If you shop around you can purchase excellent stuff for under 60k, even well under. Remember to negotiate pricing which will save you 20-30% of retail for certain, just stick to your guns. Also, keep in mind there is a lot of used stuff that is in excellent condition. If you go this route ask questions before purchasing including return policy if any and this will save you a lot of money.
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Hi raw33,
So what is the latest? Have you auditioned anything or gathered any beneficial information? I like to hear about other people’s thoughts and experiences.
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I would also check out Vinnie Rossi stuff.. |
Awsome.... So you did your first purchase based on your own opinion and likes, kudos to you. Since, I am not sure if your going to separate your Home Theatre from your music listening, I will give you a piece of advise. The Kef’s can be a bit bright at times, so my suggestion is to buy gear that lean to the warm side like McIntosh, Pass Labs, etc. for your music side. Hey, keep having fun... |
Sorry, about all the messages...lol... Also, Mark Levinson... |
Sorry, it seems I bombarding you with pieces at a time but I am writing things as they come to me...lol,.. |
raw33,
A while back I started a thread here referencing this same topic.
I have not looked at it in a while, since I came to my own conclusion after a lot of research and auditions. If I remember correctly it’s called amplifiers good for music listening or 2 channel listening.
Anyway, my conclusion was to separate the two. If you don’t, you will never have the best of both worlds. First and foremost, what is your budget and what is your priority. If want to keep them together then buy based on your listening priority. Keep in mind home theatre requires accuracy and forwardness which might night be ideal for music listening. Also, you do not have to spend a lot for your home theatre for it to be good. In my opinion you should pick out a pair of speakers that call out to you sonically and then pick the rest, since you can always tame your speakers by
positioning, working with electronics, wiring, etc. Once you pick your speakers do your home work plus audition your ears out..lol.
If you want something you like and not be disappointed when you take it home, take your time. Remember some dealers will let you take gear home to audition. Anyway, good luck and have fun....
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raw33,
Forgot to mention not all speakers you like might not have a compatible center channel. Keep in mind your center is everything to a good home theatre. Another suggestion is to read up on tweeter material and how they influence sound, this is very important. Also, electronics such as amps do influence the sound from your speakers no matter what others say, since I did experience this.
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raw33,
If you decide on the KEF’s, I recommend using electronics that are on the warm side such as Mcintosh, Pass Labs, etc. These speakers can be a bit bright at times and create listening fatigue, but they are great for home theatre in my opinion. You should also check out some horns like the Klipsch La Scala AL5 or Cornwall IV, Volti Audio stuff, etc., this is like listening to live music in the comfort of your home. I recommend looking at reviewers on line such as Steve Guttenberg and others and this will help a bit, but audition, audition, audition..
Keep in mind what you like others might not and there is a whole industry to explore.
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raw33,
If you decide to split your music from h theatre look into you can go Parasound for amplification and a good pro. Another good h theatre setup is NAD, with either of these you don’t have to break the bank and they are good. |
I think Classe audio is back in business. Sound United took the Classe line from B&W and according to all my research they are very good for both. They attended the Munich audio show just this past year to introduce their new Delta line. Classe has a very good reputation and I really think you should look them up and read their reviews.
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RAW33,
As previously mentioned audition as many gear as you can and come to your own conclusion. I am sure you noticed that everyone here claims they have the best system and this is simply because they picked out what they thought was right for them. As I mentioned pick out the speakers that call out to you sonically,
etc. and do your best to match the rest to balance out the speakers to your taste.
Everyone here has the best intention to help, but all these recommendations will become overwhelming. Bottom line is you will end up picking your own gear in the end by auditioning, reading reputable reviews, etc. Don’t get me wrong there are very good topics and information provided here that you will benefit from for your setup, but in the end it is your call. I already mentioned this previously, read on tweeter material like berillium, titanium, etc., since these will influence the speaker sound to a large degree.
Anyway, this research was fun for me because I learned a lot and I was turned on to great music along the way. |
raw33,
I actually went this weekend to the Tampa, Fl. Audio Show and fell in love with the new Sonus Faber Olympica Nova’s. The cabinetry was amazing and the sound for the price was superb. I listened to the Nova ll and can’t imagine how much better the 3 and 5 are. They have been improved quite a bit compared to the original Olympica line. The base was improved significantly on these Nova’s and they are sonically well balanced. They are engaging without being in your face. I am confident these will be good for your Home Theatre and 2 channel listening. I would highly recommend these, since I am a Sonus Faber owner and fan. I am actually torn between the Verity Otello and the Sonus Faber 3 or 5 at this point, by the way the Otello’s are awesome as well. I am suggesting the Sonus Faber because they have the center and rears. Also, Sonus Faber is willing to ship them to you for audition without having to commit. They will refund you in full if you do not like them. Let me know what you decide...
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raw 33,
You will find a lot of stuff on YouTube that you can see and hear. Keep in mind this is not an accurate sound, since it’s not a live audition but it helps. At least you will have an idea specially of what things look like and reviews as well.
If you enter the manufacturer, model numbers and add YouTube in your search, it will give you a lot of info. on anything you are looking for. |
raw 33,
I think you should also look into Rockport and Joseph Audio. |
Guys,
Give audiotroy a break, he is just trying to make a living... He does give good advise in my opinion, since I have researched some of his quotations. I believe there is nothing wrong in trying to sell a product that he believes and has confirmed its a good product. Some vendors do have good intentions plus I have seen him recommend product that he does not sell. |
