Sherwood Newcastle P-965

John Casler · « **on:** 7 Mar 2004, 06:34 pm »

For those looking for a reasonably priced Pre/Pro, the Sherwood NewCastle P-965 has just hit the market.

I recently aquired one and if first impressions are worth anything, it is a "winner"

I haven't heard anything under $4500 that beats it.

It lists for $1499 (and as always private "courtesy pricing" for AC members)

I think one of the reasons for its great sound quality is that it retains the full power supply, that is used in its "sister" receiver the R965 which has 7 channel amps to supply.

I ran a film the other night and the "immersive" soundfield presented was the best I have heard. A few rainy scenes and the sonic perception of being "surrounded" by pouring rain was incredibly lifelike.

And the most impressive quality was that of 3-D depth!!

So if you are looking for a Pre/pro that won't break the bank and gives you most all the bells ans whistles in a quality performance package, this might be worth a look/listen.

http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_p965.html

jgubman · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Mar 2004, 06:19 pm »

You carry the Sherwood, huh? You're quickly becoming the one-stop shopping place!

How are the DACs in the sherwood? Sound ok in 2 channel?
I assume it has analog bypass, is it on all channels or just the 6-channel output?

Also, what's the bass management like on the 965? Is it a global crossover, or is it adjustable for fronts/center/surrounds?

thanks John

John Casler · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Mar 2004, 02:04 am »

Quote from: jgubman

You carry the Sherwood, huh? You're quickly becoming the one-stop shopping place!

How are the DACs in the sherwood? Sound ok in 2 channel?
I assume it has analog bypass, is it on all channels or just the 6-channel output?

Also, what's the bass management like on the 965? Is it a global crossover, or is it adjustable for fronts/center/surrounds?

thanks John

Hey Jon,

Well I do have a lot of products, but I usually go after a line for some specific item and Sherwood Newcastle has a couple of those.

I'm still exploring the unit and will check on the things you ask about.
It does sound good in 2 channel and does have analog "direct".

And it has 7.1 inputs and 2 LFE outs.

More, as I have time to discover it.

John Casler · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Mar 2004, 12:52 am »

Quote

Also, what's the bass management like on the 965? Is it a global crossover, or is it adjustable for fronts/center/surrounds?

Jon,

Here is how the Bass Management looks:

Crossover frequencies are global and can be set to 40/60/80/100/120 Hz. 4th order low pass filters. 2nd order high pass.

jgubman · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Mar 2004, 12:58 am »

Hmmm, that's kind of a bummer, guess I could use the global x/o for the center & surrounds, set the fronts to large and use the NHT X1 or the marchard x/o to cross the fronts at 40hz and the others at either 80 or 60...

It upsamples to 192/24 right? Have you tried that out?

Also, have you tested the phono section at all?

Sorry for all the questions, but this unit might be a next upgrade!

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Mar 2004, 01:34 am »

Can a DSP soundfield (eg PLII) be applied in conjunction with the upsampling feature?

John Casler · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Mar 2004, 01:39 am »

Quote from: jgubman

Hmmm, that's kind of a bummer, guess I could use the global x/o for the center & surrounds, set the fronts to large and use the NHT X1 or the marchard x/o to cross the fronts at 40hz and the others at either 80 or 60...

It upsamples to 192/24 right? Have you tried that out?

Also, have you tested the phono section at all?

Sorry for all the questions, but this unit might be a next upgrade!

If you are doing a dual system with VMPS speakers, the X-over would be the NHT X2.

The X1 is for NHT speakers only. (has their special equalization curve)

While I am quite happy with mine I haven't run any mains "low passed" out of it yet to see if it affects the sound at all. It sure works great as a "highpass filter" for my Larger though, and it also allows the LFE channel to be used without cable switching

Haven't had a chance to do the 192/24 thing yet, but this is on non-planar Tower II's so we'll see what it sounds like.

And I have my doubts as to if I'll actually get a TT hooked up to it, but I do have a spare one.

Denon direct drive w/Dynavector Karat Ruby cart.

Brian Bunge · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Mar 2004, 01:48 am »

John,

I'm a huge Newcastle fan! I haven't had the privelege to hear the P-965 yet but am dying to do so. My dad and I have only used Newcastle receivers for the last 5 years or so and we have no desire to switch to another name brand.

BTW, I hope you don't my posting in your thread. I just wanted to sing the praises of the Newcastle products.