2channel setup help needed

[chicomoralessxm]

Need some advice. I'm lookin at well starting from scratch (again) recently moved looking at getting some 2channel equipment.
This is what I was looking at either amps wise
HK 3480, yamaha rx 797, CA540a or NAD 325bee

Cdp
CA 340C or 540C, NAd525bee or denon dcm390(like the idea of achanger even though i will sacrifice quality can't afford a rotel yet!!!)

Speakers
Polk rti6, Paradigm monitor 3's, maybe Klipsch rf-82

These are what I was looking at my main problem is that locally i cant really test any stuff I just have a dealor for klipsch and Def-tech on the island and they dont have any of the models i wanna demo. I've own some polks before and like their sound had a pair of rf-25 and was satisified with them before i sold them as well when i moved. Paradigm caught my eye. I've also heard good things about denon never own any of their stuff. just yammie. I'm into mainly music like 85%+ so a receiver in not really neaded right now plus i also have space contraints. So i'm open any input. i hope this is not too long for my 1st post here. thanks in advance

 

[chicomoralessxm]

any one can offer some assitance please??

 

[T2T]

Do you plan on using a subwoofer for your 2-channel setup? If so, I'd look closely at the offerings as far as receivers go. While some may have a subwoofer pre-out connector, it doesn't mean that it has a built-in crossover. Plus, some subs now are no longer offering crossovers and speaker level inputs on the amplifiers (e.g. SVS PB10).

I think there are some great offerings in home theater receivers that you could use for a 2-channel system. Sure, the other amps will just sit there idle. But, having a proper subwoofer output and a built-in crossover can be pretty important stuff. I see you had the Yamaha 2-channel receiver on your list. The RX-V659 is the home theater model that would give you everything the 2-channel receiver has and more. Plus, I'm sure the price is pretty competitive between the two.

I once had a Music Hall 2-channel integrated amp. It had a pre-out for the sub. However, since my SVS didn't have a built-in crossover, it was nearly impossible to use the sub since all of my bass was being directed to my monitor speakers - and, the subwoofer, too. It made for some real muddy sound.

 

[T2T]

Oh, and one more thing. I see that you have a list of CD players on your list, too. Is there any reason why you want to strictly stick to a CD player?

The Squeezebox 3 digital music player features Burr-Brown DACs and is truly a quality component. You could store all of your music in lossless FLAC format on your computer and play it through the Squeezebox. I sold my better quality CD player, moved the Squeezebox and never looked back. Plus, my CDs, once they were ripped onto my computer, were neatly put away and I don't have them laying all over the place anymore.

 

[Resident Loser]

Choose...

...your speakers first, you positively, ab-so-lute-ly MUST audition them yourself...They are what you actually hear and they will dictate the specifics you will need to look for in your amplification requirements...

Re: the rest...Buy based on availability, price, features/ergonomics, warranty and yes, looks...others' personal preference is pretty much meaningless...

jimHJJ(...generally speaking...)

P.S. BTW...have a little patience, not much traffic at 2AM, you know...

 

[chicomoralessxm]

Do you plan on using a subwoofer for your 2-channel setup? If so, I'd look closely at the offerings as far as receivers go. While some may have a subwoofer pre-out connector, it doesn't mean that it has a built-in crossover. Plus, some subs now are no longer offering crossovers and speaker level inputs on the amplifiers (e.g. SVS PB10).

I think there are some great offerings in home theater receivers that you could use for a 2-channel system. Sure, the other amps will just sit there idle. But, having a proper subwoofer output and a built-in crossover can be pretty important stuff. I see you had the Yamaha 2-channel receiver on your list. The RX-V659 is the home theater model that would give you everything the 2-channel receiver has and more. Plus, I'm sure the price is pretty competitive between the two.

I once had a Music Hall 2-channel integrated amp. It had a pre-out for the sub. However, since my SVS didn't have a built-in crossover, it was nearly impossible to use the sub since all of my bass was being directed to my monitor speakers - and, the subwoofer, too. It made for some real muddy sound.

thanks for the input i was infact looking the rxv659 so a stunning review on it here i was consider either the 659 or the denon 2307ci which a friend spoke highly of as well. yess i do prefer a cd player for know

 

[chicomoralessxm]

...your speakers first, you positively, ab-so-lute-ly MUST audition them yourself...They are what you actually hear and they will dictate the specifics you will need to look for in your amplification requirements...

Re: the rest...Buy based on availability, price, features/ergonomics, warranty and yes, looks...others' personal preference is pretty much meaningless...

jimHJJ(...generally speaking...)

P.S. BTW...have a little patience, not much traffic at 2AM, you know...

Well indeed that something to work on. I appreciate its basically impossible auditioning them. I enjoyed my last set of klipsch's but i remember my worst purchase was a pair or bose 901's well i never will buy a pair or bose's again. I enjoy both the polk sound and the klipsch sound even though the later might be called by some bright. I have heard some older paradigms some years back but not the monitors series

 

[chicomoralessxm]

Anymore suggustion or input about those selections i mentioned??? oh and yes i prob will get a sub but not right away maybe klipsch rsw 10d or the lower cost rw12d

 

[chicomoralessxm]

how does the cambridge audio compare with the hk receiver and yammie???

 

[chicomoralessxm]

any thoughts on my original post??

 

[wire]

Well indeed that something to work on. I appreciate its basically impossible auditioning them. I enjoyed my last set of klipsch's but i remember my worst purchase was a pair or bose 901's well i never will buy a pair or bose's again. I enjoy both the polk sound and the klipsch sound even though the later might be called by some bright. I have heard some older paradigms some years back but not the monitors series

Klipsch is always a good choice , ive heard some Hershy's hooked up to a small NAD intregrated amp and the sound was good .
I must sound like a broken record , search Audiogone , before you make a purchase on new equipment . You might find a Pre/Pro setup at close to your price range or maybe a tube intregrated . Also im not a big fan of Yammy , they just dont sound that good .
Note - on the 901's they need some power to make them sing . A reciever will not do the 901's any justice .

 

[chicomoralessxm]

I own the klipsches before the rf-35 but if i get a tower prob i will go with klipsch rf-82 seem to have good bfb. Maybe even the rf-63 but the prob is space constraints right now and my wife not a fan of floorstanding tower types. I'd prob can get the nad 325bee for 400 new so i dont mind paying that i was looking at the hk3480 alittle more power and the looks of Ca540 really pulled me in I can get the rxv659 that they gave an awesome review on here for under 380 locally so i find it tough to just ignore it because its a yammie. my first receiver was a rxv i'm just or never was impressed by it dont get me wrong it worked perfect no bugs but well i'm leaning toward a 2 channel amp better for music some say???

 

[riceaterslc]

if i were to get a 2-chan only setup i would seriously consider the Outlaw RR2150 Stereo Receiver. It has great reviews and focuses only on stereo as opposed to surround sound processing. Check out some of the reviews.

 

[chicomoralessxm]

if i were to get a 2-chan only setup i would seriously consider the Outlaw RR2150 Stereo Receiver. It has great reviews and focuses only on stereo as opposed to surround sound processing. Check out some of the reviews.

outlaw seems nice but i'm limited to CA NAD and HK for now but out of curiousity what is the cost of that model. you reccomended and do you have a review on it???

 

[mtrycrafts]

Well indeed that something to work on. I appreciate its basically impossible auditioning them. I enjoyed my last set of klipsch's but i remember my worst purchase was a pair or bose 901's well i never will buy a pair or bose's again. I enjoy both the polk sound and the klipsch sound even though the later might be called by some bright. I have heard some older paradigms some years back but not the monitors series

Are you planning a trip, or a vacation off island? Maybe you can audition some speakers? But, even then, they may and most likely will sound a bit different from your acoustic space with those speakers.
However, since you had experience with both brands, pick the one you feel more comfortable. Seems you may be partial to Polk.

 

[mnnc]

any thoughts on my original post??

av123 are having a special sale on a great 2ch setup. You get the onix sp3 tube integrated amp, Strata awesome speakers, and bonus bookshelf spkr's for $1999!

 

[skizzerflake]

I had a good recent experience assembling a 2 channel system, partially from e-bay. There are lots of excellent "vintage" amps available much cheaper than anything new. Their advantage is that they are entirely analog. I wanted a system that could also handle a turntable as well as a cd and I didn't want a new receiver that does all its signal modification (volume, bass, treble) digitally. I ended up with a circa 1980 NAD preamp ($125), an old Carver power amp ($200). Connected to an old Thorens turntable I bought long ago and Sony CD it drives the Vandersteen speakers I already had wonderfully. It's a terrific 2 channel system that cost me very little and delivers a lot. I don't know about the other receivers you mentioned but some Yamaha receivers have a "straight stereo" mode that avoids DSP but you lose balance, bass and treble controls in that mode. I have one of those in my video system and it's a pretty good, neutral amplifier that works well on music with my NHT speakers, which, fortunately, don't need any bass or treble manipulation.

 

[chicomoralessxm]

Are you planning a trip, or a vacation off island? Maybe you can audition some speakers? But, even then, they may and most likely will sound a bit different from your acoustic space with those speakers.
However, since you had experience with both brands, pick the one you feel more comfortable. Seems you may be partial to Polk.

Lol you might have a point there. i guess they are my first love...wel i should say my first purchase. i wish that were possible but not right now but that would be the ideal situation so i could demo maybe the paradigm's the psb or even a pair or b&w. I guess i like polk cause those little speakers i had i could really crank them up. They were a bit laid back but that was fine. I'm very much intrested in paradigm as well. But my bigger focus right now is the well electronics. I was hoping you guys might give some more input on that. CA is it realiable equipement proformance so far i have heard good things. NAD no questions their. I just find the looks and style or the CA540a over the Nad325bee. and then with these stereo receivers like the hk(3480) yamaha(rx797) even the denon (dra697ci) and the oh yeah the nadc720. Its all a bit overwhelming all these choices and their seems to keep being new ones just saw a review on the outlaw as well . Which way to go???

 

[chicomoralessxm]

av123 are having a special sale on a great 2ch setup. You get the onix sp3 tube integrated amp, Strata awesome speakers, and bonus bookshelf spkr's for $1999!

ouch thats a little over my budget but thanks for the info. i'm looking at 1k-1500

 

[chicomoralessxm]

I had a good recent experience assembling a 2 channel system, partially from e-bay. There are lots of excellent "vintage" amps available much cheaper than anything new. Their advantage is that they are entirely analog. I wanted a system that could also handle a turntable as well as a cd and I didn't want a new receiver that does all its signal modification (volume, bass, treble) digitally. I ended up with a circa 1980 NAD preamp ($125), an old Carver power amp ($200). Connected to an old Thorens turntable I bought long ago and Sony CD it drives the Vandersteen speakers I already had wonderfully. It's a terrific 2 channel system that cost me very little and delivers a lot. I don't know about the other receivers you mentioned but some Yamaha receivers have a "straight stereo" mode that avoids DSP but you lose balance, bass and treble controls in that mode. I have one of those in my video system and it's a pretty good, neutral amplifier that works well on music with my NHT speakers, which, fortunately, don't need any bass or treble manipulation.

hmm sounds intresting I like nht speakers actually the first audio buddy i met introduced me to them thats when i started to get really hooked never heard of them be4 that but they sonically have always impressed me. I'm prob leaning more toward buying new for now but thats a good suggustion nonetheless