What would be next Level for me under $15000

2

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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited September 2010
    Face wrote: »
    Do you listen to 2 channel or multi-channel music?

    If it's 2 channel, you're crazy to spend that much on speakers without upgrading the rest of your gear first.

    If you're dead set on a pair of speakers, check out the Acoustic Zen Crescendo.

    I am looking at 5.1 system. Not just 2ch. HT is as much important to me as Music.
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  • LessisNevermore
    LessisNevermore Posts: 1,519
    edited September 2010
    veerapaneni wrote: »
    I am looking at 5.1 system. Not just 2ch. HT is as much important to me as Music.

    If you want a significant boost in sound quality, pick up a separate 2 ch preamp with home theater bypass. As good as the Denon does, the pre takes it 2 steps further. I highly recommend starting there.
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited September 2010
    nhhiep wrote: »
    if you have 15k to spend on speakers. you should NOT be in this forum or buying polk. you're looking at BW 8 series level, which is way over what Polk have.

    uhhh just because he has 15K to spend doesn't mean he can't be on this forum. There are several people here that do not have polk speakers so its a null point.

    Paradigm S8's are great and sound fantastic. However a lot of this too is going to come down to how many speakers you're buying. Example S8's for the 2 alone new would run 8K, the center another 4K so your sitting at 12 right there. Now add in 2 sets of the surrounds and your over 15K easily. Otherwise used they run a lot cheaper and could pick up a whole set easily for under the 15K.

    Otherwise if your are just looking for 2 channel. Wilson watt/puppies, sophia, ect are wonderful.

    Paradigm, Soundlabs (hope you have room!) Maggies, Martin Logan, ect ect are all fantastic.
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited September 2010
    nhhiep wrote: »
    if you have 15k to spend on speakers. you should NOT be in this forum or buying polk. you're looking at BW 8 series level, which is way over what Polk have.

    You're kidding, right?

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited September 2010
    I am quite happy with my 2 Ch Music now. But not satisified with Home Theater Sound. My Returened RTi Series were doing much better when it comes to HT. Since i already have 7.2 Lsi system, how would i improve my HT? Should i just by 2 RTIA9s (Or any Other )and Add them to the system and have some kind of switch so that i can switch between LSI and RTIA9s ? If i can do that, what is the easiest way to do this ?
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  • sm88
    sm88 Posts: 353
    edited September 2010
    With a budget like that you can do a lot better than Polk to be honest, different leagues all together.

    To narrow things down a bit more, what are your preferences? Do you like an exceedingly neutral sound or do you tilt towards musicality? Are imaging and detail your goals or a warmer, enveloping sound?
    Current System:
    Paradigm Signature S2 v2
    Conrad Johnson MF2500
    Wyred4Sound DAC2
    Audioquest Black Mamba II

    For Sale:
    3x Wilson Cub's
    Conrad Johnson MF2500
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  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited September 2010
    Welcome to the Club.
    I'm in the same line of thought.:D
    I want to upgrade my system.
    I am studying options ... I do not see the new LSiM as my upgrade.

    01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
    02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's and SUNFIRE Cinema Grand
    03) OPPO BDP-83SE Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio
    04) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
    05) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
    06) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
    07) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
    08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
    09) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
    10) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    11) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    12) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround back speakers)
    13) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround back speakers)
    14) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES 12"(High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=98096 (Not updated)
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited September 2010
    What is wrong with the LSi for HT? I have 4 LSi15s for my HT and love it. As I said earlier I did replace the LSiC with a PSB Synchrony One Center, and that made a postive difference.

    Since HT is like music (accurate sound reproduction is essential) it does not make any sense that the RTi would be better than the LSi. Of course, if you prefer some type of distortion, for example more bass, then speakers that add distortion would appear better.

    Personally, I would concentrate on accurate sound reproduction before adding distortion. Adding room treatments helped my HT, but I used getting the music sounding good as the pass/fail criteria for the room treatments.

    If you have the money then a better pre/pro is preferable over the Denon. This is my next step after I get the new LSiM speakers for my front upgrade.

    http://www.caryaudio.com/products/cinema/cinema11a.html
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited September 2010
    BlueFox wrote: »
    What is wrong with the LSi for HT? I have 4 LSi15s for my HT and love it. As I said earlier I did replace the LSiC with a PSB Synchrony One Center, and that made a postive difference.

    Since HT is like music (accurate sound reproduction is essential) it does not make any sense that the RTi would be better than the LSi. Of course, if you prefer some type of distortion, for example more bass, then speakers that add distortion would appear better.

    Personally, I would concentrate on accurate sound reproduction before adding distortion. Adding room treatments helped my HT, but I used getting the music sounding good as the pass/fail criteria for the room treatments.

    If you have the money then a better pre/pro is preferable over the Denon. This is my next step after I get the new LSiM speakers for my front upgrade.

    http://www.caryaudio.com/products/cinema/cinema11a.html



    After hearing RTi and LSI i think Lsi lack the punch and they are bit soft for HT IMO . I am looking for good PRE/PRO with 1.4 HDMI but not able to find any. I rent my home now and don't want to spend any money for room Treatments now as i might move in near term.
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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited September 2010
    sm88 wrote: »
    With a budget like that you can do a lot better than Polk to be honest, different leagues all together.

    To narrow things down a bit more, what are your preferences? Do you like an exceedingly neutral sound or do you tilt towards musicality? Are imaging and detail your goals or a warmer, enveloping sound?

    I like neutral sound. LSi excel in Music but not in HT. This is the reason i am looking around for other options.
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited September 2010
    You may need to add a few subs for HT. A good ones at last.

    The LSi speakers simply sound astounding at both HT and for Music. I don't see myself changing anything anytime soon or in next 10 years except TV and a newer and better preamp processor. All speakers will stay and all amps will stay.

    If you are not happy with your current LSi setup, try several different amps with them. I spent a lot of time comparing amps (side by side) and finally able to settle on Parasound (HCA-2205AT) and Pioneer Elite (M-91) Amps.

    I've tried power amps from Rotel, Adcom, Harman Kardon, and many others. I've probably tried LSi speakers with about 2-3 dozens amps before I settled on the amps. My current amps are simply great with LSi for Music and HT.

    I am glad I took time finding the right amp coz I don't have to look anywhere or need to spend more money on speakers.

    Also, subs are important for HT. I found SVS PB13 Ultra very capable with LSi for HT setup.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited September 2010
    I have Polk DSW Micropro 4000 now and it does good Job. What is your opionion aboun Sunfire Grand Cinema 7~400 ? This is the one i use now and i thought it is a good Amp.
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited September 2010
    For a very nice HT experience, not only hearing and seeing makes a difference but feeling real in the movie is.

    DSW MicroPro 4000 is a great sub and I heard a lot of good things about it. I have never owned it. But I think it doesn't have low end of the really BIG subs such as PB13 Ultra. The low ends of the big subs will make you feel the impact of the movie if you have the room for it.

    On the other hand, DSW MicroPro 4000 might sounds more musical than PB13 Ultra.

    About SunFire amps, I can't comment on it. But I can tell you that all amps make the speaker sound very different so what you hear might be based on how the amp makes your speaker sounds.

    If you have some spare change, buy a couple of used amps such as Parasound, B&K, Rotel HT amps and compare it side by side with the SunFire 7~400. It's not always the power they put out. It's about how an amp makes a speaker sound plus the power reserve they can supply to the speaker at loud volume.

    I would spend a couple of thousands investing in amps for comparison and recoup that money by selling back whatever that doesn't sound too good for you ears for both Music and HT.

    And I would urge you try listening to a different subs for the HT if room permits.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2010
    Doesn't your processor have an EQ that you can use to add more top end for HT?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited September 2010
    Face wrote: »
    Doesn't your processor have an EQ that you can use to add more top end for HT?

    No. I could not find anything in my system.
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  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited September 2010
    veerapaneni wrote: »
    ... What is your opionion aboun Sunfire Grand Cinema 7~400 ? This is the one i use now and i thought it is a good Amp.


    Sunfire amp is excellent.
    With LSi the results: they are amazing ....:D

    1.- http://www.vxm.com/21R.69.html
    2.- http://www.vxm.com/21R.116.html
    3.- http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_6_3/sunfire-cinema-grand-signature.html




    01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
    02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's and SUNFIRE Cinema Grand
    03) OPPO BDP-83SE Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio
    04) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
    05) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
    06) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
    07) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
    08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
    09) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
    10) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    11) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    12) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround back speakers)
    13) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround back speakers)
    14) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES 12"(High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=98096 (Not updated)
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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited September 2010
    Thanks. I just upgraded to it from Emotiva and happy with the results. It gives 800W power at 4ohms. I hope i dont need to change this. I have spent $1900 to get it thinking that i dont need to change it for life.
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  • schutz2106
    schutz2106 Posts: 115
    edited September 2010
    I just dropped 4 grand and now I can justify it to my wife that op wants to spend more......
    Klipsch RF7-II
    Klipsch RC64-II
    Klipsch RC62-II

    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Dish 722 dvr
    Sony BDPS370 Blue Ray
    Samsung 52b750 LCD Tv
    Panasonic DVD Recorder
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited September 2010
    Bernal wrote: »
    Sunfire amp is excellent.
    With LSi the results: they are amazing ....:D

    1.- http://www.vxm.com/21R.69.html
    2.- http://www.vxm.com/21R.116.html
    3.- http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_6_3/sunfire-cinema-grand-signature.html




    01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
    02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's and SUNFIRE Cinema Grand
    03) OPPO BDP-83SE Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio
    04) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
    05) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
    06) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
    07) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
    08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
    09) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
    10) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    11) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    12) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround back speakers)
    13) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround back speakers)
    14) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES 12"(High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=98096 (Not updated)


    Bernal, I think you've said MBL is better than SunFire.

    I think the OP deserves to hear better amps with his LSi speakers coz swapping out SunFire with better amps is still be cheaper than buying a whole 5.1 set of higher end speakers.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited September 2010
    megasat16 wrote: »
    Bernal, I think you've said MBL is better than SunFire.

    I think the OP deserves to hear better amps with his LSi speakers coz swapping out SunFire with better amps is still be cheaper than buying a whole 5.1 set of higher end speakers.


    It is the truth and express it
    MBL is unique.
    MBL is another level.
    MBL is my audio system in my home in France.
    In Costa Rica is Sunfire.
    Here and this forum I do not speak of my system MBL. There are two worlds, two lives, two experiences, but I'm sure you know what I mean.    ;)
    http://www.mbl.de/en/
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  • LessisNevermore
    LessisNevermore Posts: 1,519
    edited September 2010
    Bernal wrote: »
    There are two worlds, two lives, two experiences, but I'm sure you know what I mean.;)

    Sybil?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,794
    edited September 2010
    LessisNevermore wrote: »
    Sybil?

    LOL......classic!!!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited September 2010
    LessisNevermore wrote: »
    Sybil?
    http://www.mbl.de/en/
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited September 2010
    Bernal wrote: »
    It is the truth and express it
    MBL is unique.
    MBL is another level.
    MBL is my audio system in my home in France.
    In Costa Rica is Sunfire.
    Here and this forum I do not speak of my system MBL. There are two worlds, two lives, two experiences, but I'm sure you know what I mean.    ;)
    http://www.mbl.de/en/

    Yes, I agreed MBL is another level. Have you compared the two side by side with LSi speakers?

    If you haven't compared the both of them side by side, I think you should try it. You may want both of your two lives and two experiences to become one.

    I also live in two worlds and I let my mistress keep one. Of coz, I don't let my wife know about the other world. :D
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited September 2010
    megasat16 wrote: »
    You may need to add a few subs for HT. A good ones at last.

    The LSi speakers simply sound astounding at both HT and for Music. I don't see myself changing anything anytime soon or in next 10 years except TV and a newer and better preamp processor. All speakers will stay and all amps will stay.

    If you are not happy with your current LSi setup, try several different amps with them. I spent a lot of time comparing amps (side by side) and finally able to settle on Parasound (HCA-2205AT) and Pioneer Elite (M-91) Amps.

    I've tried power amps from Rotel, Adcom, Harman Kardon, and many others. I've probably tried LSi speakers with about 2-3 dozens amps before I settled on the amps. My current amps are simply great with LSi for Music and HT.

    I am glad I took time finding the right amp coz I don't have to look anywhere or need to spend more money on speakers.

    Also, subs are important for HT. I found SVS PB13 Ultra very capable with LSi for HT setup.

    Hi, i followed your suggestion and got b&k 200.7. I am quite happy with initial listening. I will try it for a week or two. I am also thiniking of trying parasound. how do they compare with B&K? Any comparisons between them?
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited September 2010
    Sorry, I can't comment on the B&K 200.7 amp and my Parasound amp since I have not tried 200.7 before. But I tried B&K M200, EX4420, with my Parasound 2205. For Surround duty, I think HCA-2205 sounds more coherent with LSi to my ears.

    I would suggest you use a better 2 channel amps for L&R speakers and use a separate five channel amps for the surround duty. You can enjoy better stereo with your LSi speakers when not using them for HT.

    I use Pioneer Elite M-91 stereo amps for the L & R speakers and HCA-2205 for the surround. I can turn off the HCA-2205 when I listen to stereo only such as CD or 2 channel SACD.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • wz2p7j
    wz2p7j Posts: 840
    edited September 2010
    I believe all of these companies have speakers in the price range you are contemplating. Disclaimer: I have no opinion as to whether they would be better than LSi. :)

    Salk
    B & W
    Paradigm Signature
    Legacy
    Totem Acoustic
    Swan
    Acoustic Zen

    I'm sure others can add to the list.

    Chris
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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited October 2010
    Thanks Guys. I am going with Paradigm Signature Series S8 and my Polk LSi 15 5.1 with Micropro 4000 is on sale now. They are 1-2 months old
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  • sm88
    sm88 Posts: 353
    edited October 2010
    Good call, Paradigm S8 v2 or v3 are amazing speakers. Have you considered going with a different amplifier? Your Sunfire is a Class D amp, not to knock it but perhaps consider a 2 channel McIntosh or similar? Anthem might be up your alley as well, they are owned by Paradigm and pair up with Paradigm speakers quite well. Definitely get a Pre/Pro by the way. I have had BK Ref 20, Anthem AVM 20, Anthem AVM 30, Outlaw 950, Parasound PSP 1500, McIntosh C39 and of those I really like the AVM30 I have right now. I've also had Paradigm speakers with Anthem Amps, Parasound, McIntosh, Rotel, and various other brands. They are very well balanced and beautifully built speakers that can pair up well with a lot of different electronics
    Current System:
    Paradigm Signature S2 v2
    Conrad Johnson MF2500
    Wyred4Sound DAC2
    Audioquest Black Mamba II

    For Sale:
    3x Wilson Cub's
    Conrad Johnson MF2500
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  • veerapaneni
    veerapaneni Posts: 112
    edited October 2010
    sm88 wrote: »
    Good call, Paradigm S8 v2 or v3 are amazing speakers. Have you considered going with a different amplifier? Your Sunfire is a Class D amp, not to knock it but perhaps consider a 2 channel McIntosh or similar? Anthem might be up your alley as well, they are owned by Paradigm and pair up with Paradigm speakers quite well. Definitely get a Pre/Pro by the way. I have had BK Ref 20, Anthem AVM 20, Anthem AVM 30, Outlaw 950, Parasound PSP 1500, McIntosh C39 and of those I really like the AVM30 I have right now. I've also had Paradigm speakers with Anthem Amps, Parasound, McIntosh, Rotel, and various other brands. They are very well balanced and beautifully built speakers that can pair up well with a lot of different electronics

    I have b&k Reference 200.7 Amp now. I have sold my Sunfire Grand Cinema Amp, But it was not Class D Amp.
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