Need advice Audio Centric system

[WoodManiac]

I just joined this forum and am a Newbie. I would appreciate if someone can clear the clouds in my mind regarding various systems, brands, trends etc.
Here are my basic questions.

1. I am basically an audio centric music Listener. I love classical music and would love to have a system as close to real sound

2. Are there systems that are audio only (I mean stereo) or we have to consider one of the home theatre systems (avr's). I have no interest in watching movies on DVD etc.

3. Willing to shell out $2500 plus

4. Does the AVRs Deliver the desired music quality or is it compromised because of surround sound etc?

5. Do we need surround sound for listening to music?

6. What brands should I consider?

 

[XEagleDriver]

I just joined this forum and am a Newbie. I would appreciate if someone can clear the clouds in my mind regarding various systems, brands, trends etc.

Welcome aboard!

Here are my basic questions.

1. I am basically an audio centric music Listener. I love classical music and would love to have a system as close to real sound

2. Are there systems that are audio only (I mean stereo) or we have to consider one of the home theatre systems (avr's). I have no interest in watching movies on DVD etc.[/QUOTE]

There are several excellent stereo receivers, integrated stereo amplifiers or preamp-amp combinations available. You do not have to go the HT AVR route.

3. Willing to shell out $2500 plus

What does this budget include? i.e. just the receiver/integrated amp/prepo-amp, or also the speakers and subwoofer (if you intend to use one)?

4. Does the AVRs Deliver the desired music quality or is it compromised because of surround sound etc?

A HT AVR can deliver excellent SQ, but you are paying for many features and extra amplifiers you will not be using. A dedicated stereo rig will provide more performance for your money and concentrate on what you care about. A stereo rig will also have less complexity in set-up and use.

5. Do we need surround sound for listening to music?

Only if you are interested in multi-channel hi-rez music like SACD or DVD-A.

6. What brands should I consider?

HK, Denon/Marantz, Yamaha, NAD, Emotiva, and Anthem, to name a few.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[zumbo]

This is a 2-channel receiver with a sub-output, and bass management. That means you can run a pair of towers or bookshelves with a powered sub. Called a 2.1 system, running a powered sub is the best way to get your bang for the buck.

As far as I know, this is the only stereo receiver with a sub output and bass management. It's on sale for $639 shipped.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html

I would recommend MB Quart 830 towers for mids/tweets:
http://www.yawaonline.com/mbquql63tosp.html

Sub:
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12nsd.cfm

$2187 total plus shipping on sub and towers. Add speaker wire and sub cable, and you should fall right under budget.

 

[zumbo]

If you are wanting to buy local, my best advice is to shop speaker brands first. That will keep you in the right stores. Check store locators from each site. These brands should get you to your best local dealers in and above your price-range.

B&W:
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/

Paradigm:
http://www.paradigm.com/

PSB:
http://www.psbspeakers.com/

Revel:
http://www.revelspeakers.com/

Joseph Audio:
http://www.josephaudio.com/JosephAudio/Welcome_To_Joseph_Audio.html

Dynaudio:
http://www.dynaudio.com/relaunch1/index.php

German Maestro:
http://www.german-maestro.de/US/casa.htm

 

[GranteedEV]

You sound like a good candidate for a pair of these:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1295041950&/Salk-Archos-high-sensitivity-3

 

[Rob Babcock]

Welcome to AH! If you're primarily interested in music and only require 2 channel (or 2.1 with a sub) then you can really get a nice system for $2,500. The hardest part to recommend will be speakers, and not because of any lack of them. Speakers are like shoes or food- what's "best" will be very subjective. It's hard to know what you will prefer.