I have my speakers in the living room system hooked up through an impedance matching switch that has a dual amp capability. Using a input selection switch connected in reverse, for the past few weeks I have been swapping receivers into the system, and comparing them to the refurbished Pioneer SX-950 that is the basis for that system. For each comparison both sets of tone controls are set flat and the volume knobs are set to equal intensity as best I can manage by ear. I alternately to Youtube music or a CD player. I was using Grafyx SP-8 speakers as my primary output. So far, I have compared the 950 to 3 Pioneers; a 636, a 1000TW, a Model 300, as well as an Onkyo TX-3000. I can easily distinguish between the 950 and the other units. They all have their differences, but the 950 always seems to carry the day on clarity and having enough low frequency authority to be called 'warm-sounding', an attribute that I like.
This weekend I swapped in my Sherwood 7100-A. I generally refurbish equipment that I like, but this Sherwood happens to be untouched. It has apparently lived a charmed life, it was clean as a pin inside and out as I got it, and I have always liked its sound as-is.
My conclusion after 3 days of comparing the two is that this particular S7100-A sounds exactly like the 950. The Sherwood obviously has way less (factor 6X) power. But the overall nature of its output at modest (plenty loud) power levels is identical to my ears to the 950. Same stomping bass, same clear midrange, and same detailed high frequencies. After toggling back and forth between the two many times, I often had to look at the switch positions to see which one is playing.
I found this surprising. I expected the Sherwood to fall short on sound quality compared to a nearly as-new SX-950, given that it is 7 years older, and has had no maintenance. But it doesn't. The two receivers are twins with respect to how they drive these speakers.
I have always said that this Sherwood receiver is 'as good as anything else in the house', and this weekend of A/B testing has proved it to me in a way that is far more convincing than walking between setups in different rooms. Within its limits the little Sherwood really is as good as my best receiver.
edit: forgot the picture
This weekend I swapped in my Sherwood 7100-A. I generally refurbish equipment that I like, but this Sherwood happens to be untouched. It has apparently lived a charmed life, it was clean as a pin inside and out as I got it, and I have always liked its sound as-is.
My conclusion after 3 days of comparing the two is that this particular S7100-A sounds exactly like the 950. The Sherwood obviously has way less (factor 6X) power. But the overall nature of its output at modest (plenty loud) power levels is identical to my ears to the 950. Same stomping bass, same clear midrange, and same detailed high frequencies. After toggling back and forth between the two many times, I often had to look at the switch positions to see which one is playing.
I found this surprising. I expected the Sherwood to fall short on sound quality compared to a nearly as-new SX-950, given that it is 7 years older, and has had no maintenance. But it doesn't. The two receivers are twins with respect to how they drive these speakers.
I have always said that this Sherwood receiver is 'as good as anything else in the house', and this weekend of A/B testing has proved it to me in a way that is far more convincing than walking between setups in different rooms. Within its limits the little Sherwood really is as good as my best receiver.
edit: forgot the picture
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