My wife is going to KILL me!!!

[jinjuku]

Which is why it's great just to get more than enough power in the first place!

A name plate that commands resale value is also a smart move.

Just another way of looking at things.

Yep, my last two amps that I sold I actually came out ahead by a few $$'s.

The Rotel is not for this system, from what I remember.

Missed the "wanting XPA-2" thing.

Check his signature. Both are in there and that is what I was going off of.

I know I don't want one. Doesn't mean they are of poor quality, and don't perform well. Just means I am at least one person in this thread that wouldn't be interested in it if the OP decided to pass it on.

I don't understand the continued debates about these things. If someone is looking for cheap quality power, old-school time-tested amps are a dime a dozen. And, most of the time you can get more than you pay for one.

If someone wants to go buy the premium component, and flaunt it, I think it's cool! Super cool!

Cool if you want / don't want either way. Again may be that you are confusing my original comment about a ding against the McIntosh. It wasn't, I was scratching my head over the speakers listed.

Agreed on used amplification. Also I think pro-audio amps are worth a listen. I know that I like my Crown vs my Parasound and Adcom (sold it when I picked up my Denon 4308ci).

 

[flyboylr45]

I had reserved a xpa-2 for the theater room to use on the current speakers. I'm now going to pass on it when I get the call that it's available. I've always wanted a 2-channel system in a separate room. With a 9 year old the most I listen to is sponge bob in Dolby digital. Lol lol I'm the only one who's gonna have the key to the room!!!!!

My room is going to be small, 10' wide by 13' long with 9' ceilings. The room will be treated with GIK acoustical panels. There is currently tile on the floor but I will put a large area rug. It's going to be a minimalist system. The Mac, a cd/sacd player and a turntable. I'm looking a Thiel CS2.4 or 3.7, the Gallo 3.5, Monitor Audio GX-300 ect. What I'm worried about is that these speakers may be too big for this room. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

As for the pics, got an email a few days ago and it will take about 4 weeks because it ships from the factory. I'll post pics as soon as I get it.

 

[zumbo]

Same thing here. Worked and worked on my HT. Mostly Dora, Caillou, Bubble Guppies, and so on.

Decided to build a 2-channel rig. Best decision I ever made.

Patiently studied used amps, and decided the old-school Denon POA amps were the best value for the dollar. Resale is easy, and one can definitely get 100%+ of their money back if purchased wisely.

Emo may be the value king, but one will never get 100% of their money back. Certainly never get more than full purchase price back.

 

[jinjuku]

I'm looking a Thiel CS2.4 or 3.7, the Gallo 3.5, Monitor Audio GX-300 ect. What I'm worried about is that these speakers may be too big for this room. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

1.If you can don't clutter the front stage with hardware that doesn't belong there. Namely the CDP/Computer/Amp. Put that in a rack off to the side or back of the room. Reserve that space for speakers.

2. Take a look at the Zaph ZDT Revelator 2.5's. They should be added to your list. They only use the best possible drivers available. They are $2000 with cabinets.

3. Add a single or a pair of Rythmik FG12's sealed servo subs. Integrate it
with a good active crossover.

I would put this combination up against anything you have listed.

4. Don't purchase the McIntosh and use that 6500 + 4000 and get the RBH
SX series. This is most likely your biggest ROI. Sorry but while I think the
MC is cool and all that, just entirely too much $$ for not enough return.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The THIEL 3.7 is ~ $14K/pr retail?

I just learned today that both THIEL and Vandersteen use 1st order crossovers, instead of the 4th order that are used by the Revel, KEF, Salk, Philharmonic.

 

[Irvrobinson]

The THIEL 3.7 is ~ $14K/pr retail?

I just learned today that both THIEL and Vandersteen use 1st order crossovers, instead of the 4th order that are used by the Revel, KEF, Salk, Philharmonic.

Oh yeah, the phase coherence argument. They produce some interesting test results, but then you have some interesting crossover or driver design challenges. My question is, if phase coherence is so important, why do the Salon2s sound so good? As good or better (I think much better) than the 3.7s.

 

[flyboylr45]

Yea, I didn't read carefully the price of the 3.7s. I though they were about 8,000 a pair. Guess they're not in the running anymore!!! I tried calling a few RBH dealers where I live (Orlando, FL) and they don't have any RBH speakers in stock so I can listen to them. I was also looking at the Focal 1028be which can be had for about 6,200 or the 1027s for about 4,100. Never heard these and haven't found a place to audition them.

Anyone ever use or heard Ohm speakers?

 

[jinjuku]

Call Madisound and see if the have any end users in your local that have the Zaph Revelators.

Their # (608) 831-3433

 

[flyboylr45]

I ended up buying some Focal 1028be. Can't wait for the speakers and amp to get here. Going to start the construction of the wall next week and hopefully be close to having the room finished within a month. ;-)

Going to use my old Adcom GCD-750 for now until I save some money for a new one and a turntable. ;-)

 

[zumbo]

Love your taste man! My kind of gear! And, I very rarely agree with people!

 

[walter duque]

I've had a few drinks and was reading the forum while listening to Placido Domingo and all of the sudden got the urge to look at Macintosh gear. I've always been a fan of integrated amps and out of nowhere ordered an MA7000 for $6,500!!!! Luckily she doesn't have to work and I take care of her kid (my stepdaughter which I absolutely LOVE). I'm sure when she sees the new green meters and my smiling face she's gonna know something is up. Since she doesn't work all it takes is a simple google search and I'm TOAST!!!!!

I could have hooked you up with that amp for $5200.--. I am not too far from Binghamton NY, a little more than an hour. MC gear I buy for friends retail x 0.65. Dealer cost is 4k.

 

[jinjuku]

Congrats on the setup. Here is to many years of audio bliss

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

since OP refused to post pictures I took upon myself to post one:

 

[zumbo]

since OP refused to post pictures I took upon myself to post one:

I do believe we are waiting on the items to arrive!

 

[flyboylr45]

And trust me, no one is more anxious than ME!!!!!!! Speakers should be here mid month and amp in about 3 weeks.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

And trust me, no one is more anxious than ME!!!!!!! Speakers should be here mid month and amp in about 3 weeks.

Sweet. Looks like both you and PENG got the Focal 1028be. They do cost more than your amp, so you are safe.

 

[adwilk]

....... And, I very rarely agree with people!

And now you and I finally agree on something...

 

[flyboylr45]

Finished building the room. I'll post pictures when I get back from this trip as I can't post them from an iPad. Speakers will be delivered on Wednesday and also ordered a few more panels from GIK acoustics after sending them my room dimensions and the panels I already had from them. Still waiting for the amp. I am now looking to add a turntable. Any suggestions? I know absolutely nothing about them. I do have about 30 records inherited from my grandmother and looking to acquire more. I'd like to buy new and preferably something that doesn't need a lot of adjustment.

Budget less than $1,500

 

[zildjian]

Clearaudio Concept turntable seems very highly praised and is around $1500 new. Lots of stores sell it too. It also is praised for being calibrated before shipping, so it's more plug and play friendly.

Link to Clearaudio Concept website

 

[Pyrrho]

Good luck with that, my wife already said no to Emotiva gear cause of the looks and the size!!. I am still working to convince her .

Get a piece of furniture that she likes that has doors, and then it does not matter what the amplifier looks like. You keep the doors closed whenever she is around, so she is not bothered by how the amplifier looks.