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Stepping up to the next level ? HT and Music

A little about the system.
I have a Onkyo 5509 Pre pro , 2 Emotiva Xpr 2 amps bi amped powering Tyler Acoustics D1x speakers . 1 Tyler center channel speaker and 4 tower speakers for surrounds and back powered by a Rotel 5 channel amp . 2 Chase 18.2 subs powered by a Suntron M 600 amp. the room is 17 x17 and I can seal it off with a door .

No problems with the system for movies and no glaring problems for music . I would just like it to sound more musical but still run my subs at the same time .

I know music lovers say no to subs but I really like the layer they add to music . So what are my options ?
1. Add a pre amp for music ? But what about the subs ?
2. Better Pre pro like a Classe ssp 800 but loose room correction .

I have had a tube amp in the mix and really liked it . The sound wrapped around my speakers but was not loud enough when I wanted to turn it up . Also cant justify running tubes always when watching movies and tv and the associated heat that comes from them .

Im looking for suggestions that I may have overlooked or advice from those who have had similar problems .
Like I said , it sounds good but would like to take it to the next level musically . I mainly listen to cd,s but am looking at a music server and or computer audio . No vinyl at this time but may add at some time later .

Thanks , Lambeau
lambeau

Showing 7 responses by lambeau

lambeau OP
26 posts
 
Kr4 ,Does the sound improvement using a pre pro such as the Classe ssp 800 over ride the improvement using audyssey in the 5509 . Im quite pleased with the movie experience, I just don't get the goose bump feeling listening to music .
I like the added layer to music using my subs but do not listen to multi channel music . I don't know if I can incorporate my subs with the Parasound Pre's that you mentioned .Maybe with a good enough pre I wont miss the subs . My Speakers play down to 22 hrz but playing stereo with subs and switching back to direct with no subs I always prefer stereo with subs .
lambeau OP
26 posts
 
Rw , I have thought about the XMC 1 pre pro and thought it would be a vertical move . No experience with it , just my thought . Have they added Dirac yet or is it still on the back burner .I Have not read any reviews yet, but am not opposed to go in this direction . Just too new and want something to go on besides a 30 day trial . I love my XPR 2 amps and know I have all the power I need and then some . I want music to sound awesome and give me the wow feeling .
lambeau OP
26 posts
 
Kr4, Basically the same thing I would have to do with a Preamp . Tune with some sort of after market device.
My subs are run with a Pro style amp and only have xlr connections .How can I use a preamp and prepro with my sub connections with out a hastle of moving cables ,ect.

I am glad to hear you have an XMC 1 for review and testing . That's the first I have heard of and I respect your style of reviews . I am patiently waiting for your results .
lambeau OP
26 posts
 
ZD542 , Can I use my style of subs and amp with a preamp along with keeping my pre pro . I have had a Cary v12r on the mains and also ran the mids and tweeter with the cary and ss amp on the woofers . Much better results with the mains bi amped but not enough when I turn it up . I really liked the sound of tubes on the mids but don't want the heat.The v12r cooked . Anyway , maybe a tube preamp but once again how to integrate my subs . That's why I am hear. Looking for a solution
lambeau OP
26 posts
 
Kr4 , I have looked at the Emotive website and their tutorial videos about their XMC1 and have a better understanding of using Dirac and the filters now .
As stated earlier , I will be waiting for your results on the XMC 1

Also checked on the Parasound P5 and the unit looks very interesting . Bass management "analog" ,Dac , preamp ,xlr sub out along with a phono stage .Has plenty of output voltage and output specs look like a good match for my amps .How is the sound Quality compared to the Onkyo. Are their any other preamps like this , Maybe with tubes ?

Thank you everyone for your replies and Please keep them coming .
lambeau OP
26 posts
 
Once again Audiogon does not disappoint . Plenty of diverse answers and options to try .

I don't know if this will matter but my main amps have xlr and single ended connections and have a switch to toggle which one for use .

Martykl , I do like what xt 32 does and the simplicity of it. On the other hand I can be very persistant and like a good challenge. I don't think my weak link is my speakers.
I believe it is in my pre pro . The better equipment I put in front of my speakers , the more they continue to impress me .I am also researching acoustic panels and will install some time soon .
lambeau OP
26 posts
 
Martykl , On the contrary. I don't know witch direction I am going to go . I have talked with a Parasound dealer about 2 hours from me and he wasn't sure the P5 would be able to run my subs on both units with out a switch . Maybe someone else will chime in that would know . Still searching .

Seems like their is an opportunity for a product to be made that would do this .

Thanks again for all the positive responses .

Lambeau
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