So, Here's What the Prospective 2 Channel System Would Look Like...Thoughts?

[PearlcorderS701]

First, let me say thank you to everyone who had helped out and contributed to my last thread in this section of the forum regarding selecting an integrated amp or stereo receiver; I appreciate that very much and your contributions and opinions were not taken lightly or dismissed.

That said, the choices I have boiled down do not in any way reflect, on my part, any ignoring of suggestions you all have made -- it was said to me by one member (it may have been Chris) that I could "buy what I want and end up with unsatisfactory equipment at a higher cost" or something along those lines, but this is simply not the responses I wanted to elicit...I don't want to get anyone angry, upset, frustrated or ready to kill me (in particular!) because I didn't specifically go out and purchase something they directly told me to. I apologize if this is what I was supposed to do; I want you to know that your opinions were considered along with everyone else's and I simply chose what I thought would work for me and was within my budget, based on, in small part, personal brand loyalties and aesthetics/ergonomics.

This is what I'll think I'll end up with for a purchase:

Onkyo A-9555 amp
Technics SL-1200 turntable
Def Tech speakers w/built in subs

Of course, I also have my Marantz CD changer and TASCAM CD recorder. At this point, I suppose I'd be welcoming your thoughts and if this amp would be a good match with some Def Techs and such; what do you think?

 

[Seth=L]

I don't remember anyone wanting to kill you, I might have wanted to strangle a few other people, but not you. The only concern I had was you might have been a little overly concerned about the difficulty of installing a cartridge (it appears you've gotten over that ).

All in all, your system looks like it's shaping up nicely. The speakers are great for full range towers that also look great. I like the amplifier you have chosen as well, it's measured performance is very good and it's a Class D type as well.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

I don't remember anyone wanting to kill you, I might have wanted to strangle a few other people, but not you. The only concern I had was you might have been a little overly concerned about the difficulty of installing a cartridge (it appears you've gotten over that ).

LOL. I was being a bit exaggerating and sarcastic there, Seth. But thanks for the assurances. I simply wanted to express the fact that I didn't want to "anger" anyone because I was considering all choices; it seemed as if when I didn't take to a certain person's suggestion(s), they became agitated and "short" with their responses to me. I certainly did not want to elicit such a response, at all.

Who got you so steamin' that you wanted to strangle them?

All in all, your system looks like it's shaping up nicely. The speakers are great for full range towers that also look great. I like the amplifier you have chosen as well, it's measured performance is very good and it's a Class D type as well.

Thank you; I appreciate that. The only thing I am worried about is those Def Techs...I love the fact that they have built-in subs and amps for the subs, but the prices of these things are outrageous...even for just a pair...

Is there somewhere I can find these for under $1K for a pair of 'em? I don't need the center or surrounds in a package -- just the tower left and rights.

Are you certain the Onkyo seems like a good amp?

Thanks for all your help, here and in the beginning.

 

[Seth=L]

I can't say I'm certain the Onkyo is a good amp, I don't have it personally to verify how great it is. However, the measured performance is impressive, and it won't have the heat problems that some Onkyo receivers are plagued with because of it's switching amplifier design (Class D). Class D amplifiers run far more efficiently producing less heat and consuming less power to create power for output.

If you would like to get closer to the $1000 range for towers and you like Definitive Technolgy I would seriously suggest looking at the BP10B towers. They have better measured performance than the powered towers, and they have reasonable low frequency output for a slim passive tower. Many people here stand by them and regard them as one of Definitive Technology's highest value and perhaps best sounding tower. Some of the powered Mythos towers sound very good as well, but they are very expensive.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

I can't say I'm certain the Onkyo is a good amp, I don't have it personally to verify how great it is. However, the measured performance is impressive, and it won't have the heat problems that some Onkyo receivers are plagued with because of it's switching amplifier design (Class D). Class D amplifiers run far more efficiently producing less heat and consuming less power to create power for output.

If you would like to get closer to the $1000 range for towers and you like Definitive Technolgy I would seriously suggest looking at the BP10B towers. They have better measured performance than the powered towers, and they have reasonable low frequency output for a slim passive tower. Many people here stand by them and regard them as one of Definitive Technology's highest value and perhaps best sounding tower. Some of the powered Mythos towers sound very good as well, but they are very expensive.

Thanks Bro...

I appreciate all your input here; I'm kinda stoked about the Onkyo amp.

As for Def Tech, I wanted to really stick with their self-powered towers that include the subs in them, as that would be a perfect setup for the two channel room. But if I can't do 'em, I can't do 'em.

Would any modern JBL tower be good for music reproduction with good bass?

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks Bro...

I appreciate all your input here; I'm kinda stoked about the Onkyo amp.

As for Def Tech, I wanted to really stick with their self-powered towers that include the subs in them, as that would be a perfect setup for the two channel room. But if I can't do 'em, I can't do 'em.

Would any modern JBL tower be good for music reproduction with good bass?

Perhaps L series. I think you'd be surprised what kind of in room response you can get with the BP10 towers, but don't take my word for it, go listen to some speakers.

 

[anamorphic96]

While I like what you have come up with for the most part. You need to really get out and listen to more speakers before you drop that much cash.

While I like Def Tech speakers there are many other speaker companies that sound just as good or better. Especially since your willing to drop 2000 dollars on speakers. Find some dealers and go listen. If your not sure what speakers are sold in your area go to the manufactures web site and see where the closest dealer is.

I also tend to agree with Seth in that you might want to look into strictly passive speakers. Most well made passive towers will get pretty low to begin with then you wont have to worry about integrating the subs and should be easier to set up.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Perhaps L series. I think you'd be surprised what kind of in room response you can get with the BP10 towers, but don't take my word for it, go listen to some speakers.

Thanks. I'll check out the L series online as well as the BP10s, and report back.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

While I like what you have come up with for the most part. You need to really get out and listen to more speakers before you drop that much cash.

You still agree with the A-9555?

While I like Def Tech speakers there are many other speaker companies that sound just as good or better. Especially since your willing to drop 2000 dollars on speakers. Find some dealers and go listen. If your not sure what speakers are sold in your area go to the manufactures web site and see where the closest dealer is.

Well, I can't really drop 2 grand on speakers, that's why I said the Def Techs are way too much.

I also tend to agree with Seth in that you might want to look into strictly passive speakers. Most well made passive towers will get pretty low to begin with then you wont have to worry about integrating the subs and should be easier to set up.

Okay. Will definitely take into consideration.

But what would make the Def Tech speakers with the built in subs so difficult to set up?

 

[bandphan]

If your looking for loudspeakers with good extension and that are well priced, check out the Salk Songs, the towers start at 1795 per pair , but they are now offering "budget" builds for much less. These speakers are well received and represent an excellent value.

 

[anamorphic96]

You still agree with the A-9555?



Well, I can't really drop 2 grand on speakers, that's why I said the Def Techs are way too much.



Okay. Will definitely take into consideration.

But what would make the Def Tech speakers with the built in subs so difficult to set up?

In all honesty I would not buy the Onkyo Integrated if it was my money. While well reviewed and measured it would not be my choice. This does not make it a bad amp.

I would go with an option that has an upgrade path to future proof my system. The Onkyo does not offer this. Of all the amps mentioned and considering your gear and what you want to do. I would go with the NAD integrated, HK 3490 stereo receiver, or the Onkyo receiver. I mentioned the HK due to its digital input. Which could come in handy. It also does everything else you want.

In regards to the DefTech towers with subs. Do you know how you are going to hook them up.

1. Do they only have LFE inputs which would require an output the Onkyo does not have. Granted I would imagine this is not the only way to hook up the subs on these speakers. But it is something that should be thought about with this type of speaker.

2. Subs are a tricky thing integrate properly and the towers would limit where you can place the speakers. What if the ideal spot for the speakers is not the ideal spot for subwoofers. Placement with subs is very important if you want them to sound good and integrate properly.

3. For your type of 2 channel system subs are not needed. My gut tells me you don't think towers with 2 - 5" or 6" woofers can get that low. So you think a sub is needed. You would be mistaken here. A good set of towers can get down to the mid to low 30hz range. Which is plenty low for most music. Unless you like blasting rap or oregon music you will be fine without a sub.

What is your budget for speakers ?

Last but not least go listen to more speakers.

 

[adwilk]

I totally agree with whats being said here. Go listen to some more stuff. IF you absolutely LOVED the DT's, then by all means spend the cash, but if its a bit over budget or if for any other reason you have some second thoughts, then keep shopping around. I PERSONALLY don't think deftech is anything to write home about, but others here do. You need to decide if you really want to spend your hard earned money on something you're not sure about.

Once you determine EXACTLY what speakers you want, then you can begin selecting what amp/processor will work best for the speakers you've selected.

I've heard some really great sub grand speaker setups that sounded fantastic without a sub for music purposes. Too many to list in fact and I know others here have as well. I actually think the built in DT subs in some of the towers are worthless and if I were forced to have them, I'd disconnect the LFE section . If Music is your thing, you owe it to yourself to check out some other options.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

In all honesty I would not buy the Onkyo Integrated if it was my money. While well reviewed and measured it would not be my choice.

I thought you were the one that initially told me that I should go ahead and get the Onkyo, that it would be a good choice...was I mistaken?

 

[anamorphic96]

It is a good choice. It is a good amp. But it's not what I would have chosen personally. I really think something with an upgrade path is what should be looked at more. But if the Onkyo integrated really floats your boat and its what you want then go ahead. As I said its a good choice but is ultimately limited in flexibility and upgrade options.

 

[adwilk]

I thought you were the one that initially told me that I should go ahead and get the Onkyo, that it would be a good choice...was I mistaken?

I think you need to figure out which speakers that you are for sure gonna get before worrying about this.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

It is a good choice. It is a good amp. But it's not what I would have chosen personally. I really think something with an upgrade path is what should be looked at more. But if the Onkyo integrated really floats your boat and its what you want then go ahead. As I said its a good choice but is ultimately limited in flexibility and upgrade options.

Forgive me; can you enlighten me once more in terms of what you pointed out weren't upgradeable elements of the Onkyo?

 

[anamorphic96]

Forgive me; can you enlighten me once more in terms of what you pointed out weren't upgradeable elements of the Onkyo?

Pre-Amp outputs. The ability to use the integrated as a pre-amp and upgrade the amp when you need more power.

The reason I mentione the NAD so much is the fact that it has no phono stage. You could then get something either used or new that would perform much better than whats in the Onkyo, and HK's.

I mentioned the HK again because I forgot about the digital input which could be handy and adds flexibility. It also has pre-outs and sub outputs and a phono stage. Flexibility being the key. It's also cheap.

In the end their are so many any options and all the amps mentioned have pros and cons.

My gut also tells me you really like the Onkyo's looks. Which is the worst reason to buy something. It's all about the sound in the end in my book.

 

[PearlcorderS701]

Pre-Amp outputs. The ability to use the integrated as a pre-amp and upgrade the amp when you need more power.

That's never going to be a factor. 85 watts x 2 (or whatever "real" power this thing puts out) will be more than enough for my needs at any time.

The reason I mentione the NAD so much is the fact that it has no phono stage. You could then get something either used or new that would perform much better than whats in the Onkyo, and HK's.

What do you mean, phono stage wise? I wouldn't want to get an outboard phono preamp to make things more complicated; from what I read about the A-9555, the phono stage is pretty robust.

I mentioned the HK again because I forgot about the digital input which could be handy and adds flexibility. It also has pre-outs and sub outputs and a phono stage. Flexibility being the key. It's also cheap.

Well, being that I use my Marantz CD changer's digital out to go direct to the CD recorder, I never have use for a digital in on the amp; I use the CD changer's analog outs direct to a receiver or amp.

In the end their are so many any options and all the amps mentioned have pros and cons.

My gut also tells me you really like the Onkyo's looks. Which is the worst reason to buy something. It's all about the sound in the end in my book.

I do like the looks, you're right...but I also am a fan of their stuff in general -- sound wise as well. I don't think this will be a terrible choice, to be honest. If I don't like the sound once it's all hooked up, I can always return it and start again.

 

[anamorphic96]

That's never going to be a factor. 85 watts x 2 (or whatever "real" power this thing puts out) will be more than enough for my needs at any time.



What do you mean, phono stage wise? I wouldn't want to get an outboard phono preamp to make things more complicated; from what I read about the A-9555, the phono stage is pretty robust.



Well, being that I use my Marantz CD changer's digital out to go direct to the CD recorder, I never have use for a digital in on the amp; I use the CD changer's analog outs direct to a receiver or amp.



I do like the looks, you're right...but I also am a fan of their stuff in general -- sound wise as well. I don't think this will be a terrible choice, to be honest. If I don't like the sound once it's all hooked up, I can always return it and start again.

More than anything I'm trying to show you a system that has flexibility and the ability to upgrade.

Going with an outboard phono stage does not make things more complicated. It creates more options and flexibility. Not complicate things.

If you really like the Onkyo then go with it. Its a good amp. Just not what I would have chosen.

But please go listen to more speakers than the Deft Tech's. This is what will ultimately determine your systems sound.

 

[adwilk]

I'm a pretty big fan of this unit. I just got one for my office and I love it.