll outlast me (only 20 to 30 years to go).

  • NESman19@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    Got the silver Kenwood amp and it’s matching receiver from an old guy at a garage sale for 50 bucks. Paired them with a set of Sylvania speakers I got for 10$ from the same year and man does this thing KICK! Audio/records sound great, and when I dropped the needle on at a notch less then half volume it rattled the dishes on my counter and scared the crap outta me!

  • kokakoliaps3@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    The NAD could be special.

    When comparing amps, people inherently listen for detail and bass. That’s your first test. Underpowered amps always have weak bass.

    Then play vocal music. Nature sounds (waves especially). Complex music with strings. Listen for harshness in the highs. Cheap amps will sound harsh and thin.

  • MoveDifficult1908@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I’m a fan of the Kenwood KA series paired with 70s speakers like the Realistic Nova 8b.

    I’ve never been disappointed by NAD gear, either.