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Need advice building 2ch system $3-5k. - Page 3

post #31 of 35
5/9/05 at 4:12am
I have been very happy with my Denon 3910. For me it worked perectly right out of the box. DVD-V is better than my Philips 963A (and in my auditions that is no small task). I have not done extensive testing but for SACD there was not a lot of difference between the Denon and my Sony 555. In actuality this may be because the Denon has superior bass management capabilities (for SACD) compared to the Sony. The redbook playback seems fine, but to be honest I have never been blown away by the redbook playback of any multi-format player. IMO the redbook playback of the Philips 963A is at least the equal to the Denon. Also to be honest I do not use the system the Denon is in for much redbook playback. As far as the software updates for the Denon, I do not look at that as a negative but as a sign that Denon is being responsive to customer feedback.

The Denon is hooked up to a Rotel 1068 pre-pro so the audio for DVD-v's is handled by the pre-pro. I did experiment early on a little with letting the Denon do the dolby or DTS decoding, but not enough to give a realistic assessment. I can tell you it does have very good bass management options available to it that is on-par with what is available on most receivers/pre-pro's.

As always these are only my opinions.
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post #32 of 35
5/9/05 at 12:45pm
Quote:
I don't think a standard 2ch integrated amp is applicable due to upgradeability.
I believe that an integrated amp would be most appropiate for this situation. They offer a much better price to performance ratio, and many new allow for a great deal of flexibility. Make sure the unit has a pre-out so that it can later be used strictly as a pre-amp. As you do not wish to purchase used equipment (in which case I would suggest some McIntosh), I would say look into Musical Fidelity or Creek for an integrated and cd player. For speakers, my suggestion would be another vote for Magenpan or Vandersteen. The 1.6s are terrific speakers, but I would recommend the MG12s as they are smaller, easier to drive, and cheaper ($1200 new). They still sound fantastic however and are supposed to come quite close to the performance of the 1.6s. I heard them once with a 36WPC Rega Brio and they were very open and dynamic with even such a low powered SS amp. They easier load they present would allow you to invest in a higher quality amp rather than just going for brute power. The Vandersteen 2CEs are another great but very different speaker, possessing a much more laid back, full sound. I am at this very moment listening to my parents pair with a VTL IT-85 integrated amp, and the combo is terrific.
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post #33 of 35
5/10/05 at 6:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by peter braun
Make sure the unit has a pre-out so that it can later be used strictly as a pre-amp.
That is a good idea, and I thought about it, but prefer to go the sepreates route from the start as I have some good leads on some great power amps.
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post #34 of 35
5/10/05 at 7:02pm
For speakers, take a listen to Von Schweikert also. Too bad on the no used equipment, cuz for <$2K you could get some very nice VR-4s (or Gen IIs) floorstanders. The thing I really like about these, beyond their transparency is imaging, from the sense that they image well even if you aren't sitting in the sweetspot. I really like my brother's Apogees, but it would drive me nuts to have to sit right in the perfect spot.

Amplification: don't overlook Odyssey for very affordable, well thought of amps.

Alot of good recommendations already also.

-chris
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post #35 of 35
5/11/05 at 12:05am

If you're still looking at this thread

I have a similiar budget and I chose the Spendor S5e's for speakers coupled with an Arcam CD73t and I am now looking at the used market for an integrated...looking into Ayre and a few others for the very fact that they have an HT out for future HT needs.

By the by, I added the Spendor Sub-3 which is imposible to get a review of and it is stellar. The Spendor system is now pure heaven. One thing I will say is that these speakers are not huge on soundstage but 100% on enjoyable listening. Perhaps the soundstage will improve when I replace my Audiolab 8000a with a more formidable amp. Total outlay for Speakers, sub, source and cables = roughly $2900.00 (I'm planning on another 2k for amp).
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