Hi-Fi Search

[AGB]

Hi,

I am brand new here and I'm hoping I can get some tips in my search for a new hi-fi system. My search began about 6 months ago and I am closing in on what I want, but I am having a hard time making a few pretty major final decisions. Some background --- My goal is to compile a system that will be used as a stereo listening device. I will not be using the system in a surround sound/movie setting. I will have the amp/cd/turntable hooked up in a study while the speakers will be in another room that we use for the majority of our entertaining. My budget is no higher than $4,000 at this time and I can hold off on a high end cd player and turntable (I figure those can be upgraded at a later date) so, my focus is on amp/speakers.

My first tough decision is trying to decide if I should get a two channel stereo amp or a multi-channel. If I get a multi channel I would most likely hook up a couple of el cheapo bookshelf speakers in the study where the electronics will be kept. Question - will straying away from a two channel stereo amp impact my overall performance on my main speakers in the main entertaining room? I would really like to stick to a 2 channel amp, but I am worried that I might be limiting myself unnecessarily. My focus so far has been on speakers, so if I could get some recommendations of some high performing two channel amps that would price out between $700 - $1000 that would be great. What are some favorites out there?

Secondly, speakers. I have decided to go with the floor standing variety, and I have been out on weekends doing demos when possible. So far the race is between three. The Totem Hawk, Monitor's GS20, and Paradigm's Studio 60. Out of these three I believe the Monitor GS20 is currently in the lead. It really blew me away. I listen to mostly rock music and I think it handles that genre very well. If anyone could provide recommendations of some other speaker brands that are well loved and in this range of price/quality that would be much appreciated.

Thanks a lot! I am really looking forward to the day when I can sit back and enjoy this system.

 

[gus6464]

So your speaker budget is around $2000 correct? At this price range I would recommend you check out the Dali Ikon 6 and the newly announced Epos M22i.

 

[rded]

At 2k, do you want floor standers or monitors?

 

[gus6464]

At 2k, do you want floor standers or monitors?

He stated he wants towers.

 

[AGB]

So your speaker budget is around $2000 correct? At this price range I would recommend you check out the Dali Ikon 6 and the newly announced Epos M22i.

I am thinking my speaker budget is more between 2500 - 3000 and the receiver budget is no more than a thousand.

 

[AGB]

At 2k, do you want floor standers or monitors?

Looking at towers only now.

 

[gus6464]

I am thinking my speaker budget is more between 2500 - 3000 and the receiver budget is no more than a thousand.

Then yes definitely check out the new Epos M22i and instead look at the Dali Mentor 6 instead of the Ikon. The hybrid tweeter on the Mentor is a bit better and the cabinets are better as well.

 

[AGB]

Then yes definitely check out the new Epos M22i and instead look at the Dali Mentor 6 instead of the Ikon. The hybrid tweeter on the Mentor is a bit better and the cabinets are better as well.

I will try and see if I can locate a local dealer for those for a demo. Any recommendations on a high end two-channel receiver. These seem to be an endangered species these days with 5.1 etc...being so popular.

 

[The Chukker]

Emotiva makes kick @ss products that perform as well as they look, and don't break the bank.

2 ch pre-pro (RSP-1):
http://www.emotiva.com/rsp1.html

2 ch amp (XPA-2):
http://www.emotiva.com/
(Scroll down about halfway to see pics and specs).

 

[gus6464]

Also take a look at Cambridge Audio 840A integrated amp. There are a couple of people in this forum that have different models and they love them.

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=111&Title=Azur 840A Class XD™ <br>Integrated Amplifier

Audio Advisor sells them
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA840A

Also take a look at NAD C-352 integrated or you can even get into their separates at that price.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NAC352

 

[3db]

I think Totem Hawks and a NAD will server yo very well ofr 2 channel or NAD and PSB's new Synchrony line;

http://www.totemacoustic.com/us/products/columns/hawk/specifications/
plus
http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C355BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier/specs

or

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Synchrony/Synchrony-Two
plus
http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C355BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier/specs

For turntables, I can recommend
http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=xpression&cat=turntables&lang=en


I have the older Xpression2 and its a solid very musical and detailed deck.

 

[AGB]

Then yes definitely check out the new Epos M22i and instead look at the Dali Mentor 6 instead of the Ikon. The hybrid tweeter on the Mentor is a bit better and the cabinets are better as well.

Interesting, ok thanks.

 

[AGB]

Also take a look at Cambridge Audio 840A integrated amp. There are a couple of people in this forum that have different models and they love them.

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=111&Title=Azur 840A Class XD™ <br>Integrated Amplifier

Audio Advisor sells them
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA840A

Also take a look at NAD C-352 integrated or you can even get into their separates at that price.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NAC352

Gus,

If you had to put the NAD "head to head" vs. the Cambridge, how far ahead performance wise do you think the Cambridge ends up? With the price difference between the two I could possibly upgrade my cd player if I went with the NAD. However, the Cambridge would be at the top of my budget.

 

[AGB]

I think Totem Hawks and a NAD will server yo very well ofr 2 channel or NAD and PSB's new Synchrony line;

http://www.totemacoustic.com/us/products/columns/hawk/specifications/
plus
http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C355BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier/specs

or

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Synchrony/Synchrony-Two
plus
http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C355BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier/specs

For turntables, I can recommend
http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=xpression&cat=turntables&lang=en


I have the older Xpression2 and its a solid very musical and detailed deck.

3d,

I auditioned the Totem's at my local dealer with an Integra. Any opinion on Integra Amps? The dealer also carries NAD. So, I will see if I can get a demo with NAD. I have not come across the psb's locally yet. I will see if I can find a pair to demo.

Thanks again. Everyone's help is much appreciated!

 

[rded]

At 3K, IMHO there is no better speaker, musically than DYNAUDIO FOCUS 220. Esp for 2 channel listening.

 

[AGB]

At 3K, IMHO there is no better speaker, musically than DYNAUDIO FOCUS 220. Esp for 2 channel listening.

I was actually planning on a demo of the focus 220 this weekend!

 

[Swerd]

My first tough decision is trying to decide if I should get a two channel stereo amp or a multi-channel. If I get a multi channel I would most likely hook up a couple of el cheapo bookshelf speakers in the study where the electronics will be kept. Question - will straying away from a two channel stereo amp impact my overall performance on my main speakers in the main entertaining room? My focus so far has been on speakers, so if I could get some recommendations of some high performing two channel amps that would price out between $700 - $1000 that would be great.

The truth is that there are plenty of good amps available. Why not let your speaker selection come first, and let that choice help you decide what amount of amplification you need to drive them without clipping?

As far as your question about choosing between a 2-channel receiver/amp or a HT receiver system... Yes there are very good quality HT receivers available in your price range. Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, Integra, NAD are all good. They will not be a compromise in sound quality compared to a 2-channel system. You can always use an HT system in 2-channel mode, and you have the option of adding extra speakers for surround sound in the future. Most of the newer features of convenience and added connectivity will be found in HT receivers and not in dedicated 2-channel systems. If you plan on having your speakers in a different room from your other gear, you might want to use a remote control that can communicate from one room to another. It is more likely you'll find that in a modern HT receiver than in a 2-channel system. There are numerous other features in HT receivers that might be useful to you. Let others mention some.

If you really want 2-channel gear, have a look at the Outlaw RR2150 Stereo Receiver for $650. For more money, look at products made by Audio by Van Alstine. They are some of the best I've ever seen. I wouldn't pay any more than that.

Secondly, speakers. I have decided to go with the floor standing variety, and I have been out on weekends doing demos when possible. So far the race is between three. The Totem Hawk, Monitor's GS20, and Paradigm's Studio 60. Out of these three I believe the Monitor GS20 is currently in the lead. It really blew me away. I listen to mostly rock music and I think it handles that genre very well. If anyone could provide recommendations of some other speaker brands that are well loved and in this range of price/quality that would be much appreciated.

If you like the Totem Hawks, consider the Salk SongTowers. I have a pair, and I definetly like them much better than the Paradigm Studio 60s. Read my listening impressions here. Jim Salk is a internet-direct speaker maker who, until the SongTowers were released last summer, specialized in expensive custom finished speakers in $3,500 and higher price range. The SongTowers are first rate and beat anything IMO in the under $2000 a pair price range. If you want to hear a pair, contact Jim Salk through his website to see which of his customers lives near you. I live in Maryland and would be glad to have to listen to them.

 

[rded]

I was actually planning on a demo of the focus 220 this weekend!

Great! You will find that its a totally different sounding speaker as it uses soft dome(silk) Tweeters. Definitely not fatiguing and Harsh. Just for kicks audition the contour 3.4 from Dyn, they're amazing.

 

[AGB]

The truth is that there are plenty of good amps available. Why not let your speaker selection come first, and let that choice help you decide what amount of amplification you need to drive them without clipping?

As far as your question about choosing between a 2-channel receiver/amp or a HT receiver system... Yes there are very good quality HT receivers available in your price range. Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, Integra, NAD are all good. They will not be a compromise in sound quality compared to a 2-channel system. You can always use an HT system in 2-channel mode, and you have the option of adding extra speakers for surround sound in the future. Most of the newer features of convenience and added connectivity will be found in HT receivers and not in dedicated 2-channel systems. If you plan on having your speakers in a different room from your other gear, you might want to use a remote control that can communicate from one room to another. It is more likely you'll find that in a modern HT receiver than in a 2-channel system. There are numerous other features in HT receivers that might be useful to you. Let others mention some.

If you really want 2-channel gear, have a look at the Outlaw RR2150 Stereo Receiver for $650. For more money, look at products made by Audio by Van Alstine. They are some of the best I've ever seen. I wouldn't pay any more than that.

If you like the Totem Hawks, consider the Salk SongTowers. I have a pair, and I definetly like them much better than the Paradigm Studio 60s. Read my listening impressions here. Jim Salk is a internet-direct speaker maker who, until the SongTowers were released last summer, specialized in expensive custom finished speakers in $3,500 and higher price range. The SongTowers are first rate and beat anything IMO in the under $2000 a pair price range. If you want to hear a pair, contact Jim Salk through his website to see which of his customers lives near you. I live in Maryland and would be glad to have to listen to them.

Swerd,

There is alot to cover here. First off, thank you for the comments. I feel like I have a clear answer now that a surround sound unit (set in 2 channel mode) will not be a down grade in quality from a standard 2 channel stereo amp. I might end up going with a two channel unit just to make the auditioning process easier. At some point, when too many options are on the table things just get overwhelming! That being said, I have not decided yet and my eyes and ears are still open.

Second, I have not really considered any internet-direct makers. Mostly, because the auditioning process is not available, and at least to me that is half the fun of all of this! However, I might take you up on that offer to listen to the songtowers. I live outside of Philadelphia...so it would be a bit of a drive, but not too bad. The other reason I have not considered them (internet direct dealers) is because if something goes wrong and I am not happy with the speakers, I like the option of being able to walk into my local hi-fi store and get things taken care of immediately. What kind of customer service would you expect/demand if something went wrong with your songtowers? What options do you have? Believe me when I say that $4000 is ALOT of money to me and when I put that kind of cash out of pocket I really need a high level of security to come with it.

 

[Swerd]

... I have not really considered any internet-direct makers. Mostly, because the auditioning process is not available, and at least to me that is half the fun of all of this! However, I might take you up on that offer to listen to the songtowers. I live outside of Philadelphia...so it would be a bit of a drive, but not too bad.

There is another forum at AudioCircles dedicated to Salk speakers, where you might ask who in your area has Songtowers. There are several owners of SongTowers who have written their listening impressions. One of them, Boybees, is a very good writer, and, if nothing else, is entertaining to read.

The other reason I have not considered them (internet direct dealers) is because if something goes wrong and I am not happy with the speakers, I like the option of being able to walk into my local hi-fi store and get things taken care of immediately. What kind of customer service would you expect/demand if something went wrong with your songtowers? What options do you have? Believe me when I say that $4000 is ALOT of money to me and when I put that kind of cash out of pocket I really need a high level of security to come with it.

Jim Salk offers a 30 money back guarantee on all his products. You pay the shipping, which ain't peanuts. As far as I know, no one has taken him up on that offer.

The advantage to ID sellers versus brick & mortar stores is price. The markup on loudspeakers in B&M stores is at least 5 times the cost of the drivers and hardware. For the SongTowers, I estimate the markup to be about 2-fold, maybe a bit more. I also am a DIY speaker builder, and I know what it would cost me to buy the parts for it. I could never build a cabinet as well as Salk does. So if you want to compare the SongTowers by cost to something in a B&M store, look in the $2500-$3000 price range for a pair.

If you do want to come listen to my STs, send me a PM with your email address, and I'll give you directions.