digital amplifier (Panasonic vs. HK 2005), etc.

[ecommerceman]

Hi--my wife and I are in the process of putting a home theater together, and have about $10k to spend in the process. We're probably going to buy the new Mitsubishi 1080p DLP television ($3,700), the Newform Research 645's for our front speakers ($2000--the old ones, not the ones just about to be out), Mirage Omnisat rear speakers (two of them, for about $250 per speaker). John Meyer at Newform Research has convinced me that digital amplifiers are the wave of the future, and are also WAY cheaper than analog amplifiers, as well as better performers (except when you get into stratospheric levels of cash). I've been trying to decide what digital amp to get and which DVD player to get, and have been vacillating between the Panasonic XR-70 (which Meyer touts on his website) and the HK 2005 Digital Path, which has more features (and is more expensive), but doesn't appear to have HDMI (which the Panasonic has, despite it's $300 price). My question(s) after all of that are:

1) Do you agree with Meyer's extremely favorable view of digital amps?

2) If you were sold on digital amps, which one would you buy, and which DVD player would you match it with? (I'm open to other models in addition to the Panasonic and HK).

3) Is HDMI as important as I think it is (very important).

4) Any reaction to the new Mitsubishi 1080p TV, or Newform Research speakers?

Please answer any or all of these questions---thanks!!!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

1) Do you agree with Meyer's extremely favorable view of digital amps?

Absolutely not. Hang around the forum for a few months, and you'll learn very quick class D amps are meant for subs.

2) If you were sold on digital amps, which one would you buy, and which DVD player would you match it with? (I'm open to other models in addition to the Panasonic and HK).

Not sold on digital amps. Check out Panasonic's flagship dvd players. They seem to offer the most bang for the buck. Samsung has some new high end dvd players out also at reasonable prices. Again, top of the line.

3) Is HDMI as important as I think it is (very important).

I believe it is. It will take over component and digital coax cables in a much neater, economical way. Less cables means less headaches. You don't need to drop $80 on a cable. You can find them for under $20.

4) Any reaction to the new Mitsubishi 1080p TV, or Newform Research speakers?

Great technology, but networks won't be offering 1080p for a very long time. You'll be able to enjoy pc feeds, gaming, and a stellar digital camcorder experience though. (They'll have 1080p recorders very soon)

 

[mtrycrafts]

1) Do you agree with Meyer's extremely favorable view of digital amps?
Please answer any or all of these questions---thanks!!!

I don't see anything wrong with them, do you? Do you have a direct link to it?

 

[jaxvon]

I only know of two digital amps that I would connect non-subwoofers to, and those would be the Yamaha MX-D1 and a Halcro Logic Lyrus. Of course, those are both insanely expensive pieces and could not be included in your price range. Class D amps in your price range simply have too much distortion (among other issues) for me to feel comfortable connecting them to a nice pair of speakers.

I haven't heard much about the Newform Research speakers. I do like the money back guarantee, but I don't like the fact that they don't list the +/- dB on their frequency response specs. If you've listened to them and like them, then maybe they're for you.

I would budget more for a receiver with some good Class A/B amps. If need be, you can always add on another external amp to beef up the power going to your front channels. Check out the System Guides to get a good starting point.

I also noticed that you didn't budget for a subwoofer. This is a MUST for HT. This is not an optional piece. If need be, take a step down in price on your mains to budget for a good sub. I didn't see a center in there either, which is also another MUST for HT.

There are a lot of other speaker options out there in your price class. If you haven't done so already, get out and listen to some speakers. You'll find that you have very individual tastes when it comes to speakers. I, for instance, loathe the sound of B&W's metal tweeters, despite the fact that they are very highly regarded and popular. I prefer the sound of soft dome tweeters.

 

[jstereo4me]

The specs for Newform Research speakers are +/- 2db

 

[ParadigmDawg]

1) Do you agree with Meyer's extremely favorable view of digital amps?

Nope I would opt for seperates or one of the new AVRs from Onk or Yamaha

2) If you were sold on digital amps, which one would you buy, and which DVD player would you match it with? (I'm open to other models in addition to the Panasonic and HK).

Since you are getting a 1080p TV then get a BR or HD DVD player. If you want a non HD player; get a Oppo

3) Is HDMI as important as I think it is (very important).

Make things more simple

4) Any reaction to the new Mitsubishi 1080p TV, or Newform Research speakers?

Read my little review titled "DLP" under general discussions. Awesome TV

 

[jcPanny]

Digital receiver

I think that HK digital receiver is obsolete, so not exactly cutting edge.
Haven't read any reviews but check out the specs on the new digital amp from Axiom:
http://www.axiomaudio.com/A1400-8.html

 

[Seth=L]

Class D amplifiers suck for being linear. I can't stand their sound with good speakers.