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Am I going insane?

I am not what most of you would call an audiophile, although I do appreciate a nice soundstage. I figured this was a good place to ask my questions. First I want to give you my situation though...

Last year I bought the Sony 40"XBR. I love it. Now it's time to purchase a very modest sound system for HT and 2channel. I don't have ANY equipment yet. I do know that the speakers are the first, most important piece to aquire.

So, I was at a dealer last week. I was listening to the B&W CDM NT1 series in both 5.1 and 2 channel. The sound was clear and I was pretty impressed. This is the B&W series (at least retail) that is in my price range.
Then, the fella helping me switched to the Boston Acoustics VR-M60s, with the matching center and surrounds. I thought that the BAs sounded better...much better...more free, less boxy. Both sets were being played from a Yamaha reciever (not hifi to be sure, but I can't afford good components yet). AM I NUTS? Would seperates make this setup sound better? The room was setup nicely, at least as far as my limited experience can tell.

Since then I have listened to a PSB setup, but wasn't as impressed. I also teased myself with a BEAUFIFUL Sonus Faber setup that I might be albe to afford in about 1000 years. I am looking for other options, but am limited by around a $2000 budget for speakers. If I can get something used that is higher quality (but able to be pushed from a reciever for a while), I certainly will go that way. I read similar posts as this regarding Thiel 1.5s. I am searching for a place to hear these.

I have decided to go with the Velodyne SPL800 or SPL1000 sub, as I really liked how it dissapeared in the B&W and BA setups.

Please help a really green newbie who is trying to get some bang for bucks.

Thanks,
Z
zstokes

Showing 7 responses by zstokes

zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Thanks Chris. The center channel certainly is for video only, and I may purchase it at a later date. My main concern is for main monitors and the sub for starters.

I don't suppose you happen to know where in the Los Angeles area I could give the Jean Marie's a test drive?
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Inscrutable,

I am actually trying to get a system that is little more centered on music, hence the main monitors, sub and electronics first. I am going to try to pick some speakers and a pre/pro that will give the ability to do Digital Dolby/DTS if not great, at least well.

I think I have narrowed my pre/pro & amp choice down to somthing like the Rotel RTC965 & RB1070 or RB1080m OR, a B&K Ref20 or Acurus ACT-3 with a yet to be determined amp. Now, I want to stess that I haven't listened to anything yet, and I am going to 'shop around' for at least another month before I buy anything (unless I find speakers I fall in love with). Anyway, do the above choices make any sense for a newbie, sound first but HT compatible system? I know the electronics also kinda hinge upon the speakers, but I am looking for ballpark opinions here...

Thanks again for all your opinions. I really appreciate your time spent thinking and typeing. I really don't think I could do this without all of your help.

Z
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Inscrutable,

What are impedence drops? And, I am planning on running a sub (actually the dealer suggested Earthquake, but I thought the little Velodyne sounded pretty good, and it would mostly be used for movies anyway).

Please don't tell me this is somthing serious to be concerned with....I really liked these!

8^)
Z
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Thanks to all who have replied, and are yet to do so!

So, I am almost convinced to find a decent pre/pro and amp instead of a reciever. I would like to get a pre/pro capable of DTS, and am definitly going to have to buy used. For starters, I am thinking of the pre/pro and a good 2channel amp, adding a 3channel later for center and surrounds.

So I guess along with my request for speakers to listen to, I am also asking what would be a good pre/pro +2channel amp combo for around $1000 used, that would also allow me to add another 3channel amp later for HT?

When I told my wife that would like to buy a nice sounding audio setup to go with the new TV, she first said..."Zach, what's an 'audio setup'? That sounds expensive!. I know how you are!' was the line I believe...how many of you have heard something like this, I can only imagine.

So thanks again for helping me down the right path. I'm sure I will appreciate it when I'm listening to whatever it is I end up with!

Z
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Thanks tqn. I am headed down to Huntington Beach this Sunday for Mother's Day. Wonder how hard it will be to slip out for a bit! ha! Laugh!

Z
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Greetings.

I listed to the Bostons today at another dealer. They were not setup in a listening room like the first time, and were being pushed by a Parasound amp. Needless to say, they sounded much different. Not nearly as cozy as the little room the first time.

I next went to another place, and listened to the Thiel 1.6s. These sounded much, much better than the Bostons. I expected as much, but not to the level of better that they were....I would absolutly spend twice the money on these.

I listened to these again though, in a much smaller room than what I would be placing them in. You see, my living room connects with my dining area (3 steps up), that is directly below my loft. 20ft ceiling at it's highest point. Am I screwed?

Anyway, I really like the Thiels. I have a few more auditions to go through, but these are definitly tops on the list now. I have no idea what I need to drive them, but I will ask those questions when I have made a decision.

Good Evening!
Z
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
I listened to the speakers I will be buying today...

JMLabs Cobalt 826s. I listened to them being pushed from a Denon reciever, and everything was good. These speakers are so efficient, I can run them (quite well) from a reciever.

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who posted, and I will let know know when I make the purchase!

Cheers!
Z
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