PT-7000 and 7/2100 Overview and Company Info

I recall our first introduction to Sherbourn electronics a few years ago was through their very impressive, powerful and value minded five channel 5/1500A power amplifier which was based on a modular mono block design with individual power supplies for each channel.

At that time, we were all living in a 5.1 channel world. However if the computer age has taught us anything it's that progress obsoletes absolutely. Consumers are always demanding to further push the envelope of technology, and manufacturers are always pleased to accommodate them. Thus as a result, the industry norm seems to now be converging on more and more channels in our home theater systems, which one day may eventually surpass those found in state of the art Cineplex's. This may sound funny to you, but lets turn the clocks back 20 years or so and try to envision a day when we would be cramming seven speakers, a subwoofer, and 103" projection screen in our living rooms. Still sound far fetched? For now however, my reference set-up remains in a 5.1 channel configuration, mostly because of limitations in my living room and the WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) dictates enough is enough!

Separates or a Receiver ?

This has been a long time asked, but often not competently answered, question since manufacturers began producing mega receivers and separates at similar price points. There are inherent advantages and disadvantages to both, so let's do a little soul searching to find the answer to this grueling question.

It is obvious by the latest product offerings from Sherbourn that they understand the current industry trends, and as a result they have managed to intelligently design high performance products that fit quite nicely. Enter the PT-7000 7.1 Channel Preamp/Processor (MSPR: $1500) and the 7/2100 7CH 200wpc Power Amp (MSRP: $2850). This combined duo retails for $4350 and weighs in at a whopping 140lbs! At this price point, your alternative options are flagship receiver such as those from Denon, Pioneer Elite, B&K, etc, or separates from other manufacturers such as Outlaw, Adcom, Rotel, etc. This is an interesting price point to compete in as it is where a threshold is crossed between flagship home theater receivers and entry level separates. The receiver advantage is usually the convenience of an all-in-one box solution, a more sophisticated processor, THX Ultra 2 certification, better remote, and more features, etc, while the receiver disadvantage can sometimes be a less robust amplifier design unable to drive low impedance loads at high volume levels, less flexibility for future upgrading, and less snob appeal that many separates people often enjoy. Before deciding on which option is right for you, you need to ask yourself a few key questions.

• What type of speakers do you plan on using?
• What are your room size and listening level preferences?
• How often are you struck with the upgrade bug?

If your answer to these questions are as follows: "I am using low impedance, low efficient speakers in a reasonably large living room where I love to blast my neighbors while achieving THX reference levels, and often get struck with the upgrade bug when new technologies arrives.", then separates are usually a better choice for your needs. After a few years of usage, you can always dump the processor in favor for the latest and greatest, but can continue to use the monster power amp for all of your loudspeaker and listening needs. With that in mind, lets take an in depth look at the Sherbourn PT-7000 & 7/2100 combo to determine if it fits the bill for today's high performance home theater systems.

Company History (Brief)

Sherbourn was founded in 1998 by Ron Fone and Engne 'Tang'. The partnership is purely synergistic with 'Tang' heading up all aspects of design, engineering, manufacturing and technical support and Fone doing likewise for all commercial functions. 'Tang' was originally involved in engineering design with established audio companies such as NAD and Proton. In 1983, he moved to the USA and joined forces with Acoustic Research, then headed by Fone, to manage the engineering development of an electronics line. 'Tang' formed his own company in 1993, where he primarily designed subwoofer power amplifiers for some of the most well known companies in the industry.

Ron Fone, originally from England, moved to the USA in 1979 and for the next eight years presided over Acoustic Research . His involvement in the industry includes heading up Tera (a high end video company) and McIntosh, where he is credited with taking the famous company from its traditional two channel posture into the exciting world of multi channel home theater. After a period at A/D/S where he again inspired many innovative products, he and 'Tang' began discussing their long cherished dream of starting their own company. In 1998, they founded a small and personable high end audio company that is known to us today as Sherbourn.