How about this for a nice $15K 2-channel system? Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor speakers ($3600 + $650 stands) VAC Avatar Super tube integrated amp ($5500) Meridian 508.24 cd player ($4000) Audioquest Python interconnect ($550) Audioquest Gibraltar speaker wire ($450)
I also like to listen to jazz and female vocals. I've got Spendor S3/5 ($900 new) speakers and a Velodyne SPL-800 ($1100 new) subwoofer. The tonal accuracy and stereo imaging capabilities of the Spendors are absolutely wonderful, especially with female vocals. A great setup for $2000. You might...
In a sat-sub speaker system, somewhere there is a component performing the bass-management function. In typical A/V systems, that component is the A/V receiver. The A/V receiver implements a crossover, usually at 80Hz. The high-pass signal gets routed to the satellite speakers, while the...
I don't have a solution for you, but I've got exactly the same problem. When my Paradigm Servo-15 starts a-rumblin', the high hats in the ceiling start a-rattlin'.
I'd stay with the 60s, as well. You'll experience most of the potential of the 60s using your Marantz receiver. But the 100s only get into their groove with stronger, separate amplification. I was in the same situation. I stuck with my 60s and added a Servo-15 sub. I didn't like the PS-series...
You might also like to give the Meadowlark Shearwater Hotrods a try. And JMlab dealers are doing some aggressive pricing on the Utopia line since the manufacturer is coming out with some new models soon. A pair of their stand-mounters might be in your range. Personally, I'd be very...
If you go the outboard DAC route, you might also look into a used Bel Canto DAC 1. I think they generally go for about $400-$500 on AudiogoN. If you can catch a 1.1 version, that's even better. Good luck with your choice.
I own the 4800 receiver, as well. In order to make proper use of the 4800's DTS-ES (Matrix-only) decoding capability, you do indeed need an additional external amplifier. Denon offers their POA-5200 model for this purpose, which matches perfectly with the receiver's internal amps. (Of course...
John Chow: Before I added the external amps, the receiver's built-in fan never activated. There is a clearly audible cue when the fan activates. The first time I heard it was this past weekend when I installed the new amps.
Denon indicates that the receiver's amp section is, indeed, class AB. When power output is below a certain threshold, it operates in class A mode, which brings with it increased heat output. In my case, power output from the receivers's amp section is zero. So, I think I've got my explanation...
Thanks for all the input. A Denon rep told me yesterday that their receivers normally run hot, and that if mine is not malfunctioning (which it isn't), I shouldn't be too concerned. Paul Clarke: Yes, the only connections between the receiver and new amps are via the receiver's pre-outs...
Yes, the ventilation space is the same as before. The receiver has 2 inches of clearance on each side, 4 inches above, and a foot in the back. That's about what it was in the old setup. The rack is open at the back, but has a plexiglass door in the front. The rack itself has not changed. I...
That's an interesting consideration. Actually, I've got a five-shelf rack. Old setup, bottom to top: receiver, Panamax, DVD player, CD changer, VCR. New setup, bottom to top: 3-channel power amp, CD changer, receiver, DVD player, 2-channel power amp. The Panamax and VCR are now in a different...
I've been wanting to take my first step toward separates in my home theater. I added a set of Denon POA-8300 and POA-8200 amplifiers to power my 5.1 speaker setup. Now I use my Denon AVR-4800 receiver as a pre/pro only. My expectation was that removing the burden of driving the speakers from the...
Jeff Talmadge is a Product Manager for Denon Electronics. He posted the following on the AVS Forum earlier today on this subject. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news for DVD-2800 owners.
I would add Park Avenue Audio on Park Avenue at 29th Street. They carry Arcam, Marantz, NAD, Adcom, Proton, Classe, YBA, Linn, Joseph Audio, Paradigm, Gallo, Definitive, and probably lots more. The salespeople are very helpful and low-pressure. I bought some wire from them last year. No other...
The DVD-2800 MkII is basically an upgrade of the de-interlacer from the Silicon Image 503 to the 504. As I understand it, the most significant change is a die-shrink. That means the de-interlacer is cheaper to produce and cooler to run. I own an original DVD-2800 (June 2001, ESS5243) and a...
I've been thinking about a small 2-channel system for an office room -- Paradigm Studio/20's, NAD C370 integrated amp, and NAD C541i CD player. I know that, in general, Paradigm's Studio series mates well with warm-sounding amps like Parasound, Rotel, B&K. How does the NAD amp stack up in this...
I'm in a similar situation. I have no right side wall and only half a back wall in my home theater. I'm using Definitive Technology UIW-BP/A bipolars as ceiling-mounted surround speakers in a 5.1 setup. Paradigm Reference along the front. I've been quite happy with it. However, I have not yet...
Oh, and bear in mind that most of the Sonus Faber line performs best with lots of good amplifier power. They aren't the most efficient speakers around.
I agree about the Sonus Fabers. They are beautifully made (in Italy) with solid, polished walnut cabinets finished in leather. And the sound is breathtaking. If your budget allows, also consider the Electa Amator IIs, which were recently reviewed in one of the major U.K. audio magazines.
I use the Denon DCM-370 with a Denon AVR-4800. When I first bought the 370, I expected to use it as a transport. But after living with it a while, I found that I like the sound of the analog outputs better. I'm very happy with the 370. Its Burr-Brown DACs and HDCD decoder are great features.