 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
Thanks for looking, I am sure you have seen a similar message a million times.Current system includes:
Sony SCD1
Sonic Frontiers SFL1 sig pre
Classe 25 amp
B&W N802I do not want to throw the baby out with the bath water so this is what I was planning:
Theta Casa Nova pre running the front two channels through the SFL1 as there is no two channel bypass on the Theta.
Theta Dreadnaught 5 channel configuration with plans to bi-amp the front speakers with two channels each and run the fifth channel to the center channel.
I was going to use the Classe 25 (250 watts into eight ohms and doubling down to two ohms as needed) for the rear channels.Speakers would be B&W HTM1 on the center and N804's on the rear and ASW 4000 plunging the depths.
My questions:
1) does anyone have any experience with the Casa Nova good or bad? Has anyone else used it in a similar configuration with a two channel preamp?
2) should I be concerned about the potential misbalance that might occur with not using the same amplification in the rear?
3) I am trying to keep this in the 20K range and am unable to get a rear projector in my HT room. My local dealer is suggesting the new DLP unit from Seleco. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Any suggestons about other projectors or video displays which might help keep the price reasonable.
4) As far as a source I think just about any progressive DVD player with adequate 3:2 pull down should work well. (Any suggestions?).
Thanks in advance.
michael Segal
Follow Ups:
First off, a relative of mine is running a Theta Casa Nova into a series of inputs on a Levinson 380s and it works like a charm. The Casa Nova is a great sounding processor but is a royal pain in the *!&% to set up.As far as your other questions, I just did something similar in terms of integrating my HT into my audio system. I have a pair of B&W Silver Sig 30s with a Goldmund Mimesis 2 preamp and Jadis Defy 7 amp. I was tired of having 2 seperate systems because I won't compromise my audio but decided to take the plunge and integrate video. I ended up purchasing the Marantz DLP projector (the older model, didn't feel the need for the newer model since video isn't my #1 priority), a B&W N-HTM1 center, still using my Magnepan 1.6s as surrounds from my old video system, and a REL Storm III subwoofer. Every time I use the video, it never fails to impress me and am glad I made the changes. Good luck...
Hi,
i have a stereo preamp that sits to the right of my B+K HT processor. I just run an ic from the B+K to connect the stereo to the theater. Works pretty well.
Some thoughts, i really like the $2K B+W center; it is the best i personally have heard. If you go multichannel, with that budget, that would be my first move. The 805 will be easier to work with in a 7.1 configuration, surrounds typically go high on the wall. Try to audition the Energy 18XL sub.
As to the overall strategy, that is not easy, you can go 2 seperate systems, a graft, or just stay 2 channel. We are a long way from perfect, any way you go. Your call.
Spend some serious time choosing the tv. This is analogous to buying speakers, except that the technology is changing quickly. The DLP sets were very expensive, used 3 DLP chips, now they go it with one chip. I personally haven't seen one, but i have heard this lead to some design compromises. Spend some time on this, and don't rule out
non-projectors. One of the new DLP rear projectors has been creating some buzz, forget which one. You might try subscribing to a HT rag or two. Seems each design approach has both strong and weak points, personally i am hopong the proce on dlp chips falls to the point where a 3 chip rear projection tv gets below $10K. That will take a while.
If your 2-ch preamp does not have a “video” input I would try to keep 2-ch and HT systems separately. You can buy great 2-ch amp to match 802s ( I think you can do better than Theta), good 3-ch amp for front 3-ch of HT and a 5+1 HT speaker set. This way you will have first class stereo and more than decent HT. Well it’s 2 more speakers in the room, but won’t have problems with keeping gain on your SF preamp in the same position for HT.
Wow, that's the first I've heard of the Dreadnaught not measuring up in 2-channel. Sounds pretty much like the (relatively) low-priced Ayre to me.
...do you mean actually having two seperate sets of speakers in the front, one for HT and one for Stereo or are you advocating changing the cables between two seperate amps to keep HT and stereo sererate?Another option might be to consider a six channel preamp such as the R.E. Designs SCPA-1 and allowing high end multi channel SACD. Too bad the SCD-555ES doe not have a video out put or it might be perfect.
Michael Segal
I suggested to have 2 completely separate sets for 2-ch and HT. It’s a matter of personal taste, but I value quality of 2-ch music reproduction more than one of HT. Thus I feel that it’s better to have 'State of the art' Stereo and 'Good' HT setup than ‘Very Good’ combined system. Do you really need 802 bi-amped by Dreadnaughts for your movies? And for 2-ch. It’s not the best amp to choose. I think it will be compromise in 2-ch. Reproduction and overkill in HT
The other point is that if you try to combine systems including your current preamp it will be too complicated and difficult to manage and setup. So basically you have 3 choices
1.Find preamp-processor that would work as a preamp instead of your SF
2.Change your preamp to one that have “video” input or ability set a zero gain for one of the inputs
3.Keep 2 system completely separate. I mean speakers, cables e.t.c. I did just that in my system, but again I really feel that I’m satisfied with much more simplier HT than you are planning to build.
Regards,
DA
Hi MichaelI would not be worried about having a different amp at the back, particularly if the rear speakers match well with your front 3. The ambient signals are not overly critical, even on surround music and certainly should not be of concern for HT. Apart from this I cannot really answer your questions as I am unfamiliar with the components listed.
John
nt
nt
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
