audionuts

Responses from audionuts

Are there really any high end pre/processors at a
I have been there done that. I have own several proccesor preamps from Intergra research lab, procceed, classe, sunfire, marantz... none of them come close to the performance of my dedicated 2 channel preamps. After successfully intergrate my BAT ... 
Experiences with Blu-ray players
In you price range, Oppo 105 is top choice. Solid universal player with good dac, great picture, act ok as a digital preamp. On top of that you got 30 days trial. Can not beat that. 
It's time for a good CD player.
I agree with Jgeyer. Keep your Arcam and get a good DAC. Something like W4S II, EE 
Help: right channel not working on Yamaha rx-v3000
Maybe the dac is ready for a retire. 
Recommendation: great floorstander & amp $3K ea
+2 on Salksound. There are plenty SCST owner out there that you could ask for an audition. 
Should I upgrade home theatre to one with HDMI?
$1000 should be enough to buy a decent receiver with xt32 and a new 3d blu ray player. 
Starting from Scratch -Please Help Pick 1 out of 3
I would pick #1. I always like the VAC combination - they have a musical quality that it is hard to find somewhere else. 
What frequency do I crossover subs
Martykl,I do agree with you that the scientific method or DRC does help getting to the goal faster but the final jugdment is still by ears. 
Upgrade Hafler 9500 or Mccormack DNA-1 for Thiels
Years ago, I used a pair of DNA1 deluxe edition rev.A mono block to power the Thiel 3.6s - sound very dynamic, great transition attack and on the neutral side. I hardly felt the DNA ever out of juice even thought the Thiel was among power sucker. 
What frequency do I crossover subs
Let your ears be the jugde. When it comes to subwoofer integration there are no absolutely right or wrong solution even with DRC. It is up to you to decide how your bass suppose to be sound. You have to play around with sub placement, crossover po... 
Upgrade AVP or separate preamp/DAC for 2 channel?
Been there, done that. When it comes to 2 channel, nothing is better than a dedicated 2 channel preamp. Your main spks are very good floors stander that capable down to 34hz so no worry there. Not a lot of 2 channel music matetials that have bass ... 
Speakers to consider around 5k used?
You could try Salksound. There is a list of Salk owners that willing demoing their Salk HT2-TL in DC area that you could ask for an audition. Here is the link http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=82 
New home theater setup
Why? 100w vs 90w. None sense. I believe the new receiver would smoke your old one and then some. 
EQ for a pair of subs
Svs subs is nice. I would add Rythmik sub into the mix. You could try minidsp 2x4, antimode 8033 (or 2.0 if you have extra money)or behringer BFD DSP-1124P for a full system control. Here are some usefull links http://www.hometheatershack.com/for... 
Can My Subwoofers Damage My Home
.....she punched a hole in the wall.+1 hahaha