Planning a Setup-Rate/Help

PolkFan1
PolkFan1 Posts: 130
edited June 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
I am currently trying to build a really good 2 channel setup. A setup that I would not want to upgrade for some time without spending tooo much money. How is this?

Rotel Rb-1080 Amp
Harman Kardon 3480 Receiver
Polk Audio Lsi9's

If there is anything that I can do to save money other than buying used let me know! Other gear or other recommendations etc. Thanks
Post edited by PolkFan1 on
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  • Refefer
    Refefer Posts: 1,280
    edited June 2007
    PolkFan1 wrote: »
    I am currently trying to build a really good 2 channel setup. A setup that I would not want to upgrade for some time without spending tooo much money. How is this?

    Rotel Rb-1080 Amp
    Harman Kardon 3480 Receiver
    Polk Audio Lsi9's

    If there is anything that I can do to save money other than buying used let me know! Other gear or other recommendations etc. Thanks

    If this is going to be for a 2 channel only, I'd recommend you change the H/K out of the system for a better 2-channel preamp.

    I've heard mixed things about the Rotel, mainly it having difficulty playing 4 ohm speakers unless you blast them, I'd maybe look into an Adcom GFA-555 if you don't mind buying used, or one of their newer ones. I liked the sound and they are excellent for their price range IMO.

    What are you going to use for a source?
    Lovin that music year after year.

    Main 2 Channel System

    Polk SDA-1B,
    Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
    Rotel RB-980BX,
    OPPO DV-970HD,
    Lite Audio DAC AH,
    IXOS XHA305 Interconnects

    Computer Rig

    Polk SDA CRS+,
    Creek Audio 5350 SE,
    Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
    HRT Music Streamer II
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  • Bill Ayotte
    Bill Ayotte Posts: 1,860
    edited June 2007
    That's a mean amp, and sounded very nice when I demoed it....I agree that you should pick up a nice 2 channel pre, unless you already have that and plan on replacing it in short order after the purchase of the other two pieces...I am interested in what source you are using as well...
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  • PolkFan1
    PolkFan1 Posts: 130
    edited June 2007
    What do you mean source? I am kind of a newbie. I actually was just going to use the 2channel stereo harman kardon reciever and get an amp and just the speakers. What exactly does a pre amp do and what more do I need as you say what is my source?
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  • Bill Ayotte
    Bill Ayotte Posts: 1,860
    edited June 2007
    By source, I mean CD player, DVD player, TT, etc....If you are getting an amp already, you don't need a receiver, you already have the power...A pre-amp is basically a receiver without a tuner and amplifier section....It is generally a lot cleaner sounding compared to using a receiver as a pre with a separate amp...
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  • Refefer
    Refefer Posts: 1,280
    edited June 2007
    PolkFan1 wrote: »
    What do you mean source? I am kind of a newbie. I actually was just going to use the 2channel stereo harman kardon reciever and get an amp and just the speakers. What exactly does a pre amp do and what more do I need as you say what is my source?

    A source is simply that: a source for where you music will come from. It can be a CD player, a tuner, a turn table, XM Radio, HD Radio, etc., etc.

    As for what a preamp does, it basically adds inputs and a volume control. The way systems are typically setup are, are like this:

    Sources(CD PLAYER, Tuner, etc.) ---> Pre-Amp ---> Amplifier ---> Speakers

    you can use your H/k as a preamp, however, it will color the sound a little bit more than a dedicated, audio only, preamp. The reason for this is due to the fact that Receivers are geared toward handling video and need a LOT more electronics to be able to handle it. The reason this can be bad is because all those electronics can distort the sound from the source, changing it.
    Lovin that music year after year.

    Main 2 Channel System

    Polk SDA-1B,
    Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
    Rotel RB-980BX,
    OPPO DV-970HD,
    Lite Audio DAC AH,
    IXOS XHA305 Interconnects

    Computer Rig

    Polk SDA CRS+,
    Creek Audio 5350 SE,
    Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
    HRT Music Streamer II
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  • jcaut
    jcaut Posts: 1,849
    edited June 2007
    Edit: I knew I should have just waited a few minutes..

    No need to be redundant.

    Jason
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited June 2007
    jcaut wrote: »
    Edit: I knew I should have just waited a few minutes..

    No need to be redundant.

    Jason

    If you look at the time of the posts, you'd notice they were both typing at the same time. They weren't ganging up on you.
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  • Bill Ayotte
    Bill Ayotte Posts: 1,860
    edited June 2007
    daboyz wrote: »
    If you look at the time of the posts, you'd notice they were both typing at the same time. They weren't ganging up on you.

    I'm surprised I beat him....I type like ****.:D
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  • Refefer
    Refefer Posts: 1,280
    edited June 2007
    Wow, I didn't even notice last night. Ah well, Too many people trying to be helpful.
    Lovin that music year after year.

    Main 2 Channel System

    Polk SDA-1B,
    Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
    Rotel RB-980BX,
    OPPO DV-970HD,
    Lite Audio DAC AH,
    IXOS XHA305 Interconnects

    Computer Rig

    Polk SDA CRS+,
    Creek Audio 5350 SE,
    Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
    HRT Music Streamer II
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter