Time to graduate (finally) - looking for help

2

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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited March 2006
    Congrats on your selection, enjoy. What a wonderful company Polk is to allow the free flow of comments about all products.

    Krell kicks ****.

    RT1
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited March 2006
    Crazy...

    You promise to go 703 and I'll hook you up with the Krell Integrated for real. You got pm.

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited March 2006
    What kinda cables were used for the Krell 400xi you auditioned? I'm most interested in interconnects and powercord.
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  • mldennison
    mldennison Posts: 307
    edited March 2006
    crazy,
    thanks for sharing your input. i was listening to just about the same speakers this weekend as well. my budget is a step down from yours so i was listening to the 705 and 704 on rotel gear. i honestly did not hear enough of a difference to warrent the extra $600 for the floorstander. i was very pleasently suprised with the bass response of the 705 and did not feel like the 704 was a huge step up there (granted i am more interested in the mids/highs). it sounds however like i was not missing a whole lot by not hearing the 703 or the 804 at the level of electronics that i will be dealing with.
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited March 2006
    A better speaker will sound better barring bad electronics... I still think that he should go 703 as it is closer to the 80x series in technology and sound. Clearer, cleaner.... some may not like this - but, for me, I value these attributes. Plus, I think the 703 has better extension down low too.

    I'm working with Crazy right now.... I think I can hook him up with a super deal on Krells, he should be easily within the 703 striking range.
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited March 2006
    LuSh wrote:
    What kinda cables were used for the Krell 400xi you auditioned? I'm most interested in interconnects and powercord.

    hmmm ... pretty basic cables really. Infact they were so basic that the guy said he'll throw in the cables for free and that I could upgrade to good cables later on.

    My friend paid $1K for interconnects and the free cables that the guy gave him for byuing his set and they sound amazing.
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited March 2006
    I think I'm sold on the 703 as long as I can keep everything on a budget - heck, I would go and buy the 802D if I could :)

    mldennison, what type of music do you listen to? If you don't care much for the bass, the 805 are definitely worth a consideration. I auditioned them and they sound great but they're not very conducive to the music I listen to. Lots of folks go with the 805 over the 704 or 703 and they add a sub-woofer to fill in the bass. That's something you could think about later also.

    As Joey_V would say, don't go for anything that doesn't ahve the FST drivers!
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited March 2006
    Very nice, informative thread, just as I'm beginning to be drawn toward B&W speakers. I, too, would like to hear why Zero doesn't like the 704's.

    I think I've finally figured out B&W's naming game. the 6, 7, 8 designate different ranges. From 4 to 0, the quality increases as the number decreases, and 5 means bookshelf.

    Are any of B&W's speakers good to go without a sub? If/when I make such a large purchase as B&W, I would really like to get true full range out of the main speakers, without using a sub. Listening to the 803D, they sounded plenty authoritative down low, but their website says it only goes down to 35Hz.


    crazy
    Sounds like you're going to end up with an awesome system. Congrats! And isn't CP amazing? Such advice and opinions and a great deal on Krell deal!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited March 2006
    Crazy,

    Got the dealer to call me back... he has 1-2 remaining. One of them was going to be for me, but you get to have it. Good price, good dealer, good times!

    Call me!

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited March 2006
    Wow. Would you look at that. A polkie is giving up his deal to set a fellow polkie up! Now that's awesome! Where do I go to get my huge cut on my gear? :D
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited March 2006
    audiobliss wrote:
    Wow. Would you look at that. A polkie is giving up his deal to set a fellow polkie up! Now that's awesome! Where do I go to get my huge cut on my gear? :D

    I figured... it might be some time before I can jump on the Krell deal so... to crazy it goes! No need for my dealer to hold onto something that I wont be able to get for a few months. The $11K Summits really set me back.... oy!
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited March 2006
    I'm trying to figure out what kinda cables you're friend is using Crazy. At around the $1k mark I think they're probably be upper mid tier Nordost, NBS Statements, Purist Audio Design's Aqueous, Cardas Golden Reference or Siltech mid level. I've used a number of cables including Harmonic Technology Prosilway MK II's, Carda's, Van Den Hul and Kimber. I use Harmonic still but I'm almost in favor of using a higher resolution (faster) cable perhaps from Audience such as the Au24 or even Oritek X2's. I'm very curious what you're friend is using.

    I'm in the process of trying to find a house this summer and I'm probably throwing money away as I intended to finally upgrade my LSi9's to Gallo Nucleus Ref 3's. At which time I'll probably want to rewire my entire system but so be it, the little tweaking with wires allows me to continue onward with my home saving and a few hundred here and there is easier to part with then a stupid upgrade on speakers.
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited April 2006
    Hi folks,

    I thought I'd revisit this post and update everyone on my final decision. I went NUTS and put money down on a pair of 804s. I also decided on the Krell 400Xi integrated amp.

    Joey_V, Zero, Audiobliss, venomclan and everyone else on this thread, THANK YOU for the incredible help. The information I got through this forum and through PMs were invaluable and helped me extensivley in my quest for hi-end audio gear.

    Now, I just need to decide on a half decent CD player (given the fact that I've already blown past my budget I have to be really conservative with this one!) and what to do with the Polk Audio 5.1 setup that I have.

    My place isn't large enough for a dedicated 5.1 setup and stereo setup and unfortuantely I cannot eat the cake and have it too! So I need to decide if I can somehow integrate the 2 (use the B&W as front speakers) or forget about 5.1 for the time being - I'm not much of a movie watcher anyways.
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2006
    That's awesome! Glad to hear you went all out! I can't imagine how much money you have tied up in that! :eek:

    I would personally just get rid of the 5.1 setup, especially since I'm not much of a movie guy, either. You could then use that to help fund a new CDP. What CDPs does your dealer(s) have for sale? Which ones have you auditioned? I would recommend looking at either the Rotel RCD-1072 or RCD-02, if you can find it.

    You're definitely on your way! :)
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • mldennison
    mldennison Posts: 307
    edited April 2006
    wow crazy, that is gonig to be an awesome setup! let us know how it sounds.

    i think i would sell off the 5.1 as well. like you, i am not very critical when it comes to movies. i have in the past had to deal with no surround or center speakers and while it is not as good it is still okay and i think getting the right source for your amp/speakers is really gonig to help!
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited April 2006
    My dealer does have the RCD-02 for sale for around $300. I will audition both the RCD-02 and the RCD-1072. I also auditioned the Rega Apollo and liked it quite a bit. It looks neat too!

    I did get the B&W 804s cheap since they were demo models. So I didn't pay the full price. It still added up pretty quick! I haven't got the gear yet - will get it in a month's time. Patience! Patience!!!

    The only reason I'm torn about the 5.1 system is that I have around 20-30 multi-channel music (SACD and DVD-A) which I really love!
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited April 2006
    Ah yes... welcome to high end! How's the wallet taking it so far?

    Hope you enjoy your new system and keep us updated!

    FST drivers for the win!!!:D
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2006
    If you're looking to keep the 5.1 system and use the B&W's as the mains for listening to SACD and DVD-A music, you may not be completely satisfied. The differences in timbre and such between the B&W's and the rest of your Polk system may not be a big concern with watching movies, but with multi-channel music, it would probably be more noticeable and so may not stand up to your discerning ear.

    Just a thought.

    Oh, and $300 for the RCD-02 is a great deal. :D
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited April 2006
    audiobliss - that is a good enough reason to ditch the 5.1

    That might help fund my CD player :D
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited April 2006
    audiobliss wrote:
    If you're looking to keep the 5.1 system and use the B&W's as the mains for listening to SACD and DVD-A music, you may not be completely satisfied. The differences in timbre and such between the B&W's and the rest of your Polk system may not be a big concern with watching movies, but with multi-channel music, it would probably be more noticeable and so may not stand up to your discerning ear.

    Does this mean that if I ever want to go 5.1 I need to go with all 800 series B&Ws!!!
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited April 2006
    Hi Crazy,
    To answer your question, Yes. Yopu will want to be matched up if you do go with 5.1. That is where it can get expensive. The matching center channels go for about $2000.00 and the smallest matching surrounds will be the 805's.

    I too was looking at upgrading to the 804's, but since I watch a lot of movies, it is the price of the rest of the speakers that has me hesitating.
    Venom
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited April 2006
    Alright - so I've finally completed my stereo upgrade - well, almost!

    I picked up my B&W 804s speakers today and hooked it up to the Krell 400Xi. The moment I turned them on, I was totally amazed that I was hearing such incredible music sitting in the comfort of my living room! It was truly amazing. I spent quite some time listening to everything from Dream Theater to Led Zep to Norah Jones to Mark Knopfler and am totally amazed!

    The amazing part is that I was using an old $100 Toshiba DVD player as the source CD player and despite that, the sound was incredible and the speakers cast a huge soundstage. I wonder how good this will get with a slightly better CD player. I guess I'm going to post something on the electronics forum in this regards.

    I will upload some pictures tomorrow - till then goodnight (and good luck!) ...
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2006
    That's awesome! Glad you finally have it all set-up in your own home. And most definitely get a better source in there; it'll really help!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Holydoc
    Holydoc Posts: 1,048
    edited April 2006
    crazy wrote:
    Alright - so I've finally completed my stereo upgrade - well, almost!

    I picked up my B&W 804s speakers today and hooked it up to the Krell 400Xi. The moment I turned them on, I was totally amazed that I was hearing such incredible music sitting in the comfort of my living room! It was truly amazing. I spent quite some time listening to everything from Dream Theater to Led Zep to Norah Jones to Mark Knopfler and am totally amazed!

    The amazing part is that I was using an old $100 Toshiba DVD player as the source CD player and despite that, the sound was incredible and the speakers cast a huge soundstage. I wonder how good this will get with a slightly better CD player. I guess I'm going to post something on the electronics forum in this regards.

    I will upload some pictures tomorrow - till then goodnight (and good luck!) ...

    Very nice crazy. The 800 series has the diamond tweeters, correct? My oh my I wish I could get such nice toys. Congrats!

    Now get a source that compliments your new singers. :)
    Holydoc (Home Theatre Lover)
    __________________________________________
    Panasonic -50PX600U 50" Plasma
    Onkyo -TX-NR901 Receiver
    Oppo -Oppo 980HD Universal DVD Player
    Outlaw -770 (7x200watt) Amplifier
    PolkAudio - RTi12 (Left and Right)
    PolkAudio - CSi5 (Center)
    PolkAudio - FXi3 (Back and Surround)
    SVS - PB-12/Plus (Subwoofer)
    Bluejean Cables - Interconnects
    Logitech Harmony 880 - Remote
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited April 2006
    Yup, the hunt for the SOURCE is already on...

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40029

    The 800 series are not all diamonds. The 804s do not have diamond tweeters. The diamonds start with the 803d - d for diamond, and move up.

    The 804s really really stretched my budget. The 803d is twice as expensive as the 804s!
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • Holydoc
    Holydoc Posts: 1,048
    edited April 2006
    crazy wrote:
    Yup, the hunt for the SOURCE is already on...

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40029

    The 800 series are not all diamonds. The 804s do not have diamond tweeters. The diamonds start with the 803d - d for diamond, and move up.

    The 804s really really stretched my budget. The 803d is twice as expensive as the 804s!

    Thanks for the bit of education and bearing with me. I am still learning.

    On a different subject, I have heard (excuse the pun) nothing but good things about the B&W speaker line. Can't wait to see your pictures.
    Holydoc (Home Theatre Lover)
    __________________________________________
    Panasonic -50PX600U 50" Plasma
    Onkyo -TX-NR901 Receiver
    Oppo -Oppo 980HD Universal DVD Player
    Outlaw -770 (7x200watt) Amplifier
    PolkAudio - RTi12 (Left and Right)
    PolkAudio - CSi5 (Center)
    PolkAudio - FXi3 (Back and Surround)
    SVS - PB-12/Plus (Subwoofer)
    Bluejean Cables - Interconnects
    Logitech Harmony 880 - Remote
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited April 2006
    Holydoc wrote:
    Thanks for the bit of education and bearing with me. I am still learning.

    On a different subject, I have heard (excuse the pun) nothing but good things about the B&W speaker line. Can't wait to see your pictures.

    Me either!
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited April 2006
    Not the best picture but I'm still trying to figure out where to put these beauties.

    This is just a placeholder.
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • Holydoc
    Holydoc Posts: 1,048
    edited April 2006
    Very nice... now remove its clothes...uh...I mean can we see without grill?
    Holydoc (Home Theatre Lover)
    __________________________________________
    Panasonic -50PX600U 50" Plasma
    Onkyo -TX-NR901 Receiver
    Oppo -Oppo 980HD Universal DVD Player
    Outlaw -770 (7x200watt) Amplifier
    PolkAudio - RTi12 (Left and Right)
    PolkAudio - CSi5 (Center)
    PolkAudio - FXi3 (Back and Surround)
    SVS - PB-12/Plus (Subwoofer)
    Bluejean Cables - Interconnects
    Logitech Harmony 880 - Remote
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited April 2006
    After spending several hours today trying to figure out the ideal place to put those new speakers, I realized that my place is too small for my Polk 5.1 setup AND the new B&W setup :(

    So I put everything in the living room - so there are 8 speakers in the living room right now (including the sub)

    The only way I can manage this setup now is to move the TV to the bedroom and leave the living room empty for the B&Ws

    I have to say Polk still ROCKS and I' m still enjoying multi-channel music and of course movies on that 5.1 setup
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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