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Move into 2-channel/HT setup

post #1 of 4
3/21/05 at 3:02pm
Thread Starter 
I've been into the headfi/headphones scene for awhile but now i'm wanting to delve into a better 2 channel music & HT setup. I favor music a bit more but really enjoy good cinema sound so I will probably end up in a 60/40 split as far as listening goes.

As it stands now I don't really have much of a 2 channel setup...
  • Source: Cheap mid 90's Sony CD Player - sounds like its value of $50.
  • Amp: Old Vintage 70's Onkyo A-5 Integrated - sounds really mellow and dark
  • Speakers: 70's Vintage AR2ax - 1 tweeter and 1 mid on one speaker is a bit funky... Pots are very corroded as well - Imaging and detail seems really lacking

HT setup I feel is lacking as well.
  • Source: Panny DVD A115 - very old and massive size (16"x5" front panel)
  • Amp: Pioneer VSX-D409 - older and not very smooth, missing some decoders I would like
  • Speakers: JBL Northridge NSP1 L/C/R/Surounds - a bit bright and not as transparent as I would like
  • Sub: Sony SA-WM40 polyfil mod - shakes things well but is a bit muddy and lacks tightness

I figure if I sell everything off and combine it with my current sound saving I should have about $1100 +/- 150 to play around with setting up a new music/HT system. I'm wondering wether I should hold onto any of my current gear (would prefer starting from scratch I think as my budget would be more than halved if I didnt sell everything) and what recommended gear would good to look for (used isn't a problem).

I have pretty good soldering skills but no woodworking tools/skills so mods are deffinantly an option in buying gear but full blown DIY might pose a problem as far as the cabinets go.

As far as sound preference goes I am a very analytical listener and favor good detailed acoustic instrument reproduction as well as a deep smooth soundstage.

I'll probably end up posting this on the home theater forums but I enjoy the opinions on this forum as well as the friendly attitude
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post #2 of 4
3/21/05 at 3:19pm
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post #3 of 4
3/21/05 at 3:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Necros
If 2 channel is a priority I would get a source, decent stereo integrated amp or a stereo pre-amp and 2 channel poweramp and L/R pair. Then add AV amplifier or AV receiver (use that to drive remaining speakers) centre, rears & subwoofer later. Plus DVD player and display. AV amps aren't great in 2 channel systems IMO, they're good for HT but that's about it. A good stereo amp blows the door off a AV amp.

$1100 will get you a decent 2 channel system. You could look for second hand gear, so you'll get a much better system for your money. Checkout Ruark & JM Lab Electra speakers. Check local prices.

You won't get a very good 5.1 sound system which is also superb in 2ch for $1100 IMO.
I was originally thinking as well that I wouldn't get decent stereo sound from an AV reciever but lately reading about the Digital Pannys and JVC and i'm wondering if that would work for both HT and music.
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post #4 of 4
3/21/05 at 8:01pm
Thread Starter 
After some more extensive reading, here is what i've been thinking about doing budget wise.
  • Source: Cheap Sony / Toshiba / Panasonic DVD player for redbook and movies - modded ($75-150)
  • Amp:Digital Panasonic sa-xr50 / JVC RX-F10 / JVC new model receiver ($200-300)
  • Speakers: Buy decent set of monitor bookshelf for now Ascend or used DIY ($350-450) fill out other speakers later and just use cheapos for center and surround meanwhile.
  • Sub: Build a DIY sealed subwoofer to fill out monitors using Dayton Titanic or Adire Shiva driver ($300-400)

Guessing this might work well for music and HT but not entirely sure.
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