Best 2.0/2.1 system for $6,000 ?

FastGame

Hello, I'm up in my years and this will more likely be my last setup so I would like to get this right...

I know I can live without surround sound and I need advice for 2.0 or 2.1. This system will need to get 5.1 from Blu-ray/DVD, Sat Tv decoded down to 2.0/2.1. and play FM, Cd's. The movies I watch contain more music than bomb blasting special effects so I will lean more to the musical side of things.

Room size is 15' by 20' and seating distance 12', it's an older home with lath & plaster walls/ceiling (all walls insulated), wood floor with thick heavy pad-carpeting.

I'm not opposed to used equipment. Due to my age the old ears are past the audiophile stage but I want quality for anyone else who might listen to my system.

I will appreciate your advice so give it your best shot with the $6,000 range.

Thanks.

txcoastal1

Pioneer SC-61 and a pair of LSiM 705 and

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LSiM705-BLACK-Tower-Floorstand-Speaker-Polk-Audio-EACH-/390579491128?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item5af05a1138

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SC-61-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B008530P7W

Add a sub later if needed

Musical with bells and whistles

FastGame

WOW, I was thinking about the high end Pioneer Elite SC-79, but then started thinking about Oppo 105 with power amp...that's why I'm hear because I don't know the best way to do this.

Thanks.

Mikey081057

I might go with:

Parasound P2100 pre - 650
Parasound 2200 amp - 1350
Lsim 705's factory refurb -2000

That leaves about $2K for sub, and cables..

IMO I would not go with an avr for music...

txcoastal1

Mikey081057 wrote: »

IMO I would not go with an avr for music...

I agree but he wants to hookup BR/Sat

An Oppo and amp maybe the way to go

marvda1

$5500 for complete system including cables.
http://www.stereomojo.com/ODYSSEY%20AUDIO%20SYSTEM%20REVIEW/ODYSSEYAUDIOSYSTEMREVIEW.htm

polkfarmboy

Well how about an oppo 105 connected to a tube preamp with a wyred4sound 2 ch amp.

aboroth00

Coincidentally, I'm running about a 6k rig that's 2.1 and I'd be quite hard pressed to do better on my budget.

I'm running Oppo 105 -> BAT Vk-3 -> Pass Aleph J -> Revel Gem / ATI 1502 (bridged) -> James L4000P. IMO bookshelf/sub gives you great flexibility with placement/imaging and you get the sound of higher lines without having to pay for floorstanders. There's no way I can get the quality bass with floorstanders where the bookshelves are currently setup for optimal imaging.

The rig is right around 6k used, but then again it's a sound I like and the sound I built for my system. The Revel Gem's could be had for less than half of what they original sold for and they're marvelous speakers. James doesn't get a lot of rep for their subs but considering how many differnt subs I've gone through, I think they're great and being sleepers can be had for cheap, very musical and tight.

cnh

If you have $6K to spend then you need to get OUT and listen to some equipment. Your "ears" are not our "ears". Like Dskip says above. He finds the Polk LSI-M towers not as exciting to him, whereas I see them as more then adequate because I don't like too much up top to the point where that "dominates" the sound?

There are lots and lots of speakers out there, TOO many, in fact. And you're in a good price range for that.

Then you have to decide between SS and Tube power and Pres?

Probably the "only" thing most of us "might" agree on is that the Oppo is best in its class for a Universal Blu-ray? And even that is not a 100 percent. But I think we can say, just get the Oppo.

The rest is going to take some "footwork" and "ear-work". lol

The system cited by marvda1 above is definitely worth a look, very nice. But hearing is believing.

cnh

aboroth00

cnh wrote: »

If you have $6K to spend then you need to get OUT and listen to some equipment. Your "ears" are not our "ears". Like Dskip says above. He finds the Polk LSI-M towers not as exciting to him, whereas I see them as more then adequate because I don't like too much up top to the point where that "dominates" the sound?

There are lots and lots of speakers out there, TOO many, in fact. And you're in a good price range for that.

Then you have to decide between SS and Tube power and Pres?

Probably the "only" thing most of us "might" agree on is that the Oppo is best in its class for a Universal Blu-ray? And even that is not a 100 percent. But I think we can say, just get the Oppo.

The rest is going to take some "footwork" and "ear-work". lol

The system cited by marvda1 above is definitely worth a look, very nice. But hearing is believing.

cnh

Yup... go out there and look for speakers. Buy the speakers you love and spend the rest on everything else. Speakers after all have the most effect on the sound. Probably spend ~2.5k on speakers and the rest on everything else.

markmarc

I've run a 2.0 traditional stereo setup for HT (though now that I have a mini man cave for music, I setup a 2.1 in the family room for movies. It's proven to mew that a quality integrated amp and speakers do just fine and one won't need to play with the volume control at all during a movie in order to hear dialogue.

Go out and audition gear, that's half the fun!

FastGame

Thanks to all.

I more than likely will need an AV receiver, I forgot that I need to get my gaming systems running through some kind of DAC. I know the AV receiver may not be perfect for music but with my needs, tradeoffs might be the only way to stay in budget.

Musically speaking what would be the bad aspects of a high end AV receiver ?

As for speakers....I'm doing the best I can but its hard to find places with higher end equipment close to where I live. So far have heard Polk LSi M 703s paired with a sub and they sounded pretty darn good. Monitor Audio RX6 sounded better except in the bass because Polks had that sub. Right now I have Polk RTA-12b that sound ok but they need to be recapped, maybe they would sound much better after that ? but even doing the recap I don't know how they would compare to modern offerings ? I have some Paradigm and Axioms lined up for audition. Maybe someone in this forum is from Michigan and can advise on where I could check out more gear.

Thanks

markmarc

FastGame wrote: »

Thanks to all.

I more than likely will need an AV receiver, I forgot that I need to get my gaming systems running through some kind of DAC. I know the AV receiver may not be perfect for music but with my needs, tradeoffs might be the only way to stay in budget.

Musically speaking what would be the bad aspects of a high end AV receiver ?

As for speakers....I'm doing the best I can but its hard to find places with higher end equipment close to where I live. So far have heard Polk LSi M 703s paired with a sub and they sounded pretty darn good. Monitor Audio RX6 sounded better except in the bass because Polks had that sub. Right now I have Polk RTA-12b that sound ok but they need to be recapped, maybe they would sound much better after that ? but even doing the recap I don't know how they would compare to modern offerings ? I have some Paradigm and Axioms lined up for audition. Maybe someone in this forum is from Michigan and can advise on where I could check out more gear.

Thanks

A couple of things regarding your post.....you'll want to find a balance between the speakers and amplification. LSiM and a typical AV receiver is IMHO a wasteful choice. You won't experience the LSiM's at their best. Since you're going 2.0/1 setup, move up to a quality integrated, for example the SimAudio Neo 340i. The sonic output is WAY better than an AV receiver, and you'll still have $4k to spend on speakers.

Secondly, I fully support auditioning Paradigm speakers, but with your budget you're wasting your time with Axiom, you're above that performance playground.

robinofsherwood

I can't speak with the authority of some of our more experienced members, but here is what I did (I'm 67, definitely a late starter!)
An (1) Oppo 105 into a (2) Parasound A21 out to (3) Polk SDA 1c's with cables....... Amazing sound stage and quality for my OLD ears.
I later added a (4) Parasound P5 preamp. for greater versatility, and a second hand (5) Parasound T3 tuner but honestly I sometimes wonder why when the first three offer so much entertainment. I had no idea how much fascinating content was to be had online through the likes of Youtube and Netflix etc. nor how much better existing content would sound. Watching "Master and Commander" I thought I could smell the black powder of the cannons, the sound was so realistic. Listening to "orchestral" and Jazz performances has also become something of a sport! ..... locating the positions of the individual performers on the SDA 3D sound stage.
I'm having more fun with this set up than I could ever have hoped for. Hope you will to.

CCNJ

For me, I would invest half in speakers as I think it provides the most bang for the buck. I selected Totem Hawks without a sub for music and movies. Very tight bass and very musical. I also have the Parasound A21 for amplification and would highly recommend it.

rpf65

You may also want to listen to something from B&W. In my opinion very good for both music and HT, but were just a little out of my price range. Think they may fit your budget. They have them at most Best Buy Magnolia stores.

FastGame

Thanks to all, lots of good info

How about some mint Infinity RS4's ? There's also some used B & W Nautilus 803 in my area for sale.

FastGame

DSkip wrote: »

You don't need a receiver if the oppo 105 has enough digital inputs.

I will check the inputs on the 105 and I will get that if it will handle it, a member here offered up a nice amp combo package that is high on my list....but I will take the advice some gave on getting the speakers done first.

Infinity RS4's ? B & W Nautilus 803 ? I have to drive 120 mi to check these out....any info on these before I waste my time ?

aboroth00

FastGame wrote: »

Thanks to all, lots of good info

How about some mint Infinity RS4's ? There's also some used B & W Nautilus 803 in my area for sale.

I've owned Infinity's up and down the line from the past 4 decades. The RS4's pail in comparison to the better stuff, original Kappa, Renaissance, IRS, RS1b, RS2b. I wouldn't pay more than 200$ for a pair.

As for the 800 series, I wouldn't consider anything that isn't diamond.

Obsession18

marvda1 wrote: »

$5500 for complete system including cables.
http://www.stereomojo.com/ODYSSEY%20AUDIO%20SYSTEM%20REVIEW/ODYSSEYAUDIOSYSTEMREVIEW.htm

I heard this system at last years Capitol Audiofest, it was a giant killer, tube preamp, mono block amps and wonderfully smooth speakers.

WLDock

FastGame wrote: »

Maybe someone in this forum is from Michigan and can advise on where I could check out more gear.Thanks

FastGame wrote: »

Thanks to all, lots of good info
How about some mint Infinity RS4's ? There's also some used B & W Nautilus 803 in my area for sale.

Sounds like you are near Metro Detroit? I'm from the Metro area but now live in Indiana. Back in the day (90's) I used to go to places like The Gramaphone, Alma's HiFi, Pecars Audio, etc. to listen and dream.

Today, I have read a lot of talk about David Michael Audio in Royal Oak....Supposed to be a true high end experience: http://davidmichaelaudio.com/

Also, there are some other places I want to check out someday:
Oveture Audio in Ann Arbor - http://www.overture-audio.com/
Paragon Sight & Sound in Ann Arbor - http://www.paragonsns.com/

I've actually been in the area (Southfield) over the last week and wanted to stop by Saulk Sound in Pontiac. If you were are not aware of them they manufacture high end speakers: http://www.salksound.com/ A lot of used speakers are posted on this forum: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=bepl5o5krnv0kv8qc17bpl5o96&board=140.0 They have a bit of buzz about their more affordable Song Series line. The time went by so quick hanging with family that I never even got a chance to even email them....but I'll check them out at some point.

Maybe check those places out to see what the latest offerings are and to just sit back and listen. Some day, I want to put together a nice 2 ch system myself....but I have a lot of listening to do. I hope to get a chance this year at the AXPONA show in Chigago. http://www.axpona.com/
I want to listen to the Odyssey brand that was linked. Supposed to be a great bang for the buck.

Mike Reeter

robinofsherwood wrote: »

I can't speak with the authority of some of our more experienced members, but here is what I did (I'm 67, definitely a late starter!)
An (1) Oppo 105 into a (2) Parasound A21 out to (3) Polk SDA 1c's with cables....... Amazing sound stage and quality for my OLD ears.
I later added a (4) Parasound P5 preamp. for greater versatility, and a second hand (5) Parasound T3 tuner but honestly I sometimes wonder why when the first three offer so much entertainment. I had no idea how much fascinating content was to be had online through the likes of Youtube and Netflix etc. nor how much better existing content would sound. Watching "Master and Commander" I thought I could smell the black powder of the cannons, the sound was so realistic. Listening to "orchestral" and Jazz performances has also become something of a sport! ..... locating the positions of the individual performers on the SDA 3D sound stage.
I'm having more fun with this set up than I could ever have hoped for. Hope you will to.

ros, You have got a STELLAR set-up. One day I will own a Halo A21 (in the sexy Black version) coupled with a tube preamp of some sort, driving some SDA's.

tratliff

I am finishing up my system and hitting slightly over your budget but with patience and research I have built what I consider to be a well-rounded and very nice sounding system. I also am running the Parasound Halo amp (A21) and pre (P3). Both were bought used locally. Also have the Oppo 105 and spinning vinyl on a Marantz TT15S1. Power is conditioned thru a Furman Elite PFI15. All of which is sent to an amazing set of SDA SRS's. Interconnects are AQ king cobra and speaker wiring is AQ (can't remember the model). Speaker wiring is my next upgrade along with cross-overs. The system sounds amazing. I was able to pick up the speakers at a relatively low price given that my dad was the original owner. Price is my main objective in purchasing and I am always on the lookout for quality gear at reasonable prices. I do my research ahead of time and know what I am looking for. It has taken some time and research but when opportunities strike I jump.

Loud & Clear

I'd probably buy the magnepan 3.7s for 5k. Then I'd get an open-box price on a decent AVR and supplement power with a two channel amp. I'd hook it all up with lamp cord since I can't tell the difference with wires.

FastGame

Just an update, I'm going over budget and going a little backwards because I will buy an amp first and go from there. Think I can get a new MARK LEVINSON MODEL 431 for good price. Reviews on this amp seem to be solid.

Thanks

txcoastal1

Excellent start please keep us updated

FastGame

Update: I'm done.

I didn't win the bid on the LEVINSON amp

I bought a new Parasound Halo A23 http://www.parasound.com/halo/a23.php

Parasound 2100 preamp http://www.parasound.com/nc/2100.php

Parasound Zdac http://www.parasound.com/ParasoundZ/zdac.php

Salk speakers http://www.salksound.com/songtower%20supercharged%20pricing.htm .

Is this the best for the money ???...hmmm I don't know, so many dam choices...I know I could have done better going the used route but at my age I played it safe with new equipment.

It's going to take 6 to 8 weeks to get the speakers built buy Salk, in the mean time my buddy is in Florida for the winter and he let me use his new Monitor Audio silver 8 speakers. My system sounds real sweet with them, I hope the Salks kick it up a notch...

I don't know if I made a mistake on the DAC, it sounds fine, but maybe I should spent extra and got the Oppo 105 instead....hmmm so many choices.

Thanks to all.

steveinaz

Nice setup for sure, I looked real hard at the Salk Song towers before going (in a totally different direction) with Fritz Carbon 7 monitors.

WLDock

FastGame wrote: »

I hope the Salks kick it up a notch...

You will have to let us know the answer to that one....but, if you like detail, the Seas Excel W15’s with RAAL ribbon are world class drivers used in systems at all price ranges....plus the crossover work is supposed to be good on those also. But, how cool is it to be able to drive to a shop in your area that makes custom speakers?

Sounds like a very nice system in the making.

polkfarmboy

FastGame wrote: »

Update: I'm done.

I didn't win the bid on the LEVINSON amp

I bought a new Parasound Halo A23 http://www.parasound.com/halo/a23.php

Parasound 2100 preamp http://www.parasound.com/nc/2100.php

Parasound Zdac http://www.parasound.com/ParasoundZ/zdac.php

Salk speakers http://www.salksound.com/songtower%20supercharged%20pricing.htm .

Is this the best for the money ???...hmmm I don't know, so many dam choices...I know I could have done better going the used route but at my age I played it safe with new equipment.

It's going to take 6 to 8 weeks to get the speakers built buy Salk, in the mean time my buddy is in Florida for the winter and he let me use his new Monitor Audio silver 8 speakers. My system sounds real sweet with them, I hope the Salks kick it up a notch...

I don't know if I made a mistake on the DAC, it sounds fine, but maybe I should spent extra and got the Oppo 105 instead....hmmm so many choices.

Thanks to all.

If do not require the bluray section of the oppo there are many dacs on the used market to choose from that should best it.

aboroth00

As for the Salk speakers, Selah has many offerings which are very competitive (usually cheaper) to Salk which are very comparable. I'm a big fan of Rick at Selah with his work with ribbons. He can actually work with you to get the finish you want and the speaker voiced the way you want them. Obviously he's a little lesser known than Salk so his offerings go under the radar.