Recent content by Salvatore Restivo

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 asked this very same question on AVS Forum some time ago...

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...

Oh, yes, the Atkis remote. That's certainly a nice-to-have. You can buy that separately, though, and use it with your 4800 if you like.

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...