Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Sherwood Newcastle 9080 Preamplifier (HT) by Tandberg Nut

Model:	9080
Category:	Preamplifier (HT)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1200
Description:	Dolby Digital/ DTS pre/pro
Manufacturer URL:	Sherwood Newcastle
Manufacturer URL:	Sherwood Newcastle

Review by Tandberg Nut ( A ) on May 23, 2004 at 19:32:55
IP Address: 149.174.164.73

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for the 9080

I was lucky enough to get one of these units at a good price on eBay late in 2003. I have lived with it now for about 5 months, and have to say it may be the best money I ever put into my system. I added a Marantz MM9000 power amp and am very happy with the combination. These units replacced a Kenwood reciever, and both the audio and video throughput are significantly improved. The Sherwood had a few features I was looking for, like an input for a turntable, as well as more inputs than some other preamps offer. The layout in the rear is fairly good, not as crowded as some other components I have used. The fold down door over most of the controls on the faceplace is nice, but I would have prefered it to simply pull down the way similar doors on Pioneer Elite LD players do. The remote is not as good as it could be, there is no programmable button for a DVD player, and no button to switch it into 5 channel direct mode. The only other quibble I have is that the volume knob feels a little cheap. It wiggles a bit from side to side. Aside from that, I am extremely pleased with the performance, it is a great way to get started with seperates in your home theater. Whether in 2 channel, or surround mode, the audio performance is quite nice, very detailed and listenable. Perhaps not quite as good as the Tandberg in my office system, but very nice, just the same.

Product Weakness: The remote is not as good as it could be, and as mentioned, the volume knob on the unit is not the best.
Product Strengths: Excellent sound and video performance, especially for the price used from eBay. I expect to use this unit for many years.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Marantz MM9000
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Sherwood Newcastle 9080
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer Elite PDM 91, B&O TT W/MMC2, MSB DAC3
Speakers:	Paradigm Studio CC, Polk SDA 2 Mains, Realistic Optimus 5's for surround
Cables/Interconnects:	All Canare home made.
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Mostly rock and roll & new age.
Room Size (LxWxH):	20' x 15' x 10-15'
Room Comments/Treatments:	None
Time Period/Length of Audition:	6 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	The remote is not as good as it could be, and as mentioned, the volume knob on the unit is not the best.
Product Strengths:	Excellent sound and video performance, especially for the price used from eBay. I expect to use this unit for many years.