NOOB Introduction & Questions

Marty913

I’m a Noob to this group (you all say “Hi Marty913). Although I’m a member of a number of technical forums (computers), this seems to be one of the friendliest and helpful forums on the Internet. I’ve already refreshed a lot of memories just reading. I feel like I owe you some explanation as to why I’m here. Maybe it’s because I will need a lot of your help. There are a couple of questions at the end so hopefully you won’t die of boredom before you get there.

My first amplifier was a Heathkit (build it yourself). I went through Scott, Dual, and Fisher in the 60’s; Marantz, Sansui, BIC Formula 6, and Altec in the 70’s; Infinity QLS (the rare ones with 16 drivers per side), B&K, Carver, & NAD in the 80’s. There were countless more (Adcom, NHT’s, & Boston’s). In 1989 I heard a pair of Polk SDS SRS 2.3’s and was blown away. The dealer in Kansas City had only the floor demo’s so I paid the money & ordered a pair. Three weeks later he called to apologize about a model change and asked me if I would accept 2.3tl’s instead. Duh? I powered them with NAD PE-2200’s (bridged & with the AI cable) with no pre-amp. I just plugged in a Sony-ES CD player with variable output. Unbelievable sound! Long story short, got married, kid went to college (:)), Corvette went ), Polk’s went (:mad:), wife went (:D), etc. Way too much information. Just wanted you to know I wasn't a total Noob.

I started thinking a couple of months ago about all the people out there that are growing up in the MP3 world of compressed music, box speakers, and 1000 watt peak power receivers with push connectors. Just how do you create a stereo image with ear buds? Maybe, just maybe, I could change that at least for a few friends and relatives. They’ll never know if you don’t show them, right? Why not start by returning to Polk’s. Yesterday I bought a pair of SDA 2’s. The goal is 2.3tl’s but just starting is important. Now for the questions:

I’m into home theater (700 DVD’s) and 2-channel (a few hundred CD’s). Having recently relocated to Florida, I currently have a temporary system with an HK receiver and Athena speakers (5.1). I still have one of the NAD PE-2200’s. All are replaceable. Two channel listening is very important but I need home theater too. I’m watching a couple of 5-channel amps on EBay.

I’m leaning towards either a Carver AV-705X, or a Rotel RB-985. Adcom is a possibility. Any input is humbly appreciated.

I can use the HK temporarily as a surround sound processor but am also considering a NAD T163 or Outlaw’s Model 970. I like NAD but have also owned a couple of ATI products (ATI makes Outlaw) that impressed me. I would trust either to deliver a good “direct” or “stereo” mode but if you have others I should be looking at, please mention them.

Speakers are a major concern further down the road. For now I can use my front or surround Athena’s as rear speakers but the center channel is definitely not going to work well with the SDA 2’s. I’m pretty much desperate for help with a center channel. Is their one that would match up with SDA 2’s and possibly SRS 2.3tl’s down the road?

I’m sure after all that - there will still be a dozen(s) questions about crossover / tweeter upgrades, etc. The 2’s won’t arrive for a week or two so there may be surprises there. Hopefully I haven’t bored all of you to death. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in several decades of audio & video, it’s that the really smart folks know what they don’t know.

I’d appreciate any help you can give me.

PolkThug

welcome to the forum!

skipf

If you like the Carver, check out the Sunfire amps. Tons of clean power and they look beautiful too.

F1nut

Welcome, your introduction is greatly appreciated.

For amps I'd keep looking, but that's just my $.02.

The LSi center is a good match for the 2.3TL's, not sure about the SDA 2's.

Marty913

F1nut wrote: »

Welcome, your introduction is greatly appreciated.

For amps I'd keep looking, but that's just my $.02.

The LSi center is a good match for the 2.3TL's, not sure about the SDA 2's.

Thanks Skipf and F1nut, the Sunfire is sweet but may be too expensive. The LSi I had not considered but it goes on the list now. I heard the CSi40 mentioned also but don't know much about it.

hearingimpared

Welcome Marty and I liked your introduction. Not boring at all. Your sense of humor will be greatly appreciated. If you are just starting out, try to get your hands on a pair of Adcom 565 mono blocks. I have a pair with the Musical Fidelity upgrades and power cords and they rock the low freqs of my 1.2 TLs.

F1nut

You'll have to excuse HI, he's got Musical Fidelity on the brain

He meant Musical Concepts.

hearingimpared

F1nut wrote: »

You'll have to excuse HI, he's got Musical Fidelity on the brain

He meant Musical Concepts.

:o:o:o:o

Wow my slip is showing! Well it's better than having toilet paper stuck to my heal like our friend SK did.

F1nut

Eh, he had the entire roll shoved up his arse.