Im looking for advise fot my first system.

G

Gamagamatsu

Audiophyte
Hello. I am currently trying to build my first system. I'm thinking a denon 6800 receiver, Marantz 8500 Amp. I'm told to also use a pre-amp. My choices of speaker klipsch new premier ll tower x4 as well as the matching center speaker. I would like to have 2 separate bass subs to narrow the base valley. I want a powerful system thay sounds killer. I love my music. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Why the Denon 6800 (over 3800 and 4800)? I don't see a Marantz 8500 amp. The Denon will act as pre-amp just fine with an external power amp hooked up to the Denon. I'd look beyond Klipsch speakers myself, as that is the heart of the quality of the sound (as well as your room.....not particularly the electronics/amp). Subs I'd look at Hsu, SVS, Monolith, RSL etc.
 
Bobby Bass

Bobby Bass

Audioholic Chief
Welcome and congratulations on starting your musical journey with your 1st system. Have you listened to those Klipsch speakers, either in a showroom or at someone’s house? They have a particular sound, which if you like it, that’s great. The speakers are probably the most important decision on how your system will sound, so suggest you try before you buy. Good suggestions on subs. SVS, RSL and others you can buy directly from the manufacturer and try and return if you’re not satisfied. Enjoy your musical journey!
 
O

Oddball

Junior Audioholic
As noted, you should listen to Klipsch setup and also listed to other setups in that price range available for audition in your market.

For a variety of reasons I ended up with Klipsch setup in my expat HT, and while that setup is enjoyable, if I knew I would keep it for a longer period of time I would have made different decisions. If you go with 8000 towers and set them up appropriately they will pump tight and impactfull bass like there is no tomorrow, and that is the most fun feature of these speakers. They will be a bit harsher in the mid-high range which can be EQd to some extent but not fully. 504C could be the centre to match, but again, it will be harsher in the mid-high end range. I had it at one point and recall had to roll it off starting at 4khz as sibilants were pretty harsh otherwise.

Don't really see a reason to go with 6800H over 3800H if you are not planning expansion to 13 channels, or have front wides on your list as a must-have. For most purposes you would not need an external amp, but if you do want it, probably worth looking in some solid performing D class multi-channel amps. They don't have to cost arm and a leg and their power requirements would depend on the speakers, room and desired SPL. Most people don't really need more than 120-180Wpc into 8ohm.

Good luck with your project and hope you will enjoy it greatly.
 
JerryLove

JerryLove

Audioholic Ninja
Hello. I am currently trying to build my first system. I'm thinking a denon 6800 receiver, Marantz 8500 Amp.I'm told to also use a pre-amp. My choices of speaker klipsch new premier ll tower x4 as well as the matching center speaker.
This is honestly a bit confusing.
  • The Denon 6800 is a receiver (so switch, pre-amp, and amp)
  • The Marantz 8500 doesn't appear to add value on 98db efficient speakers. The 6800 will give you 118db+ peaks. (and most of the load is LF, which you are handing off to the subs anyway).
  • Also: the speakers (assuming I've found the correct ones) max out only 10w above the 6800 anyway.
  • I don't know who is telling you to use a preamp "also". The Denon contains a pre-amp
I would like to have 2 separate bass subs to narrow the base valley. I want a powerful system thay sounds killer. I love my music. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much
Do you mean areas of dips because of resonant waves? Dual subs is common.

If you've tried the speakers and love them; I'd try with just the receiver. Spend your money on the subs, not on amps and preamp separates.
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
Yeah, for most people, just get an AVR like the Denon X-3800 (9 speakers), X-6800 (11 speakers) or X-8500 (13 speakers), AVR-A1 (15 speakers) depending on how many speakers you want to use.

Don't even worry about any amps or preamps if you are starting out new.
 
Last edited:
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Yeah, for most people, just get an AVR like the Denon 3800 (9 speakers), 6800 (11 speakers) or 8500 (15 speakers) depending on how many speakers you want to use.

Don't even worry about any amps or preamps if you are starting out new.
Denon 8500? I see an old Marantz SR8500 avr, but not an amp.
 
Cos

Cos

Audioholic Samurai
As others have stated:
  • How many speakers are your driving? From your description it looks like a 5.2 setup, so do you really need a 13-channel amp
  • As others have suggested, possibly go with the Denon 3700/3800h it will add an 2k for your speaker/sub budget vs the 6800h with the price difference.
  • Speakers are going to be the first thing you are going to want to replace down the road because you will hear a minimal sound difference, if at all, from the receivers.
  • How big a room are you talking about and what is your budget?
 
newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top