New system and I need help with selection...

[vanryck]

First of all, thanks for all the relevant and interesting advice offered to us newbies.

Now. I am in the market for a new audio system. I currently plan on just 2 channel audio, but may go surround in the future. My mix is 75% music, 25% TV. My music taste is jazz, acoustic rock, classical, blues, folk, reggae.

I prefer fuller, warm sound and sound that is dynamic and quick, but not too bright.

Here is what I am considering...

Receiver: Denon 2808 or marantz 5001/6001.

Speakers: Dali Suite 2.8, B&W (high 600/low 700 series), MartinLogan Montage

I would appreciate any suggestions of other AVR or speakers to consider.

My budget is $2500, but am flexible if I can find something special.

Thanks again...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

First of all, thanks for all the relevant and interesting advice offered to us newbies.

Now. I am in the market for a new audio system. I currently plan on just 2 channel audio, but may go surround in the future. My mix is 75% music, 25% TV. My music taste is jazz, acoustic rock, classical, blues, folk, reggae.

I prefer fuller, warm sound and sound that is dynamic and quick, but not too bright.

Here is what I am considering...

Receiver: Denon 2808 or marantz 5001/6001.

Speakers: Dali Suite 2.8, B&W (high 600/low 700 series), MartinLogan Montage

I would appreciate any suggestions of other AVR or speakers to consider.

My budget is $2500, but am flexible if I can find something special.

Thanks again...

My first system was an NHT monitor/subwoofer system + HK Receiver, which had a "Bypass Mode" that would shut off all bass management and digital sound processing for theoretically cleaner 2-ch stereo music listening. Unfortunately, I couldn't use this mode because without the bass management (separate subwoofer), I wouldn't get any bass.

That's why I prefer gettting a big tower speaker with great bass response so that I wouldn't need a separate subwoofer and bass management. Thus, I could use one of those "Pure Direct" modes and bypass all bass management, digital processing, etc.

 

[jcPanny]

Full range 2 channel

Check out the Onix Strata Minis for full range 2 channel. They have a pair in piano rosewood on b-stock:
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=stock&product=111.1

Also, if you want to stick with 2 channel for a while you could consider an integrated solid state or tube amp, or seperates like the Emotiva Reference Audio Series:
http://www.emotiva.com/rsp1.html
http://www.emotiva.com/rpa1.html

 

[vanryck]

Good suggestion. I know that the Marantz has a 2-channel mode, but I am not sure about then Denon. I will check that.

I should have mentioned that I am looking for a tower speaker, not bookshelves.

My impression from reading this forum is that the Marantz has a warmer sound than the Denon. The speakers that I am considering are warmer speakers. Should I lean towards the Denon to add some brightness to the already warm speakers?

I'm spending lots of time at different audio stores and trying all combinations, but am dependent on their setups.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Check out the Onix Strata Minis for full range 2 channel. They have a pair in piano rosewood on b-stock:
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=stock&product=111.1

That does look really sweet for $1689.00 pair! The specs look pretty good too--Frequency Response: 27 Hz to 35 KHz (± 3 dB), Built-in 350 watt class A/B for the powered woofer. I can live with that!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Good suggestion. I know that the Marantz has a 2-channel mode, but I am not sure about then Denon. I will check that.

I should have mentioned that I am looking for a tower speaker, not bookshelves.

My impression from reading this forum is that the Marantz has a warmer sound than the Denon. The speakers that I am considering are warmer speakers. Should I lean towards the Denon to add some brightness to the already warm speakers?

I'm spending lots of time at different audio stores and trying all combinations, but am dependent on their setups.

Yeah, the Denon 2808 has the Pure Direct mode for 2-ch stereo music listening.

I thought both Denon & Marantz were made by the same company under different badge like Onkyo & Integra? So I would think they sound the same.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

What about the NHT Classic Four (27-20,000 Hz +/- 3dB) for $1,400/pr?

http://www.legacyaudiovideo.com/nhtfowownewa.html