Time for New System

[rnatalli]

Hi all,

This is my first post so please be gentle

I'm looking to put together a new system for a new place my wife and I are moving into. The room will be a typical great room, but it's a condo so the room isn't completely huge. It is however an open area.

I have traditional gone with H/K receivers as I really like the darkness of them and H/K's have always offered no frills, clean power amps IMO. I've also owned a Yammie, but it always sounded too laid back and soft for my taste, although great for certain kind of music. I'm more of an HT guy myself. This suggests that a B&K system would be right up my alley, but B&K is out of my price range. Several people have suggested Rotel and NAD, but from what I understand, Rotel tends to be laid back and neutral and NAD warm and forward with some good lows. Others have suggested Outlaw and Emotiva and these seem to be right in my price range, however, I have no experience with either of them and both sell online. I have done some searching and it seems both of these have a following and praise. Knowing that I prefer the dark-H/K sound, no-frills, and separates; which of these would make the most sense? Also, which speakers do you feel would line up well with whatever you suggest? If there are any amps other than the ones already mentioned that I should be considering, please suggest them bearing in mind that I'm looking in the $750-$1.5k range for both the amp and preamp. Any thoughts or insights would be appreciated. Thanks for the help!

Robert

 

[avaserfi]

One thing youll notice here is there are many believers, myself included, that all amps, as long as proper power is being supplied, will sound the same. That being said I would suggest getting an emotiva as they have amazing reviews and are on sale 10% off and free shipping right now. This suggestion only stand if you insist on getting separates as you most likely will not need an amp and get better results spending your money elsewhere.

Personally on a budget I would focus all my money towards speakers and room treatments (if feasible) than the receiver (without getting an amp) than get my sources. If you follow this order you will have the best sounding system you can for the money and leave yourself open to purchasing an amp later when you have the funds.

To help out more what is your budget and room dimensions. Also, will you be needing a panel and dvd player etc?

 

[rnatalli]

If I could keep the cost at $2.5k that'd be great, but I'm willing to go all the way to $5k if necessary. This would be for the preamp, amp, dvd player, speakers, and subwoofer. Thanks!

Robert

 

[dem beats]

If I could keep the cost at $2.5k that'd be great, but I'm willing to go all the way to $5k if necessary. This would be for the preamp, amp, dvd player, speakers, and subwoofer. Thanks!

Robert

I wanted to get it done for 2.5K myself but found it to be lacking. Especialy since I went to B & M locations. I merely got the receiver speakers and DIY wires for 3k

I would resolve to spend as much as possible #1
You will be happier

#2 electronics change. They change much much faster than speaker tech. Speakers have been the same since speakers have been made. They merely refine the same design. It's not a great Idea to throw cash at unstable tech

 

[Warpdrv]

Don't forget to help with your budget, you can find great deals on Audiogon.com
I got a used Rotel 1095 Amp for a great deal. You can search with the first 2 or 3 digits of your zip code to see whats in your area to save on shipping.

BTW, I don't think my Rotel amp is laid back, it just gives back what it gets and I have a bright room... I have read that too but haven't experienced it. My speakers are Paradigm Studio's and are pretty forward sounding, great for movies.

 

[avaserfi]

Keeping in the range you spoke of I would look into a few areas specifically. For the prepro and amp I would look at the Emotiva Ultra Theater series since you specifically said you want seperates. For speakers I would look into av123.com depending how much you want to spend going from the x-series to the rockets. Depending on room size you might want to bump up your budget a tad and get the larger speakers. For the sub I would look into HSU or SVS and get one appropriatly sized for your room. Lastly for the dvd player I love my Oppo and fully recommend them especially for the price.

Just as a note I have only heard the x-series from av123 but all their products seem highly regarded around here. Same idea for the HSU/SVS as I have only heard one these woofers.

More specific recommendations can come with room specs. Also, make sure to audition speakers before buying your ear is yours alone and no one can tell you that speakers are good there is always the chance you won't like them.

 

[Warpdrv]

#2 electronics change. They change much much faster than speaker tech. Speakers have been the same since speakers have been made. They merely refine the same design. It's not a great Idea to throw cash at unstable tech

I agree with dem beats here 100%.

Invest in a great set of speakers, they will last a long time... and they are what your ears will hear... I bought my amp knowing I could hold on to it for a long time, I am using a decent inexpensive receiver as a Pre/Pro and as the electronics change I can upgrade to a Pre Pro when prices come down and they start to figure out HDMI a bit more.

 

[jcPanny]

Emotiva seperates

I am impressed with the Emotiva LPA-1 which I am using with a Yamaha receiver as pre-pro. They are running a sale for a few days with 10% off and free shipping. That brings the Ultra combo down to just over $800. Use the extra funds for the speaker budget or save for a pre-pro upgrade when the HDMI version comes out early next year. Existing owners will get 40% off.

Also note, I think you will find most mid-fi receiver to have a neutral sonic characteristic vs. the dark/laid back description. The speakers will have a much bigger effect on the audio presentation.

 

[rnatalli]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I'll probably go with the Emotiva combo. Point taken though that speakers should be my focus. I wish there was a place locally that had all the speakers so I could audition, but no such luck. I have heard of the av123 x-series to be great speakers for the money. Tannoy was another one that came up. And I've also heard PSB makes speakers that sound slightly dark. What do you all think about the sonic qualities of Paradigm, Tannoy, PSB, and av123?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

It is all subjective; no one can tell you what will sound good to you. You have to find all the speakers you can and listen to them and decide what sounds best to you.

Thanks for the suggestions all. I'll probably go with the Emotiva combo. Point taken though that speakers should be my focus. I wish there was a place locally that had all the speakers so I could audition, but no such luck. I have heard of the av123 x-series to be great speakers for the money. Tannoy was another one that came up. And I've also heard PSB makes speakers that sound slightly dark. What do you all think about the sonic qualities of Paradigm, Tannoy, PSB, and av123?

 

[jcPanny]

Av123

AV123 has a risk free trial of their bookshelf speakers.

You should be able to demo the other brands at B&M dealers.

 

[rnatalli]

Ok, here's my list of speakers I'm going to try and audition:

av123: Never heard them and don't know of any local dealers.
PSB: I hear these throw a large soundstage and can be dark so worth a look.
Paradigm: I hear a lot of good things about Paradigm especially in the HT arena.
Evergys: I hear these have a pretty linear response so will give them a look as they look good for the money.
Klipsch: I know, the opposite of dark being on the bright, harsh side, but will use them as a point to reference.
Gallo: These just look too cool to ignore.
Boston Acoustics: Good highs and mids, boomy bass. I live in Boston so why not.

I'll head to Spearitsound in Cambridge, MA and a few other dealers here in MA. Hopefully I can find most or all of these. Thanks for the help all!

Robert

 

[Gimpy Ric]

I just bought the Emotiva LMC-1 & LPA-1 for $809.00 shipped Here is a review: http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-ultra-theater-series/emotiva-lmc-1-build-quality-and-features

That, in my book is an great deal on a seperate pre amp/tuner and 7 channel amp, made in the USA. Should mate up well with HSU Research sub & Sats.

 

[rnatalli]

UPDATE: I've posted my auditioning experience so far in the following thread:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33339

I'd like to get back to amps for a moment. I'll probably go with either the Emotiva LMC-1/LPA-1 combo or the Outlaw 970/7075. I'll likely go with Mirage or similar sounding speakers and I'm certain either of these will easily power the Mirage Omnisat v2 series. I'm more curious what you all think about marrying either of these components with speakers like Mirage. Thanks!

Robert