.....other than SVS???

[Warpdrv]

Some of the best priced Class D amps at the moment are these Danish, that will probably be quite OK, even with the current $

Check this out:
http://www.acoustic-reality.com/
Class D amps based on Ice Power technology :-D
Up to 1000w @ 4 ohm!

Better yet.... as far as IcePower Amps go...
They are all made with the same exact Bang & Olufsen ASP modules as seen here. http://www.icepower.bang-olufsen.com/en/solutions/theater/ASP_SERIES
A company will buy one of the modules, install them into a box with a power supply and inputs and outputs. They rarely modify these modules, so basically they all sound exactly the same and the difference of quality of build of case and I/O's. These are the best modules B&O offers in terms of SQ, the other modules they make don't truly compare in SQ, but they are to be releasing new products soon, that will be even better.


Here are some of the best Price/performance products out on the market in the US.

D-Sonic http://www.d-sonic.net/ While maybe not as pretty as some other companies out there, they are top notch units. I bought a Magnum 2000-5 for my system, and the SQ is top notch... 500wpc x 3 for front, and 250wpc x 2 for rears. 1000wpc @ 4 ohms, 500wpc @ 4ohms. This amp is ridiculously overkill for my system, but the SQ from the 1000ASP modules is rated to be among the best out there period.

Wyred4Sound http://www.wyred4sound.com/ This companies states that they make some modifications to the B&O modules, and they are a touch more expensive.

The same exact 1000ASP modules are used in products such as Bel Canto http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/belcanto_ref1000.htm selling for $4K a Pair - thats 2 modules stereo, or Jeff Rowland http://www.jeffrowland.com/M501.htm sells for $7000 a Pair of mono's. Or how about Red Dragon Leviathon's at $6000.00 a pair or mono's. http://www.reddragonaudio.com/products.html

Oh and lets not forget, that Pioneer has now contracted with B&O for their new integrated Multichannel Icepower amps built into the upcoming Ilite SC-09TX Receiver. http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/09/08/pioneer-unveils-new-elite-sc-09tx-receiver/



Here is a list of other products made with the same IcePower Class D Modules. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICEpower

 

[haraldo]

You could also buy modules factory directly from hypex, these are the ones Channel Islands Audio uses in their amps, albeit slightly modified, these modules are a lot cheaper though....

http://www.hypex.nl/

 

[Warpdrv]

You could also buy modules factory directly from hypex, these are the ones Channel Islands Audio uses in their amps, albeit slightly modified, these modules are a lot cheaper though....

http://www.hypex.nl/

I don't think I would trust myself to build my own amp...
I aint gots dem kinda smaaaaaats...

 

[haraldo]

I don't think I would trust myself to build my own amp...
I aint gots dem kinda smaaaaaats...

Me Neither, I got 12 thumbs, but this is basically just hooking up cables to pre-built modules.

 

[Midcow2]

Just upgrade Tower w/subs --- a real experience follow-up

That is a very very nice Def Tec towers and the sub should sound very good. ..

Just upgrade to BP7002 towers. They have a One 12" long-throw subwoofer coupled to two 12" infrasonic radiators. The low-end sound from the new speakers is awesome, aa big difference from my older BP2006 towers.

I have a CLR3000 center on order which should nicely complement the BP7002s.

For now I am putting off upgrading my subwoofer (currently Def Tek ProSub100).

Cheers it's Michelob time,

 

[fired up]

Thanks for the links and explanations. Uncle Sam took a $3800 TAX bite out of me. My wife told me I can still get a Stereo / HT system. I read good things about SUNFIRE SUBS. Liked their website. The seem to place an emphasis on both HT and Music with their products.

Liz and I are going to realistically put together a final budget for everything and she told me not to worry - that she wants me to be happy. I know that means no MONSTER sized subs - however, I think there is a sub in the immediate future along with the rest of the system.

After our talk I'll post specifics - then narrow it down to components that play nice with each other - and finally buy everything. Then, I'll just need help with initial set-up re: placement, crossovers, room EQ'ing, etc. Things actually look better even though we owed money. My wife is being really great and just wants me to buy something that will make me happy.

She mentioned that we will be receiving money back from the Government next month as part of an economic stimulus program. Liz said we should get about $1800.

Looks like my dreams are about to become reality. I called 6 dealers to set up audition times on various loudspeakers and cd players. Once I choose 2 - 3 subs I'll see what needs to be done to audition them. I like the Velodyne subs too.

All the best,

Finally starting to feel closure is near,

Eddie

 

[Warpdrv]

The Velodyne DD series subs were definitely subs that set the bar for quite some time, and would not dissapoint. I always felt they just had something that many subs were lacking but at the time before I really gained interest in this hobby, thought they were over priced, and they could still be with all the competition, but they certainly have something no other sub has to offer, thats a built in EQ.

I would hardly think you could go wrong with one of them...

If possible, check out the Paradigm Servo-15 as well....

 

[fired up]

Warpdrv:

I printed out 2 reviews of the Paradigm Servo Sub and am going to read it while my kids are taking their piano lessons today.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE - Liz gave me a true to her word promise that I can spend no more than $20K on an A/V system. She will give me the money in June and told me to buy the best that I can get for that amount for a total A/V system that has to blend in with the Family Room. I am beyond happy because she never goes back on her word. Never!

I know the TV, BluRay Player, and HT seating I am going to purchase. The HT seating is separate from the $20K for the A/V Equipment as we picked it out already and paid for it.
SO, the $20K is for everything else I need including the Panasonic 46" Z800U Plasma TV and Profile 2 BluRay player in summer. TV is about $2200 delivered. I forget which company is putting out the first Profile 2 BluRay Player - Pioneer? Panasonic? Can't remember without checking through my copious notes.

Now I just need to pick 2 floorstanders as my mains, high end CD/SACD/cd-r player, amplification, small sub and (SANUS, SALAMANDER,etc.) A/V furniture. Sorry no surround sound - that was part of the deal. I can live with that. This new setup will still sound better than anything I have ever owned.

June is not too far away. Should I let this thread fade and start a new one as the time draws near or just keep it going? June was when we were married so this is her Anniversary present to me. She wants Jewelry for her in the form of a new Platinum Wedding Ring and diamond necklace. A FAIR TRADE!!!!

I will tell her to get whatever she wants and this way I won't get hassled when it comes time for me to make my purchases. Further, this gives me ample time to travel to dealerships far away for auditions.

In closing - let thread die and start new one or just revive this thread as time draws near?

Good news all around.

I'm smiling now,

Eddie

 

[GlocksRock]

Sound like you have one awesome gal, she's definitely a keeper if she lets you spend $20 grand on a new system.

 

[mike c]

20k?! wow!

so tell us, what exactly do you need to buy with 20k?

let's spend your money up to 19,999 USD

 

[croseiv]

For 20k you could get 10 SVS PB13-Ultras and give the change to me... Oh yeah this is other than SVS....

 

[EJ1]

Panasonic 46" Z800U
Salamander Synergy Triple
Musical Fidelity A5.5CD
Musical Fidelity A5.5INT
Oppo DV-980H (or 983)
Pioneer VSX-94TXH
Panasonic DMP-BD50
JL Audio Fathom f112
B&W 805's
B&W HTM4S

Whoops, I went a little crazy there. Probably way over budget.

 

[jostenmeat]

Thought #1 ... is 46" really the biggest you can go? IMO, that is a bit small for most scenarios...
viewing distance calculator
http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

a cool graph made by audioholic's own ThA tRiXtA
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/tha_trixta/resolution2.png

The Pana BD-50 is an excellent choice, IMO. However, a PS3 might score you some points with the kids! (or lose some with the wife?)

No surrounds... but you can still have a center channel, right? FWIW, if you go "separates" for electronics, you can find 3-ch amps. I think Anthem might make them, or even a few monoblocks such as those from Outlaw.

For performance to size ratio subs, it's pretty tough to beat JL Audio. You can expect to pay a whole lot less than msrp, typically. Are multiple subs out of the question, curiously?

"High end" CD/SACD players will invoke a lot of frothing mouths here. Now, for those who like having a really high end player, I've only heard great things about Esoteric. I hear the NAD Masters series has very good SACD playback. Nonetheless, many audioholics will say that they all sound the same. I paid more than typical for my player, perhaps one of the few mistakes I made, but it really does sound different, then again its tubed. Im probably just enjoying euphonic distortions. Well, the distortions sound nice! If these distortion are what gave me much less sibilance on vocal tracks, then I guess I'm fine with that. Hehe. I didn't even want to buy a cd player originally, did not account it into budget, but I was convinced by some others that it was my entry DVD player that was the weak link that was causing my less than total satisfaction after installing system. To be honest, my complaints with the overall system waned dramatically after said purchase. People here thought I was absolutely, completely nuts, or at least a few of them did. *shrugs* It was worth it to me in the end. Anyways, many here will say just get an Oppo. Fair warning.

Speakers... always the toughest choice. Have you checked out Salk? I haven't heard them, but I sure would love to. In fact I'd love to hear any TLS design.

In any case, make sure to blow most of the budget on the speakers. You can probably fit in 802Ds even with budget. The esteemed WmAx will give you the nod, I presume. And so will zumbo! Here's one available Audiogon listing (most 802D listings appear as sold there)....

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1210908557

jostenmeat

 

[AdrianMills]

I know the TV, BluRay Player, and HT seating I am going to purchase. The HT seating is separate from the $20K for the A/V Equipment as we picked it out already and paid for it.
SO, the $20K is for everything else I need including the Panasonic 46" Z800U Plasma TV and Profile 2 BluRay player in summer. TV is about $2200 delivered. I forget which company is putting out the first Profile 2 BluRay Player - Pioneer? Panasonic? Can't remember without checking through my copious notes.

Now I just need to pick 2 floorstanders as my mains, high end CD/SACD/cd-r player, amplification, small sub and (SANUS, SALAMANDER,etc.) A/V furniture. Sorry no surround sound - that was part of the deal. I can live with that. This new setup will still sound better than anything I have ever owned.

Eddie

Eddie,

First, if I were you I'd reconsider the display and look at a Pioneer Kuro instead; I’ve read from those that have done comparisons that even the first generation Kuro’s are better than this years Panasonics and the next 9G Kuro’s are supposedly out this summer (maybe you can get a good price on last years model then). From personal experience of owning both, the Pio wins on picture quality hands down.

Also, you might also be better off with a top of the range DVD player like the Denon 3930 than a "high end" CD player. The Denon can do SACD but has the advantage over a CD player of being able to play high res DVD audio like that produced by AIX. You might think of about getting one of their mid to higher end receivers as well.

As someone else mentioned you can't go wrong with the B&W 800 series but I would go with the FST based ones and give the 805S a miss; yes, 805S' sounds nice with music but they still do not have the clarity of the other 800 series speakers. Ideally you'd want a center channel too but if you can't swing that passed your wife then you will certainly need the clarity of the FST midrange driver for vocals. If you can swing a center then go for the HTM3S or above not the HTM4S for the same reasons.

JL Audio is the king of small powerful incredible sounding subs but they are not cheap.

 

[fired up]

I did not realize it was possible to "work" with 2 Floorstanders and also a CC speaker at the same time. If I can get a three channel amp - how would I get the all the speakers to work optimally? Am I back into the realm of an A/V Receiver or A/V Pre/Pro to accomplish this? I'm serious. If you can tell me how to technically pull this off and recommend the right stuff - then I will propose it to Liz. Am I 100% right in stating that the CC is not to be put inside furnirure. Better to keep CC on an open shelf/stand setup acoustically?

We chose the 46" size because we wanted to save money for the audio portion and is a 50" really necessary if we are going to be sitting 8' to 9' away from screen.

The Pioneer 9G KURO is my dream TV - but I have to make compromises. I figure a properly calibrated Panasonic Z800U will give us an above average to excellent viewing experience. I did not think of purchasing a non-9G KURO to save money when the 9G's are released.

Keep in mind I went through a house fire, lost all my stuff, have been waiting patiently and arguing with my wife, and have been posting like a zealot for advice.

I saw the JL Audio Fathom f112 at a high end car audio shop. The owner ordered one for his home and everyone was drooling over it - me, too! It did not look that huge to me . However, the sub was heavy.

Things look good. One dealer lied to me and when I showed up today he did not have the Paradigm Servo sub or the speakers I went to hear.

Talk to you soon - another demo tomorrow.

Eddie

 

[mike c]

if you are going JL ... i'd recommend the F113 over the F112. price difference < performance difference

 

[fired up]

By a high end CD player I'm not talking exotica. Just something that is a cut above the rest. Thanks AdrianMills for the Denon recommendation! I was also looking at the Marantz 7001 or 8001 players.

I forgot to thank everyone.

Salk loudspeakers seems to be a phenomenal operation. I wonder what his lead time is form when I place an order to when I actually receive it. Plus I'm leery of ordering anything that I have not auditioned live first. Transmission Line speakers sound great for solo piano music as I founf out by auditioning the Acoustic Zen Adagio's. I may still get them - but they are power hungry speakers and I would want Class D Amplification (POWER AMPS?) to run them to avoid overheating.

If I sell two of my guitars I can raise another $5K - just a thought. I have 6 guitars and don't really play that much anymore. Just too friggin' busy being all things to all people who rely on me on a daily basis. No time for jammin'

Eddie

 

[fired up]

One final thought - I'm actually a little bit hesitant about using AUDIOGON because I keep hearing my Fathers voice in my head (along with all the others) saying- "DON"T BUY USED - YOU WIND UP BUYING SOMEONE ELSE'S HEADACHE!"
Know what I mean?

That is IT for now.

Goodnight,

Eddie

 

[Warpdrv]

Just a quick note on the Audiogon thing...

I bought my entire bedroom system from there...
Paradigm Signature S4's, Sig CC C3, Clicky1, Clicky2 (gorgeous Rosewood finish discontinued) and ADP-590 surrounds. They were an excellent deal, and they came new in the box, never opened. JL F112 as well, brand new, for an amazing price. This system cost me less then my big setup, and I got a major step up in quality.

I may never buy from a dealer ever again, with the prices I got for phenomenal equipment that I couldn't afford new. I got twice the product for 1/2 the price.

Please don't be afraid to buy from there or Videogon. As I have said many times, most of the people selling there, aside from the dealers are very passionate about their gear, and sometimes have no choice but to unload it due to unfortunate turns life may take. They just want to find a loving home for products they are unable to hang on to....

Also remember this an addictive hobby, and many people buy stuff to sample and sell it there to move on to sampling something else.
If you end up finding your favorite, give a look around and see what comes about..
You can get great stuff there, which allows you to spend more elsewhere in your system...

Good luck on your descisions...

 

[jostenmeat]

One final thought - I'm actually a little bit hesitant about using AUDIOGON because I keep hearing my Fathers voice in my head (along with all the others) saying- "DON"T BUY USED - YOU WIND UP BUYING SOMEONE ELSE'S HEADACHE!"
Know what I mean?

I understand. Do what is comfortable for you. I will just say that speakers are not as unreliable as electronics, or a car, etc. People that sell these kinds of speakers usually just need the money, are looking to change out to some other fancy stuff, or just don't have the time/passion to listen anymore.

Even if a cdp does not have to be exotica, but just a cut above, many here will still say there is not a discernable difference, implying there's no such thing as a "cut above".

Ya, center + mains is like that whole AV pre + amp (or just receiver, etc). All you have to do is "disable" surround speakers in the menu. This audio information will then be downmixed into your fronts. The only tricky thing is if there was not a very competent matching center speaker to any particular mains that you have purchased.

I highly recommend trying to see if you can get the center's tweeter to be above the mid, rather than in-between a pair of mid-woofers. If tweeter is above mid, but mid is between bass woofers (horizontally) you will still suffer lobing, but it won't be as bad as if the tweeter was there as well. Some companies that make "more properly" constructed centers are BW, Revel, KEF for instance. Although an upright bookshelf/tower is still always best, its understandably difficult if not downright impossible at times. So, if it has to be a horizontal center, try getting one with at least the tweeter being top-mounted.

Cheers Eddie, we look forward to your reviews!

edit: ah just read Warp's post here. I'd like to add to his reassurance as well. I've bought open-box, refurbished, demos, used, blemished, b-stock, traded, etc, and everything is working perfectly, and as a result was allowed to reach points of quality I did not ever, ever think I could obtain.