Audiophile wannabe question

[rrpalma]

Hello,

I'm trying to set up my first semi-audiophile system. I listen mostly to classical multichannel music (SACD) plus classic rock on CDs. So far, I've been using a home theater receiver (NAD T744) based system, with some Boston Acoustics entry level home theater 5.1 speakers (MCS 130).

I want to upgrade, and have the opportunity to grab a NIB McCormack DNA 250 power amp at a good price. I plan to use the NAD 744 as pre-amp to the McCormack, and drive the existing center, surrounds, and SW from the NAD, plus new front L & R from the power amp.

For front L&R, again I have the opportunity to buy either Boston Acoustics discontinued huge E100s (open box, but never used) or their newest tower speakers VS 336, either at the same price. Which would you recommend? Any other comments?

Thanks for reading!

 

[markw]

personally, I would start looking at other speakers.

 

[rrpalma]

personally, I would start looking at other speakers.

Thanks Mark for reading and replying. Why's that?

 

[markw]

Speakers are the most influential link in the chain for the sound of a system.

After that, the amp needs the power to adequately drive them. That NAD, while not the ultimate powerhouse, has enough real-world power to drive quite a few different speakers.

You seem to be enamored with BA. IMNSHO, there are better speakers out there than BA but YMMV. IIWY, I'd save my $$ for new speakers.

 

[Seth=L]

I feel that Boston Acoustics speakers, especially their higher end models of the yesteryear with the VR Lynnfield tweeter, offer an exceptional value at their street prices. I'm not familiar with the new speakers and how they sound in comparison, but this is something the OP will have to determine themselves.

Other high value speakers come from Polk and Infinity. The Monitor series from Polk is fairly popular and well regarded as well as the Primus series from Infinity. If you can still find the Primus P**2 speakers they may have a very low street price which further increases their bang for buck. The P362 towers are well regarded for the money.

 

[Pyrrho]

I agree with markw that you should be looking at other speakers. Even if you end up going with your original plan of speakers, the only way you are going to know what other speakers sound like is to listen to them. And you might find something you like better. I recommend that you go to the audio shops in your area, and listen to as many different models, and as many different types of speakers (e.g., dome, horn, ribbon, whatever) as you can find and stand to listen to that are in your price range (by the way, what is your price range?). Don't buy right away; take your time and go to several shops, and sleep on the matter, before coming to a decision.

If your space and budget permit, and if you can find a local dealer, you should audition some relatively exotic speakers, like Magnepan. They may or may not be to your taste, but there is only one way to find out.

 

[rrpalma]

Thanks again for all the comments.

I have mostly discarded the idea of the Bostons, and will be spending a little more $$ on speakers.

I'm now considering PSB Synchrony One or Revel Performa F32. Any comments on those?

 

[3db]

Thanks again for all the comments.

I have mostly discarded the idea of the Bostons, and will be spending a little more $$ on speakers.

I'm now considering PSB Synchrony One or Revel Performa F32. Any comments on those?

The Synchrony have been garnering nothing but stellar reviews from all the audio rags out there. Usually I don't put much stock in one review but when they all start saying it there must be some shred of truth. Your best bet would be to audition for yourself...

What I would do is to take a pad of paper with you, write down the make and
model of each speaker you audition and what you liked and disliked about the
speakers you were auditioning. Was the bass tight and deep or was it boomy and loose sounding? Were the mids life like or were they hollow or just too pronounced? Was the treble irritating and harsh or were they dark and not revealing or were they smooththat made you want to listen for more? How was the imaging?

Bring music with you that you are very familiar with and know quite well. To
make it easier to audition HT speaker systems, listen to the main speakers in 2
channel mode with music. Music is much harder to reproduce accurately then a movie soundtrack so if the speakers do well with music, then they will do well with HT.

I would go to speciality stores first and start auditioning speakers first
instead of going to the internet first. Once your likes are determined, you can
mention them here and fellow members can make internet brand recommendations based on your likes/dislikes. The specality stores are better setup acousticaly then the big box stores which will make auditioning a little easier. It will give you an idea of what you like in a speaker.

Keep track of what amp or receiver is powering the speakers you're auditioning. Try to get a receiver/amp that closest resembles what you have or want to get. It just reduces another variable when audtioning speakers.

One thing to keep note off. When auditioning speakers, make sure the volume
levels are matched between the diiferent speaker pairs because the louder
speaker pair will always sound better. Listen to levels that you think you
would listen to most of the time because thats how you are going to be using
them most of the time.