Please help me select my new setup

[rrpalma]

Hello,

I'm trying to set up my first semi-audiophile system. I listen mostly to classical multichannel music (SACD) plus classic rock on CDs. So far, I've been using a home theater receiver (NAD T744) based system, with some Boston Acoustics entry level home theater 5.1 speakers (MCS 130).

I want to upgrade, and have the opportunity to grab a NIB McCormack DNA 250 power amp at a good price. I plan to use the NAD 744 as pre-amp to the McCormack, and drive the existing center, surrounds, and SW from the NAD, plus new front L & R from the power amp.

For front L&R, again I have the opportunity to buy either Boston Acoustics discontinued huge E100s (open box, but never used) or their newest tower speakers VS 336, either at the same price. Which would you recommend? Any other comments?

Thanks for reading!

 

[jostenmeat]

My suggestion is to completely forget adding an amp right now. Because that money could be used towards your speaker budget for something you really enjoy. You might not need the extra money there, but if you did, it might allow you to get your favorite thing when it comes to that time.

What's your budget?

I've seen and heard McCormack stuff, but the speakers are vastly more important than choice of amp.

Also, and I've owned both, I trust NAD amps much more than I do their pre/pro sections. I don't have scientific data, and I can't even say for sure subjectively, but it's possible that my old unit had a lot of distortion, at least via digital inputs.

What I'm trying to say is that your NAD receiver might be plenty for the speakers you choose. Get speakers first, then figure out the levels you listen to, the difficulties/loads that the speakers present, how far you sit from them, etc.

Run a couple of search engine exercises on "Salk" at this subforum.

 

[rrpalma]

What's your budget?

I've seen and heard McCormack stuff, but the speakers are vastly more important than choice of amp.

Thank you very much for your valuable comments!

Budget is around $7K.

So, if I understand you correctly, neither the E100s nor the VS 336s are good optons?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Budget is around $7K.

$7K is a lot of money.

So do A LOT of research for a long time, not just on this forum, but on others as well!

I think you need to audition different types of speaker technologies also.

Most people are familiar with monopole speakers, but not familiar with dipole & bipole speaekrs.

So check them out as well before spending $7K.

Not all speakers are for everyone regardless of price and taste in music.

For example, I listened to the B&W 803D, 802D, & 800D recently. And although these may be ideal speakers for some folks, they were not for me.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I want to upgrade, and have the opportunity to grab a NIB McCormack DNA 250 power amp at a good price.

How much are we talking about?

I agree with Josten on spending most, if not all, on the speakers. Unless after auditioning many speakers and types and you find one that is ideal for you for less than $7K, then you can spend the remainder on the amps.

 

[jostenmeat]

Thank you very much for your valuable comments!

Budget is around $7K.

So, if I understand you correctly, neither the E100s nor the VS 336s are good optons?

You're very welcome. Great budget. I simply am unfamiliar with the speakers you mentioned, and that's why I have nothing to say there. I have heard previous VR series speakers, and my impressions were generally favorable, but with your budget you can definitely get better than the VRs for instance.

If there was TRULY "the best speaker for X dollars", we wouldn't be posting so often on forums like these. I think you should try to make this a hobby for the time being, trying to listen to as many nice speakers as you can. Stop by a store during some errands, etc. Or meet the SO at a nice restaurant, where unbeknownst to her, it's very close to an audio store that you visit during the previous hour or two. Etc. Then just keep reading here and elsewhere.

 

[zieglj01]

I have owned the Boston E series speakers and I now own a pair of Boston
VS series bookshelf speakers. The VS series speakers are more musical and
refined sounding with a well balanced sound and give a deep sound stage.
The VS series are their top line above the VR series. The VS will sound very
good on classical and classic rock music. They have a way of drawing you in
to the music. They can handle lots of power. I have not heard their towers
however, I would be suprised if they didn't sound great. You need to audition
them. Also, home theater would not be a problem. Good Luck!

 

[rrpalma]

Thanks again for all the comments.

I have mostly discarded the idea of the Bostons, and will be spending a little more $$ on speakers.

I'm now considering PSB Synchrony One or Revel Performa F32. Any comments on those?

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks again for all the comments.

I have mostly discarded the idea of the Bostons, and will be spending a little more $$ on speakers.

I'm now considering PSB Synchrony One or Revel Performa F32. Any comments on those?

Gee, nice choices. I would be mildly surprised if there was a single AHer who has seriously listened to both of them.

Time for you to be the first?

But you must report back if you do!

 

[caper26]

Heard from classical musicians that Energy RC-70's sound the BEST for classical. They said they play in hundreds of concerts every year, and when they listen to those speakers, it sounds like they are on stage. I have never heard them, just passing on the info.
Also as an aside, might I suggest David Garrett to add to your music collection. The concert "In Concert and in Private 2009" sounds totally amazing. Let me know if you have heard of him or when you get a chance to see that DVD.

 

[Davemcc]

Run a couple of search engine exercises on "Salk" at this subforum.

Repeated for emphasis.

 

[rrpalma]

Thanks!

Just wanted to thank you all for all the great advice I got here. Finally ordered the McCormack DNA 250, LD2 Preamp, plus the PSB Synchony One speakers. I was not able to actually audition them, but did in fact listened to the PSB T6s, and they were very, very good.

Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction regarding the importance of speaker quality. Too bad my budget is so overstretched now, that there's no $$ left for cables, and the CFO (wife) will not allow for a single more dime. Unfortunately, I guess the Monsters will have to do for the next couple of months, until I can squeeze some extra cash for the Silversonics I want.

Again, thank you all.

 

[jostenmeat]

Just wanted to thank you all for all the great advice I got here. Finally ordered the McCormack DNA 250, LD2 Preamp, plus the PSB Synchony One speakers. I was not able to actually audition them, but did in fact listened to the PSB T6s, and they were very, very good.

Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction regarding the importance of speaker quality. Too bad my budget is so overstretched now, that there's no $$ left for cables, and the CFO (wife) will not allow for a single more dime. Unfortunately, I guess the Monsters will have to do for the next couple of months, until I can squeeze some extra cash for the Silversonics I want.

Again, thank you all.

Cheers. Hope you like 'em, I hear they're supposed to be fantastic.

For cabling, trust me, it's an utter myth. I've bought more brands of cables than I might remember, but for years now does most of money go towards Monoprice. Wire is wire is wire. If it's special wire, there's probably something wrong with it. If the wire sending your electrical was that important, then we'd have to rewire the whole house.

I'm just happy I can catch you before you made that mistake. You wouldn't be the first AHer, trust me. Don't listen to salesmen on this one. Yes, I've talked with double digit dealers before. Don't listen to the wire jive.

 

[Docks]

For a bit less consider PSB Synch one, Paradigm Studio 100, Revel F32
For a bit more look at PSB T8, Paradigm S8, Revel F52, B&W 803D or a used B&W 802N, maybe a few dynaudio offerings.

I just picked up a set of Paradigm S8s and really love them
Best of luck!

 

[zieglj01]

Cheers. Hope you like 'em, I hear they're supposed to be fantastic.

For cabling, trust me, it's an utter myth. I've bought more brands of cables than I might remember, but for years now does most of money go towards Monoprice. Wire is wire is wire. If it's special wire, there's probably something wrong with it. If the wire sending your electrical was that important, then we'd have to rewire the whole house.

I'm just happy I can catch you before you made that mistake. You wouldn't be the first AHer, trust me. Don't listen to salesmen on this one. Yes, I've talked with double digit dealers before. Don't listen to the wire jive.

Once you start listening to your new system, you will not be thinking
about speaker wires. PSB is a good brand.