Should I keep the 1988 Studio SL Pre-Amp / Adcom GFA2 Amp or update to Marantz SR-5008

[Renson]

We are getting a new TV forcing us to update our sound equipment at the same time. We currently have a great sound system that has a P.S.E. Studio SL Preamp and an Adcom GFA-2 Amp to drive our Vandersteen Model 2C speakers. The AV guy is suggesting that we sack the old 1988 equipment and update with a Marantz SR-5008.

I have good ears but know nothing about this stuff. Does this make sense? Will we be sacrificing sound quality?

 

[markw]

If you want multi-channel sound you're going to have to update your electroncs (and you'll probably want a new set of 5 matching speakers and a subwoofer) but if you want to stick to two channel, there's no great improvement to be made by that switch.

As for multi-channel equipment on the whole, that receiver isn't bad at all.

 

[TLS Guy]

We are getting a new TV forcing us to update our sound equipment at the same time. We currently have a great sound system that has a P.S.E. Studio SL Preamp and an Adcom GFA-2 Amp to drive our Vandersteen Model 2C speakers. The AV guy is suggesting that we sack the old 1988 equipment and update with a Marantz SR-5008.

I have good ears but know nothing about this stuff. Does this make sense? Will we be sacrificing sound quality?

There is nothing wrong with the gear you have it is excellent. If you are happy with your sound keep it. I personally think a receiver will be a downgrade, unless you want to go multichannel. If you do, to keep the same quality you will be looking at a hefty price tag. You will need matching speakers at least as good as the ones you have, plus a sub. The price tag will be in the thousands.

In addition going the receiver route you will sacrifice a lot of reliability and durability.

So if you like what you have, your problem is getting the optical out from your TV to your current rig.

That means buying a DAC like this, or similar.

Older vintage gear can sound very good in the AV environment, but you do sacrifice convenience and ease of use.

I have one AV rig that uses older gear and sounds excellent.

To avoid having to have the audio of the BD player go through the TV, I have an HDMI auto switcher to switch between the Direct TV unit and the BD player.

If you like your rig, I would try an approach like this first and see how you like it.

This modern high tech gear just is not as good as the old vintage gear unless you are prepared to part with a lot of cash. I think it means a good pre pro and high quality separate power amps and speakers at least as good or better than your Vandersteens all the way round. Anything less and you will pine for your old rig.

 

[agarwalro]

We are getting a new TV forcing us to update our sound equipment at the same time. We currently have a great sound system that has a P.S.E. Studio SL Preamp and an Adcom GFA-2 Amp to drive our Vandersteen Model 2C speakers. The AV guy is suggesting that we sack the old 1988 equipment and update with a Marantz SR-5008.

Depending on the new TV, there might be a case for it. Specifically, if the new TV does not have RCA L, R out, you will have no way to send audio to the PSE pre amp.

Needless to say, if you are getting into surround sound, the PSE is only a stereo pre-amp. The SR5008 or equivalent AV receiver is mandatory.

Even if you get an AVR make sure it has pre-outs (SR5008 does), keep the GFA2. Simply replace the PSE and leave the GFA2 to Vandersteen connection untouched.

 

[Renson]

Thank you.

I know all about tomatoes but the problem here is that I can't separate it from the fruit salad.

Thank you for your help.

 

[markw]

I know all about tomatoes but the problem here is that I can't separate it from the fruit salad.

Thank you for your help.

So, what are you saying here. I understand the tomatoes/salad thing but what's your ultimate goal?

Personally, I can see having two separate systems: Your current system for music (which is pretty fine) and another one for your TV/Blu-Ray player.

IMNSHO, you don't need to devote as much $$ and space to get a decent HT as you do to get a great stereo, which you already have.

 

[slipperybidness]

So, what are you saying here. I understand the tomatoes/salad thing but what's your ultimate goal?

Personally, I can see having two separate systems: Your current system for music (which is pretty fine) and another one for your TV/Blu-Ray player.

IMNSHO, you don't need to devote as much $$ and space to get a decent HT as you do to get a great stereo, which you already have.

+1

Is it possible to move the 2 channel rig to a different room, then work on the HT?

I agree that "decent" HT is much easier to accomplish than great stereo.

 

[Renson]

Thank you so much for your post, it was the most comprehensive that I received. I am a CPA but have absolutely no experience and understanding in this area. I first spoke to the original vendor in Santa Monica who reaffirmed the quality of the components and told me that they guy was just trying to sell us stuff that we didn't need. He would do a consult but he is no longer close to me. I then called an audio repair shop in Studio City that does a lot of work for the recording and movie industry. He reaffirmed what Santa Monica had told me and gave me a name of somebody else. Each time, I am furiously taking notes and getting a little better understanding of what the issues are and am also beginning to understand the lingo of the acronyms and the function of each of these. An hour-long chat with our friend who was a top engineer for Edison helped me along as well - but again it was on the phone. Each time I came back and re-read your email over and over again and each time I began to understand a little more.

Here is the whole situation. We have been operating happily with our old sound system (Vandersteen 2C speakers, P.S.E. Studio SL pre-amp, P.S.E. Studio IV Amp that was replaced with an Adcom GFA-2, a Rotel Cassette RD 870, and and Adcom CD 575) as well as a 25 year old Proton (old style) TV that had terrific clarity and color. But alas, all things come to an end and we were forced get a new TV and move on. We are also having to change the cabinetry which is going to cost us another couple of thousand.

The new vendor is suggesting a Sony KDL-55W950B , Sony BDP-S5200, Apple TV, URC Remote, Marantz SR-5008, ATM System 2+2 ventilation sys, Cabling & misc. tax & labor to for $7K which includes $450 in tax and $1600 for installation (a lot for programming the URC).

Based on what I have learned here is where I think that we should go from here: Keep all of our current components except for the CD Player and cassette (after I transfer information to CD). We are not interested in surround sound. Purchase the TV, BD, Apple TV (to bring us into the new technology), and a DAC and HDMI auto switcher. Does this take care of audio listening for our music and audio/video watching for the TV? How do we access that?

The AV guy had said that we needed to
1. Upgrade the current equipment to new AVR which will have updated HDMI connections to coincide with the HDMI connections on the new TV which will enable much better picture performance than we are currently experience.
2. Install new BD player for regular DVD and CD playback through system w/wireless internet access for playback audio & video content through the system.
3. Install new custom programmed URC remote
4. Install new Apple TV - giving us access to free Internet Radio through wireless network, Netflix etc.
5. Upgrade the power center
6. Configure Apple I Pad, IPod, laptop, desktop computer to stream AV content to main system downstairs through Apple TV

I think that we will pass on the URC Main system remote for $1250 including multiple hours of programming time which sounds like it will cost us over two grand. Our friend uses a Logitech and programmed it himself. Although it sounds like it is a nice benefit, particularly since my husband is technologically impaired (can run a big corporation but screws up the clicker's) it's price tag is pretty overwhelming. Can't we just use the switcher to go back and forth between TV and BD? How do we access our music?

In summary, we will be forgoing the AVR that he is suggesting, the URC Remote control and will add, the DAC and Switcher.

I really appreciate the time that you took to write back to me. Your information has been invaluable.

Thank you

 

[markw]

How complex do you want to go?

Just a couple of thoughts. Not to overload you, but hopefullyto clarify what you want and need.

First off, that TV is 3D. Unless 3D is a priority, you can get fine non 3D sets for lesser money.

Second, how many HDMI video sources are you planning? I know Bou-Ray and cable use HDMI. I'm not sure about Apple TV.
Most modern TV offer at least three HDMI inputs. A HDMI switch may be redundant. You can do all your video selection via the TV remote and, most likely, feed the one TV audio output directly to your stereo, maybe via that DAC mentioned earlier.

If I envision your needs correctly, one input on your existing stereo will be all you need to get the sound from your TV devices.

For simplicity sake, I'd keep the CD player and use that for your CD's. If you rely on your Blu-Ray player for CD's, you'll always have to have the TV on.

If internet programs are one of you goals, many Blu-Ray players (and Smart TV's themselves) offer a stunning array of internet apps, including music. I don't know what Apple TV offers but it's worth some investigation here. Maybe a Blu-Ray player will provide all the audio/video you need. My Sony BD has a multitude of video and quite a few audio apps built in.

but, your main goal her should be mounting your new TV midway between your main speakers.

 

[Renson]

Thank you. More information and food for thought is beneficial. We'll talk about the 3D TV and check further into the Apple TV.