Decimo's

[TheWarrior]

Alright, so I am mostly convinced to plunge for the Decimo's. This will be a total system upgrade, everything is being replaced. Probably looking at January now, so I've got all the time in the world to plan!

First, the setting. a studio apartment, 3 x 20 amp breakers powering the unit, no A/C. Speakers will be mounted over a fire place (*gasp!) with custom built shelves that flank a plasma. Max speaker width is about 6', and max listening distance is 7'.

I'm having trouble deciding on electronics. On the light n easy side, I love the Denon 3312. One box, no problems. I will be getting an Oppo 93/95 for music n' movies.

This will be my home for some time, and for the sake of my neighbor, I'm not going to be adding additional channels or even a sub. Which means I'm looking at a fully capable HT receiver that I intend to use only in a 2 channel configuration. I live in Orange County, and have seen a lot of wasted silicone, not sure if I want to contribute to the problem...

My other thought is to utilize a pair of UPA-1's with the Oppo 95 for a fully balanced stereo set up. While I would be using this system daily, listening levels would vary but never come close to straining even the Denon's amp. Would this separates solution even be worth the price of admission? Which preamp? I know the XMC is due in the coming months, but again, intended for 5+ channels.

Any advice or other recommendations are appreciated!

 

[TheWarrior]

I like the idea of the Emotiva XDA-1 (hoping it is only being replaced with the -2 and not discontinued) and pairing that with a UPA amp. Its cheaper and more realistic given my needs.

Would I need to worry about delay between audio and video in this solution? I've done something similar in the past but just want to make sure...

 

[agarwalro]

Alright, so I am mostly convinced to plunge for the Decimo's.

Max speaker width is about 6', and max listening distance is 7'.

I'm having trouble deciding on electronics. On the light n easy side, I love the Denon 3312. One box, no problems. I will be getting an Oppo 93/95 for music n' movies.

I'm not going to be adding additional channels or even a sub. Which means I'm looking at a fully capable HT receiver that I intend to use only in a 2 channel configuration.

My other thought is to utilize a pair of UPA-1's with the Oppo 95 for a fully balanced stereo set up. While I would be using this system daily, listening levels would vary but never come close to straining even the Denon's amp. Would this separates solution even be worth the price of admission? Which preamp? I know the XMC is due in the coming months, but again, intended for 5+ channels.

Nice choice in speakers! I applaud your commitment to go with a quality bookshelf speaker. Receivers get outdated very quickly. If you plan to use the receiver in 2ch mode for more than a year, no point spending on a full blown receiver. The Demico, pre-amp and amp can become your dedicated stereo setup when you decide to go full blown HT. Looks like the

Denon 3312: $850-900

or

XDA-1: $300
XPA-3: $700

or

XDA-1: $300
UPA-1: $350 (2x)

Doesn't look like that much difference in going with the Denon vs Emotiva separates since all options are in the same range. I like the XPA-3 option since you'll have an amp that can become your L-C-R driver when you do get a full HT.

Would I need to worry about delay between audio and video in this solution?

This one is tough to call since the STB is a big unknown here. Since there are very few electronics in the chain (Oppo/STB to XDA to amp) it should not be an issue. Best to call Emotiva and speak with someone there.

 

[majorloser]

As an owner of a pair of Status Acoustic Decimos, I can say you'll LOVE them. The Decimos make a great pair of speakers for some serious critical listening. But they really need to be place at listening level. A set of 30" stands would be best. And for what it's worth, they ain't light. If you did put them on a shelf it'll need to be secure.

I'd go with either a pair of Emotiva UPA-1's or an XPA-2 (preferred option). Then if you want to move up to a 7.1 system in the future all you'll need to add is an XPA-5.

BTW- Have you already purchased the speakers? Are they still available? I see them on the AH Store site, but last I heard RBH only had a few of the cabinets left. They aren't able to get a new supplier for the composite material usedin the cabinets.

 

[TheWarrior]

Thanks guys!

I have not bought anything yet. I already contacted the AH Store and as it stands they have not been given an end date. I'll ask again in December just to be sure.

I worry about the XDA-1 surviving the holiday rush, and sure hope its got a replacement due right behind it. With my minimalist life style right now (yeah I know I want a $5k stereo, shhhhh), I don't want to go with the XPA's, I will never come close to utilizing that power. I think two independent power supplies in the UPA-1's will be more than sufficient.

Stands were considered, but I've been on a building frenzy lately. I'll be sure to post some pretty pics of whatever I come up with.

That said, please tell me more about how wonderful the Decimo's are so I don't just stick with my WM-30's. They're not bad at all. But I'd like to finally experience acoustic bliss without dropping 5 figures.

Guess I'll unload those for the holidays...

 

[majorloser]

Another thing to keep in mind with shelp placement is the Decimos are rear ported. They need plenty of room around the rear and sides.

 

[TheWarrior]

Yeah I took that in to account, and Gene added that I can get away with a couple of inches from the rear, the sides will not be an issue as there are no boundaries close to the speaker.

I have to be honest though, I am starting to think that now is not the time. I believe whole heartedly that these are some of the best bookshelf speakers that can be had, but my living situation does not allow me to enjoy them to their full potential. I love living by the beach, but there's no way in hell I'm buying real estate here.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for the help! Be on the look out for pics in January of my set up, whatever it ends up becoming...