HS/HT system re-design; Need comments

drew32

I am in the process of re-building my HS/HT setup. I was using an inexpensive 5.1 setup, but am now trying to put together a better system to cover both 2 and 5 channel.

My first step was to buy SDA SRS1.2s for the fronts. This is done. I'm planning on using some monitor 10s for the rears and thinking about a LSI Center. Any other suggestions for surrounds or center channel to go with the 1.2s?? LSIC and 10s seem to be a good cost effective approach to me.?

For electronics, I'm still researching. I'm thinking a 2 channel amp for the 1.2s (maybe Adcom 555, 585 or Carver M1.5) and a three channel amp for the surrounds and center(maybe Adcom 5503 or B&K 3ch amp?). I've also considered the Sunfire Cinema Grand(200x5). Suggestions on whether 1 or 2 amp approach is better and other brand options are appreciated.

Still very undecided on pre/pro, although I've seen B&K ref20 and Lexicon DC-1 on Audiogon for $6-700. thanks in advance for any suggestions and comments.
Drew

Tour2ma

In reverse order:

Pre/Pro
In B&K I'd look at the Ref 30 at minimum. The ref 20 was a consolation prize for AVP2000 owners. I kept my base 2000 for 2 ch operation. Can't comment on the Lexicon.

Amps
I like the Sunfire Cin Grand option. Later as need arises to go 7.1 you can buy a second one, bi-amp the mains and still have two channels left for a second zone. The Cin Grand go for ~$1000 on ebay these days.

But lining up 2 ch's is not a bad way to go. Look at the M-4.0t ($500 to 600) for the Mains and maybe two M-1.0t's (~$300/ea) for the rest. Not all M-1.5t's will match the 1.0's tonally. With the odd channel you could rig a 6th, rear center.

The Sunfire is a little more economical and does provide equal power all around (if you're into that).

Speakers
Not sure here on matching tweeters to your 1.2's. Others will give better advise here. That said...

I don't think the 10's will match well, but since you have them (Yes?) worth a shot. I'm thinking the "i" series and a little more vintage. For up front maybe (CS400i). Surrounds might go f/x500i. But these are getting a bit scarce.

As I said others can probably steer you better than I... at least in the speaker area...

drew32

Tour2ma,
Thanks for the response and suggestions. I'm now looking into the M-4.0T and M-1.0T combinations. From looking at current prices, I think I could get the 3 amps for $900-1000 total. I've also seen a couple of Sunfire cin grand Signatures on ebay (400w/ch x 5) but already >$1200. Any input on this amp?

I'm not familiar w/ the F/X500i; where do you come across these? My brother has the 10s sitting in his garage that I can get cheap.

For the center, is the cs400i a better match for the 1.2s than the LSIC or just a better center overall. Any other brands you've tried?

Anybody else have input on the Pre/pro. I prefer to buy used, but would like it to at least have dts. 5 ch is enough.

Thanks again.

Tour2ma

drew,
The Sig Cin Grand is a great amp IMO, but ebay price tag on these is closer to $1800. At double the power of the Cin Grand I can understand the tempataion, but the Cin Grand is not exactly wimpy.

If the Mon 10's are available and cheap, by all means give them a try. They may always have a place in a 2 ch rig, or be resold. The 500's are pretty much an ebay find now.

Of current line models, the CSi40 and Fxi50 probably deserve consideration. But as I said earlier others need to chime in on matching your mains.

Ditto the above for AVP's. In addition to B&K, Rotel and Outlaw should get some consideration. Many AVR owners of these manufacturers AVR's around here.